<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depression is sadly common among both pregnant and postpartum moms, but add-on light therapy could boost treatment effectiveness, a small 2025 Italian study<\/a> found [1]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018Postpartum depression\u2019 is the top predictive text search term for \u2018postpartum ____,\u2019 and it\u2019s searched over 930,000 times per month. What\u2019s more, an estimated 50% of postpartum depression cases begin<\/span><\/a> while the woman is still pregnant. A 2023 systematic review<\/a> of research from low-, middle- and high-income countries found that perinatal depression (meaning depression occurring during pregnancy or postpartum) affected an astounding 1 in 4 (24.7%) women [2].\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n For decades now, restorative reproductive medicine-trained practitioners have reported success in treating some postpartum depression cases with progesterone injections<\/a>. Additionally, in 2023, the FDA approved neurosteroid zuranolone<\/a>, the first postpartum depression pill. Limited research also suggests some effectiveness<\/a> of supplementation with different vitamins or minerals. But these treatment modalities are still used by a minority of women with postpartum depression (and women actually receiving treatment for PPD are a tiny fraction <\/a>of those suffering, research suggests). <\/p>\n\n\n\n At present, perinatal depression, whether during pregnancy or postpartum, is most often treated with one or the other (or a combination) of: a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant or psychotherapy (counseling), particularly cognitive behavioral therapy<\/a> (CBT). Chief among the SSRIs for pregnancy and postpartum prescribing is sertraline, better known by its brand name Zoloft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though widely accessible and affordable, antidepressants take an average of four to six weeks to work and can cause side effects<\/a> ranging from annoying to serious. Additionally, many pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are reluctant to take them because of concerns about impacts on babies<\/a> in utero or via breastmilk. Additionally, while other depression symptoms may improve on SSRIs, sleep disturbances may remain<\/a> or worsen. On the other hand, counseling can be cost prohibitive and relatively few therapists specialize in perinatal mental health. (See more about the safety of taking SSRIs during pregnancy in our recent series<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Light therapy, also known as bright light therapy (not<\/em> the same<\/a> as red light therapy<\/a>), isn\u2019t just another possibly helpful treatment option among many. Because of its beneficial impacts on sleep quality in particular, and the known connection between sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms<\/a>\u2014especially during pregnancy\u2014it may actually be \u201cthe best man for the job\u201d of alleviating perinatal depression [3]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Originally developed and studied for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder, researchers have subsequently explored light therapy\u2019s helpfulness in treating major depressive disorder<\/a> and, most recently, perinatal depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Italian study, light exposure specifically stimulates the retinal ganglion cells (cells in the retina of the eye). These, in turn, impact two key parts of the brain. First up is the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus, which is the mission control center for the brain\u2019s circadian clock. Light exposure also affects the lateral habenula<\/a>, also known as the brain\u2019s \u2018antireward center.\u2019 Though most people have never heard of the lateral habenula, it is increasingly attracting research attention to clarify its role in major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The study authors noted<\/a>, \u201cBy regulating circadian rhythms, light therapy exerts antidepressant effects through multiple mechanisms, including modulation of hormone secretion and serotonergic pathways, ultimately enhancing energy levels, concentration, and attention.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Italian study was quite small, comprising 15 total participants. Eight women were in the control group of standard treatment only, meaning either selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant use or eight sessions of psychotherapy. The other seven women were in the intervention (i.e., light therapy) group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Participants in the intervention group held a bright light (10,000 lux) 15-20 inches away from the face, starting 30 minutes or less after waking up and lasting 30 minutes per day, every day for five weeks (there\u2019s a handy chart for how that compares to daylight or sunlight here<\/a>). Light therapy was done in the comfort of each participant\u2019s home, and was on top of standard treatment, meaning either psychotherapy or antidepressant use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The intervention group of light therapy plus<\/em> standard treatment was more effective at reducing depressive symptoms and improving sleep quality than standard treatment alone, and the benefits remained at a 7-month follow-up. Of note, none<\/em> of the women in the light therapy group reported any of the anticipated potential side effects, including eye irritation or strain, headache, or nausea [1].\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The intervention group of light therapy plus<\/em> standard treatment was more effective at reducing depressive symptoms and improving sleep quality than standard treatment alone, and the benefits remained at a 7-month follow-up. Of note, none<\/em> of the women in the light therapy group reported any of the anticipated potential side effects, including eye irritation or strain, headache, or nausea.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n A 2023 meta-analysis<\/a> of eight randomized controlled trials found that \u201clight therapy had a significant mild\u2010to\u2010moderate effect on the improvement of depressive symptoms in perinatal women and a moderately significant effect on sleep disturbances compared to placebo\/control treatment.\u201d Control treatments in all but one of the studies were light therapy at <1,000 lux [4]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Interestingly, a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis<\/a> of six randomized controlled trials of bright light therapy (10,000 lux) for perinatal depression, found negligible improvement differences between bright light therapy and dim light therapy. (Though the review does not specify how many lux are considered dim light, this 2023 review<\/a> of light therapy for insomnia classifies 40-400 lux as dim light). However, bright light therapy groups were more likely to maintain treatment benefits months later [5] [6]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the key takeaway from the 2024 review and meta-analysis might not be that bright light therapy is ineffective. Rather, if what\u2019s true for cancer patients<\/a> holds true for mothers with perinatal depression, both <\/em>dim light therapy and bright light therapy may be effective in improving sleep quality [7]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Future research is needed to prove light therapy\u2019s effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) as a standalone<\/em> treatment option for those who can\u2019t afford therapy and don\u2019t want to take medication. Larger sample sizes are also necessary to confirm the findings of the small studies done to date. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bright light therapy is proven to be safe and can be done in the comfort of one\u2019s own home. If you or someone you love is experiencing depression during pregnancy or postpartum, encourage them to discuss the possibility of adding light therapy to their treatment plan with their healthcare practitioner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n [1] Bianciardi E, Sferra I, Castellani G, Pinci C, Marinucci E, Adulti I, Quinto RM, Niolu C. Light therapy as an add-on to standard care for perinatal depression: a 7-month follow-up randomized controlled study. Riv Psichiatr 2025;60(5):188-195. doi 10.1708\/4583.45900 <\/p>\n\n\n\n [2] Roddy Mitchell A, Gordon H, Lindquist A, Walker SP, Homer CSE, Middleton A, Cluver CA, Tong S, Hastie R. Prevalence of Perinatal Depression in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. 2023 May 1;80(5):425-431. doi: 10.1001\/jamapsychiatry.2023.0069. PMID: 36884232; PMCID: PMC9996459. <\/p>\n\n\n\n [3] Wo\u0142y\u0144czyk-Gmaj D, R\u00f3\u017ca\u0144ska-Wal\u0119dziak A, Ziemka S, Ufnal M, Brzezicka A, Gmaj B, Januszko P, Fudalej S, Czajkowski K, Wojnar M. Insomnia in Pregnancy Is Associated With Depressive Symptoms and Eating at Night. J Clin Sleep Med. 2017 Oct 15;13(10):1171-1176. doi: 10.5664\/jcsm.6764. PMID: 28859715; PMCID: PMC5612632.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [4] Li X, Fang L, Guan L, Zhang J, Zheng M, Zhu D. The effects of light therapy on depression and sleep in women during pregnancy or the postpartum period: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav. 2023 Dec;13(12):e3339. doi: 10.1002\/brb3.3339. Epub 2023 Nov 29. PMID: 38031199; PMCID: PMC10726786. <\/p>\n\n\n\n [5] Chen Y, Zhao J, Wang J, Peng L, Cai Z, Zou Z, Chen X. Effect of Bright Light Therapy on Perinatal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Effet de la luminoth\u00e9rapie sur la d\u00e9pression p\u00e9rinatale: une revue syst\u00e9matique et une m\u00e9ta-analyse. Can J Psychiatry. 2024 Oct;69(10):737-748. doi: 10.1177\/07067437241248051. Epub 2024 Jun 11. PMID: 38863243; PMCID: PMC11485670. <\/p>\n\n\n\n [6] Chambe, J., Reynaud, E., Maruani, J., Fraih, E., Geoffroy, P. A., & Bourgin, P. (2023). Light therapy in insomnia disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Sleep Research, 32(6), e13895. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/jsr.13895<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nPerinatal depression is disturbingly common<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Standard treatment for perinatal depression includes antidepressants and\/or psychotherapy<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s so special about light therapy?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How it works<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Study: Bright light therapy may be an effective add-on treatment for perinatal depression<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How does this compare with other research? <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
More research is needed<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
References<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n