Does UV exposure help treat depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
There exists a growing body of scientific evidence, which indicates that some people actually require more light exposure in order to function properly. Exposure to bright light, such as that emitted by the mid-day summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin acts as a depressant in the body if generated during the daytime. Thus, when affected people are exposed to longer hours of bright light, they feel happier, euphoric and more able to enjoy life. Bright light sources emitting only visible light are now frequently used to successfully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sub-syndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD). Does indoor tanning aid in the treatment of osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by frequent bending and/or breaking of the bones due to a lack of sufficient calcium. Adequate calcium intake is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth. It is widely recognized that the body in the intes