EFFECTS OF BRIGHT LIGHT ON MOOD IN NORMAL ELDERLY WOMEN

Reduced light appears to be a key factor in seasonal affective disorde r (SAD). This study asks whether the reduced levels of light experienc ed by elderly persons might result in depression and other SAD symptom s, and how normal elderly persons might respond to bright light interv entions similar to those used to treat SAD. In interviews with 140 sen ior citizens, we found virtually no seasonal variation in mood and beh avior and very little depressed affect. Seventeen of these seniors who had good mental and physical health, with no major eye problems, part icipated in a crossover study of the effects of bright light on both p ositive and negative affect and sleep. Although sleep did not appear t o be affected, the bright light intervention tended to make these norm al elderly persons feel worse-more irritable, anxious, and agitated. T hese findings confirm earlier reports that bright light is not benefic ial for normal individuals who are unaffected by seasonal changes.