3 Reasons To Turn On the Lights
3 Reasons
To Turn On the Lights
3 Reasons to Turn On the Lights
If you’ve heard me talk about therapy, you might know I’m a big fan of Happy Lights (also called therapy lights). These aren’t your ordinary bulbs — they’re designed specifically to help reduce depressive symptoms by improving the lighting in your home.
In my experience as a therapist, one key area often overlooked in mental health treatment is the client’s environment — especially their home. Whether sessions happen in an office or at home, the space where you live can have a huge impact on your mood and wellbeing.
Here are 3 reasons why turning on the lights — or using therapy lights — can make a difference for your mental health:
1. Natural and Artificial Light Impact Your Brain Health
Studies show that long-term light deprivation can cause changes in the brain. For example, neuroscientists who placed rats in darkness for six weeks found:
Brain areas linked to emotions, pleasure, and thinking became less active
Neurons communicated less effectively
Sleep/wake cycles were disrupted
This helps explain why many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the darker winter months when sunlight is limited. Lack of light can also worsen symptoms for those with depression year-round.
2. Lighting Influences Your Sleep and Mood
Proper light exposure helps regulate your circadian rhythm — your internal clock that tells your body when to sleep and wake. Without enough light, your sleep can suffer, which in turn impacts your mood, energy, and cognitive function.
Using bright, full-spectrum therapy lights can mimic natural sunlight, helping to balance your internal clock and improve your overall mood.
3. Your Home Environment Affects Mental Health
Whether therapy takes place in-office or at home, your surroundings matter. For some clients, the home environment itself can contribute to stress or depressive symptoms. Therapy lights are an easy, practical way to improve the atmosphere at home — creating a brighter, more uplifting space that supports healing.
Why I Recommend Therapy Lights
I always encourage my clients to pay attention to their home environment because it’s a powerful but often overlooked factor in mental health. Incorporating therapy lights is a simple, accessible step anyone can take to feel better.
You don’t need me to be physically present to make this change — even small adjustments to lighting can help reduce depressive symptoms and support your overall wellness.
Final Thoughts
Turning on the lights might seem small, but it’s a meaningful way to take control of your mental health. If you struggle with low mood, seasonal changes, or sleep issues, therapy lights could be a helpful addition to your wellness routine.
What changes are you thinking of making to your home lighting? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
If you want support navigating mental health with a holistic approach, feel free to reach out to schedule a session.
— Reynelda Jones, LMSW, ADS
