Can Light and Oxygen Improve Your Mood?
Feeling blue when the days get shorter isn't just in your head. A growing body of research suggests that both light and oxygen therapies may provide real, measurable benefits for improving mood, particularly in conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), depression, and lingering symptoms from long COVID or stroke.
Bright Light Therapy and Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder is perhaps the most well-known mood disorder influenced by light. Several studies highlight how light exposure can improve depressive symptoms by influencing brain chemistry and neuroinflammatory markers.
A 2023 study by Costello et al. explored the impact of bright light on neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity markers in a diurnal rodent model of SAD, showing promising changes in brain chemistry that support mood regulation. Another study by Bilu et al. (2019) examined different colors of bright light and found that exposure to red and blue wavelengths produced behavioral improvements in rodents modeled for seasonal depression.
Humans respond similarly. A 2006 study by Glickman et al. showed that blue LED light therapy significantly improved symptoms of SAD in clinical settings. Earlier, Lee et al. (1997) conducted a meta-analysis showing that the spectral quality of light therapy—especially short wavelengths like blue—was a critical factor in its effectiveness.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Mood Disorders
Oxygen can do more than just support our basic biology. Emerging research is exploring how HBOT might support brain function and emotional regulation, especially in the aftermath of physical trauma or chronic illness.
A systematic review by Wu et al. (2024) evaluated the effects of HBOT on long COVID, including mood-related symptoms like brain fog and depression, showing promising improvements. Meanwhile, a 2020 meta-analysis by Liang et al. demonstrated that HBOT significantly improved depressive symptoms in post-stroke patients. These effects may be linked to increased brain oxygenation, reduced inflammation, and enhanced neuroplasticity.
Even back in 2014, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health highlighted the potential of HBOT as a complementary therapy for mental illness, though they also stressed the need for larger, more rigorous trials.
Final Thoughts
Light and oxygen might seem like basic elements of life, but when used therapeutically, they hold real potential for enhancing mood and cognitive function. Whether you’re managing seasonal blues or seeking new options for treatment-resistant depression, these therapies are worth watching.
As always, consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment.
References:
Costello et al., 2023
Bilu et al., 2019
Glickman et al., 2006
Lee et al., 1997
Wu et al., 2024
Liang et al., 2020
CADTH, 2014
