Sleep and circadian temperature rhythms in winter depression

Abstract

Winter depression is associated with a phase-delay of the temperature rhythm in a constant routine. Bright morning light treats the depression and phase advances the temperature rhythm. There is a need for a s~l l inexpensive temperature monitoring device to diagnose and treat circadian rhythm problems.

Morning vs Evening Light Treatment of Patients With Winter Depression

“…Phase delays have been reported in patients with winter depression compared with controls in some studies, 9,33,41 but not in others, 42 and no study has reported a phase advance. However, an ipsative phase delay (ie, a delay in patients when depressed in the winter compared with when they are euthymic in the summer) 10 has not always been found.…”