Prone to winter depression? Starting light therapy now can help

Allison Aubrey

September 29, 2025 / 2:00 am

Have you noticed you're sleeping a little longer? Maybe you're experiencing a shift in appetite — craving more sweets or pasta. In autumn, our bodies sense the change in light as the dark winter months approach, which can help explain what you are feeling.

As daylight diminishes, you may find your mood dimming, too. About 1 in 20 adults have Seasonal Affective Disorder — which is seasonal depression . And millions more experience a milder form of "winter blues."

One way to fend it off is by using a light box, beginning in the fall.

"A lot of research has shown that using bright light therapy in the morning can be extremely helpful to reverse some of the symptoms of season

See Full Page