Bright light therapy has been well studied for both seasonal and non-seasonal depression. It’s a very safe therapy for most people, including pregnant people, although it risks triggering mania in people with bipolar disorder (diagnosed or not). The few small studies of prenatal and postnatal bright light therapy suggest efficacy for PPD. People trying light therapy for PPD should, however, be monitored for symptoms of mania.[1]
Is bright light therapy effective for PPD?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Bright light therapy is considered safe and has shown efficacy for peripartum depression in small studies, but individuals should be monitored for potential mania, especially those with bipolar disorder. Bright light therapy has been well studied for both seasonal and nonseasonal depression.