Do Tanning Beds Really Help With Depression Symptoms?

Can Tanning Beds Help Treat Depression?

As winter drags on, many people start experiencing low moods tied to the lack of sunlight. This seasonal change causing depression symptoms is known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD. For some, symptoms can get quite severe and disrupt daily functioning.

This has led many to wonder - can artificial sunlight from tanning beds offer any relief? Let's take a deeper look at the link between sunlight and depression, and if tanning beds can be an appropriate treatment option.

Sunlight and Mood: Whats the Connection?

Our bodies follow natural circadian rhythms that regulate hormone fluctuations throughout the day. Sunlight plays a key role in setting our 24-hour cycles by triggering neurotransmitter and hormone production and release.

Specifically, sunlight enters the eyes in the morning, hitting light-sensitive retinal cells. These cells relay messages to the hypothalamus which controls hormonal function. The hypothalamus proceeds to inhibit melatonin and stimulate serotonin production based on light input signals.

Role of Serotonin and Melatonin in Mood

Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that regulates mood, feelings of well-being, happiness, and alertness. Higher serotonin levels are associated with better mood and reduced risk of depression.

Melatonin is the hormone that controls sleep by inducing drowsiness when released in darkness. Although important for sleep regulation, higher melatonin levels during the day can negatively impact mood.

When sunlight changes dramatically across seasons, so do our serotonin and melatonin cycles. The lack of sun in fall and winter means less retinal stimulation of the hypothalamus. Consequently, daytime serotonin is lowered and melatonin heightened contributing to depressive symptoms like fatigue, lethargy and low motivation.

Can Tanning Beds Help Improve Mood?

Since sunlight has such a direct influence over hormonal systems controlling our mood, it seems plausible that artificial sunlight sources could provide similar benefits.

How Tanning Beds Mimic Natural Sunlight

Tanning beds emit concentrated doses of UVA and UVB light that stimulate vitamin D synthesis in skin similar to sunlight. The light wavelengths and UV composition are designed to mimic summer sunlight rather than winter sun.

Users lie inside tanning units for set durations ranging 10-20 minutes depending on skin type and desired tan intensity. Eyes are covered with protective goggles to shield direct retinal exposure.

Potential Effects on Depression and Mood

By recreating summer sun conditions, tanning beds may be able to reverse winter-driven mood dip through a few pathways:

Increasing Vitamin D: UV exposure allows more vitamin D synthesis, which has been linked to depression relief.

Altering Melatonin: The light emitted may suppress overproduction of mood-impacting melatonin.

Boosting Endorphins: UV light promotes endorphin release to uplift mood similar to exercise.

However, it's important to understand that while tanning beds mimic sunlight, they don't actually stimulate serotonin activity directly as natural outdoor light does. The mood-elevating benefits are likely small and secondary in nature.

The Verdict on Tanning Beds for Depression

Current research on tanning to improve low mood and depression has shown mixed results. While a few smaller studies did indicate some positive effects, larger controlled trials found no significant impact on depressive symptoms.

It seems that while tanning temporarily boosts mood through vitamin D and beta-endorphins, the effects are often short-lived. It cannot replace real sunlight modulated serotonin activity needed for stable emotional well-being.

Risks of Using Tanning Beds

Despite the questionable benefits for depression, tanning beds come with definite health risks when used regularly. Some concerns around frequent tanning include:

Skin Cancer

Frequent tanning bed use before age 30 raises melanoma risk by 75%. It has also been linked to increased rates of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma the two most common forms of skin cancer.

Premature Aging

Overexposure to UV radiation from tanning damages collagen and elastin leading to accelerated wrinkling and leathering of skin.

Eye Injuries

Although eyes are covered during use, some UV rays may penetrate protective eyewear and cause cornea burns or spots in the lens over time.

Sunburns

As tanning beds deliver concentrated UV light, the chance of burns is very high if sessions are spaced too closely as skin needs 48 hours to repair between exposures.

When weighing the pros and cons, the skin cancer risks alone make tanning a poor solution for battling SAD.

Healthy Alternatives for Better Mood

Instead of artificial UV light methods, focus on these safe strategies recommended by doctors and psychologists:

Light Therapy Lamps

Special SAD lamps providing up to 10,000 lux brightness without UV rays have shown great results to boost mood and energy levels.

Vitamin D Supplements

Get your daily vitamin D without any UV exposure. Most adults need between 1,000-4,000 IU depending on factors like age and weight.

Outdoor Sunshine Breaks

Aim for at least 15-30 minutes of natural daylight even on cold winter days. Outdoor walks raise vitamin D and serotonin too.

Stress Management

Relaxation techniques, mindful breathing, meditation and yoga help tackle anxiety and depressive feelings.

Dont rely risk cancer and skin damage from artificial sources. Follow holistic methods centered around natural light and lifestyle tweaks tailored to your needs for a sunnier, brighter state of mind all season long!