The Surprising Benefits of Tanning Beds: A Balanced Perspective on Depression, Cardiovascular Health

Managing seasonal depression and other health challenges can feel especially difficult during the darker months of the year. At Alpine Psychiatry, we understand how much the lack of sunlight can affect mood, energy, and well-being. That’s why we prioritize integrative, evidence-based strategies—including bright light therapy—to support our patients across all seasons.

Sunlight has long been known to positively influence mental health, particularly through its role in regulating circadian rhythms and promoting vitamin D synthesis. But in recent years, research has begun to explore whether artificial UV exposure, such as that from tanning beds, might offer certain physical health benefits—even as its role in treating conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD) remains controversial.

In this blog, we take a balanced look at both the risks and the potential benefits of tanning beds—especially in relation to depression, cardiovascular health, and longevity.

Tanning Beds and Mental Health: A Word of Caution

While anecdotal reports and emerging data may suggest mood improvements from tanning beds, current evidence shows that they are not an effective treatment for seasonal depression when compared to bright light therapy or natural sunlight.

Bright light therapy works through a specific biological pathway: visible light enters the eyes, stimulating parts of the brain that regulate mood and sleep. Tanning beds, on the other hand, require users to wear protective eyewear to prevent UV damage—blocking the very light needed to activate this mechanism.

Dr. Michael Terman, a leading researcher in SAD treatment, emphasizes that visible light—not ultraviolet (UV) radiation—is the key to symptom relief. Clinically approved light boxes provide 10,000 lux of illumination and can produce significant symptom improvement in as little as one week of daily use.

What the Research Says: Physical Health Benefits of UV Exposure

Though tanning beds fall short in addressing seasonal depression, recent studies suggest there may be physical health advantages to modest UV exposure:

• A 2024 UK Biobank study found that individuals who used tanning beds had:

  • 15% lower all-cause mortality

  • 23% lower cardiovascular disease mortality

  • 14% lower cancer-related mortality

These findings are likely linked to a few key biological effects:

• Vitamin D Synthesis: UVB radiation triggers vitamin D production, supporting immune health and reducing systemic inflammation.

• Nitric Oxide Release: UVA exposure promotes nitric oxide release, which can dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and support heart health.

• Endorphin Elevation: UV light may stimulate the release of endorphins, contributing to short-term mood boosts.

While these outcomes are intriguing, it’s essential to weigh them against the risks—and to understand that safer alternatives often exist.

The Risks: Why We Urge Caution

Despite potential cardiovascular benefits, tanning beds carry several well-documented risks:

• Skin Cancer: UV exposure—especially from tanning beds—increases the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.

• Premature Skin Aging: Chronic UV radiation contributes to wrinkles, pigmentation changes, and loss of skin elasticity.

• Limited Mental Health Impact: Unlike light therapy, tanning beds don’t target the neurological pathways needed to treat SAD or other depressive disorders.

For these reasons, Alpine Psychiatry does not recommend tanning beds as a treatment for seasonal depression or any psychiatric condition.

Safe and Effective Strategies for Managing Seasonal Depression

If you or a loved one are struggling during the darker months, consider the following evidence-based tools:

• Bright Light Therapy: Use a certified light box with 10,000 lux for 30 minutes each morning.

• Sunlight Exposure: Try to spend time outdoors daily, particularly in the morning.

• Lifestyle Support: Regular exercise, good nutrition, and consistent sleep can improve resilience and regulate mood.

• Professional Mental Health Care: Our team offers psychiatric services, psychotherapy, and functional medicine to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.

Final Thoughts

At Alpine Psychiatry, we are committed to providing holistic, science-backed care for those navigating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. While some emerging data suggest that UV exposure may support cardiovascular health and longevity, we urge caution when considering tanning beds—particularly as a solution for mood disorders.

Our integrative approach weaves together bright light therapy, psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle interventions to help you feel your best, no matter the season.