light therapy

noun

: the treatment of medical or psychiatric conditions (such as seasonal affective disorder) by the controlled application of light

called also light treatment, phototherapy

Examples of light therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bright-light therapy is standard care for seasonal affective disorder, and narrowband ultraviolet light remains a mainstay for psoriasis. —Lynne Peeples, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026

On the extreme end of the spectrum, there’s Blueprint founder Bryan Johnson, who spends about $2 million a year on a biohacking protocol that includes a strict diet, 100-plus supplements, constant testing, plasma transfusions, and full‑body light therapy. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2026

Using a light therapy lamp, like those marketed for seasonal affective disorder, may help put some spring in your step. —Jamie Ducharme, Health, 5 Mar. 2026

This is known as low level light therapy. —Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for light therapy

• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• psychotherapy
• sclerotherapy
• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy

Medical Definition

light therapy

noun

: phototherapy

especially : the use of strong light (as of 10,000 lux intensity) for the treatment of depression and gloom (as in seasonal affective disorder)

called also light treatment