The study conducted by Ying Chang and colleagues investigated the effects of far-infrared rays (FIR) on serotonin and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in patients with depression and insomnia. Seventy inpatients diagnosed with depression and sleep disturbances were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received FIR treatment at three acupuncture points (Nei-Kuan, Shenmen, and Sanyinjiao) for 15 minutes twice a week over four weeks. The study measured the levels of serotonin (5HT), a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation, and MDA, a marker of oxidative stress, both before and after the treatment. Results revealed that FIR treatment led to an increase in serotonin levels and a decrease in MDA levels, suggesting a potential therapeutic mechanism through the modulation of serotonin pathways and the reduction of oxidative stress in depressed patients with insomnia.
These findings suggest that FIR therapy may offer a beneficial treatment for individuals suffering from depression, particularly those experiencing sleep disturbances. By improving serotonin levels and reducing oxidative damage (as indicated by lower MDA levels), FIR therapy could address both the mood-related and physiological aspects of depression with insomnia. The study highlights the potential of using far-infrared therapy, possibly through infrared saunas or other forms of thermal therapy, as a complementary approach to traditional treatments for depression and insomnia. The authors propose that further research into the therapeutic effects of FIR could lead to a deeper understanding of its role in managing depression and related sleep disorders.
