Manipulations of Sleep and Phototherapy: Nonpharmacological Alternatives in the Treatment of Depression

Manipulations of sleep and light (for winter depression) rapidly improve mood in 60% of depressed patients. These two unconventional treatments for depression may prove useful in patients who do not respond to drug treatments, in patients who prefer nonpharmacological treatments, or as adjuncts to drug treatments. This article reviews research on the parameters of effective sleep and light treatments and their biological mechanisms. The results of recent experiments suggest that the depressant effect of sleep may depend on thermoregulatory adjustments that occur after sleep begins.