Mental health disorders affect far more people than often acknowledged. The World Health Organization estimates that one in four people will experience a mental or neurological disorder during their lifetime, with over 450 million people currently living with such conditions (WHO, 2001). Despite these numbers, stigma and discrimination have long prevented open discussion and effective treatment.

Fortunately, this narrative is shifting. Public awareness, advocacy, and clinical research are driving new approaches to mental health care  and light therapy is emerging as one of the most promising tools.

Dutch Research on Light Therapy

In the Netherlands, researchers and clinicians are exploring how light can support mental well-being. The Good Light Group, a non-profit advocating for research and education on “nutritive lighting,” recently hosted a seminar highlighting light therapy’s role in psychiatry (Buildings.com, 2023).

Dr. Lisette Rops, psychiatrist and head of the bipolar disorder department at GGzE (Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care), emphasized the strong link between circadian rhythm and mental health. Disruption of the body’s biological clock impacts hormone production, neurotransmitters, and the healing process.

GGzE clinicians recommend light therapy protocols of 30 minutes per day, five days per week, combined with lifestyle measures such as sleep hygiene, nutrition and social activity.

Applications in Mental Health Care

Light therapy is showing promise across several areas of mental health. In bipolar disorder, it helps stabilize circadian rhythms, reducing mood swings and improving overall balance (GGzE, n.d.). For individuals with non-seasonal depression, it is not a cure but has been shown to ease symptoms, boost energy, and support daily functioning (PubMed, 2012). In the case of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), where serotonin regulation is disrupted and melatonin levels rise abnormally, exposure to artificial light that mimics natural sunlight can restore hormonal balance, elevate mood, and improve sleep quality (Mayo Clinic, n.d.; Kaiyan Medical, 2020). Together, these findings highlight light therapy as a safe, accessible, and drug-free option for those seeking alternatives to medication, with both infrared and visible-spectrum devices offering practical solutions for patients at home or in clinical settings.

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Making Light Therapy Accessible

Some countries are moving toward integrating light therapy into public healthcare systems. In the meantime, accessibility through clinics and at-home devices empowers patients to take control of their mental health.

At Light Tree Ventures (LTV), we manufacture MDA-certified and FDA-approved light therapy devices for both professional and personal use. If your business is exploring opportunities in mental health technology, you can Request a Quote today. Our Private Label Options enable you to design devices tailored to your clients’ needs, while our White Label Solutions let you Start Your Project Today with ready-to-brand devices.

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References

• Buildings.com. (2023). Dutch researchers bring light therapy for mental health into public view. Buildings. Retrieved from https://www.buildings.com/building-systems-om/lighting/article/55257090/dutch-researchers-bring-light-therapy-for-mental-health-into-public-view
• GGzE. (n.d.). Lichtcafé. Retrieved from https://sites.ggze.nl/groups/39-lichtcafe/welcome
• Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Mental health disorder statistics. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics
• Kaiyan Medical. (2020). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) light therapy. Kaiyan Medical. Retrieved from https://www.kaiyanmedical.com/post/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-light-therapy
• Kaiyan Medical. (2021). Product catalog. Kaiyan Medical. Retrieved from https://www.kaiyanmedical.com/product-catalog
• Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Seasonal affective disorder treatment: Choosing a light therapy box. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/in-depth/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/art-20048298
• PubMed. (2012). Chronotherapeutics (light and wake therapy) in affective disorders. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 14(4), 485–493. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22210362/
• World Health Organization. (2001, September 28). Mental disorders affect one in four people. WHO. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/28-09-2001-the-world-health-report-2001-mental-disorders-affect-one-in-four-people

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