Light Therapy Box

Seasonal Affective Disorder

(SAD)

Screen Shot 2017-01-22 at 7.04.19 PM

Winter is coming! If this means sadness, melancholy, lack of motivation, feeling tired or run down then you may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is now a widely recognized condition among the scientific and medical community. However, rigorous scientific study and literature regarding Light Therapy (LT) and Light Therapy (LT) boxes are limited.

 

Here’s what we DO know…

 

  • Meta-analysis of carefully selected studies show Light Therapy (LT) has significant documented benefits for adults 18-65 suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

 

What we DON'T know (yet)…

 

  • The exact dosing (measured in lux)
  • Long-term side effects

 

And despite recognition among the scientific and medical community, your medical insurance is unlikely to cover Light Therapy (LT) boxes. Fortunately, Light Therapy (LT) boxes are relatively cheap.

 

This guideline will help you find the right Light Therapy box for you.

 

But remember, it is always best to speak with your health care provider before you engage in self-diagnosis and treatment. The following recommendations should not be taken as professional medical advise. Please consult your doctor. We are in no way responsible for any harm caused by Light Therapy (LT), including headaches or your retinas melting into a puddle of goo.

 

 

Rules of Thumb 

 

  • Use 10,000-lux for 30 minutes per day for efficacy.
  • Studies show the most effective time to administer Light Therapy (LT) is in the morning within the first hour of waking.
  • Protect your eyes. Do not look directly into the light. The Mayo Clinic recommends Light Therapy (LT) boxes with minimal ultraviolet (UV) emittance. Marlynn  Wel, MD, JD recommends to sit two feet away and position the Light Therapy (LT) box to the left or right of your eyes (2 o’clock or 10 o’clock) .
  • Consistency is key. Studies show it takes up to a week of Light Therapy (LT) to really see noticeable results. Daily use is critical to long-term results.

 

Do not use Light Therapy (LT) without your doctor’s consent if you are currently on medication that makes your skin sensitive to light, if you suffer from bi-polar disorder or are currently taking anti-depressants. (Really, please don’t).