Red Light Therapy & Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Why it helps

October 29, 2025

SAD is triggered by reduced sunlight during fall and winter. Less light means the brain makes less serotonin (mood-stabilizing hormone) and more melatonin (sleep hormone), which affects energy, mood, and motivation.

How red light can help the brain and body:
• Increases cellular energy, which improves brain and nervous system function
• Serotonin support — light exposure signals the brain to increase serotonin, which improves mood
• Circadian regulation — consistent light exposure helps reset the body clock, reducing daytime fatigue and sleep disruption
• Reduced inflammation — calm nervous system = less stress response and anxiety related to SAD

What patients commonly notice over several sessions:
• More stable mood
• Better energy through the day
• Improved sleep at night
• Less “winter heaviness” or brain fog

Red light is a non-drug, non-invasive option that can be used alongside therapy, supplements, or medication for SAD.

Call us at 606-225-4443 to learn more or schedule a session.

Carter Telehealth’s Appointment Cancellation Policy

Scroll down to agree to the policy below.

1. Please note that Carter Telehealth requires a 24-hour notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, this includes same day appointments. This will allow us the opportunity to provide care to another patient. Failure to cancel or reschedule your appointment prior to this time will result in a $25 cancellation fee, charged to the card on file.

2. Unfortunately, a “No-Show” or missed appointment, without the proper 24-hour notification will also result in a $25 cancellation fee. We apologize for any inconvenience.

3. If you are 15 or more minutes late for your appointment, you will be considered a “No Show” and the appointment will be cancelled. If you are having trouble logging in and/or know you will be late, please call or text the office at 606-225-4443 to let the provider know and see how they can assist you.

4. As a courtesy, you will receive an appointment reminder call/text/email one day prior to your appointment. Please note, if a courtesy reminder is not received, the cancellation policy remains in effect. The reminder is a courtesy, not a condition to the cancellation policy.

5. Providers at Carter Telehealth are licensed to practice within the state of Kentucky ONLY. For this reason, the patient must be in the state of Kentucky at the time of the telehealth visit or the appointment will be cancelled. A $25 processing fee will be applied to the card on file.

6. If the provider must cancel for any reason, you will be refunded the full amount of the prepayment. Please understand that if/when it happens, we are regretfully cancelling and apologize for any inconvenience it may cause you.

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