Circadian phase shifting, alerting, and antidepressant effects of bright light treatment.
Bright light treatment is the most potent melatonin suppressor and circadian phase shifter and is a safe nonpharmacologic antidepressant for seasonal depression. In addition, bright light treatment may restore performance in conditions of sleep debt and misalignment between peak performance and the athletic event. This article discusses the therapeutic use of bright light treatment, its side effects, and mechanisms of action.
Postolache
Teodor T
TT
Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. tpostolache@psych.umaryland.edu
Oren
Dan A
DA
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000209:etiology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D003863:Depression / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020179:Jet Lag Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism; D018462:Photobiology; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology; D013178:Sports Medicine / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014851:Wakefulness / Q000502:physiology*
D012701:Serotonin; D008550:Melatonin