In winter, for a number of people, they have a low morale.  The light in the summer is a long way off with the days that are getting shorter seasonal depression aswell as winter blues can affect us.  One person out of five will be affected by the arrival of autumn.  Light therapy is an ideal way to recharge the batteries so that we can find the energy linked with the light. 

The winter season which depresses us

The loss of light affects directly our morale.  One summers day brings a light intensity of 100 000 lux (light intensity) and in the bright office, we recieve only 400 lux.  This contrast affects directly our matabolisme by the changes of our hormones with an over production of melatonin (sleeping hormone) during the day.

Light therapy, a treatment against winter blues and seasonal depression

Light therapy can be used in the home or in a number of hospitals.

The use at home of this light therapy can be used for comfort.

How to use it

All you have to do is be exposed to a light therapy lamp, at a respectable distance and a duration of time. The results of this treatment are quite quick as it consists of sending a light message via the retina and the nurotransmitters so as to inhabit the secretion of the melatonin.

You will find all the information you need on light therapy and Seasonal Affective Disorder on the Solvital light therapy website

When the sky is grey and the days grow small our morale is unharmed.  Everyone can be affected by the loss of light in the dead season.  It is now or never to chase away the passing blues or the seasonal depression with the help of light therapy.

A quarter of the population sees their life turned upside down by the season’s rhythm, where as 2 or 3% of people suffer a severe depression due to this time of year.  It is only since the middle of the 80’s that researchers started looking for the reasons of this depressive state.  Someone suffering from seasonal depressions have a tendancy to see their appetite increase, have a taste for sugar and have an excessive need for sleep.  As the symptoms are different to a regular depression, Dr Marc Hébert researcher and professor at Laval Robert Giffard University, thinks it is necessary to treat patients differently. Instead of giving them a percription for antidepressants he praises a healthier solution : exposure to light.

The eye : window to the brain

“Contrary to what many people reckon the eye is not an external organ, but an extention of the brain” clarifies Dr Hébert.  All the plays between the two ears, but as it is extremely hard to study the organ in vivo, the study of the eye is composed of an fascinating window.

If the brain seems to be affected by the lack of light, we do not know what makes certain people more vulnerable than others.  It is by analysis of the retina that multidisciplinary directed by Dr Hébert, composed of researchers in neuroscience in opthalmologyof psychologists and psychiatrists resulting in knowing a small more about the role of light on the brain.  “Alot of sick neuropsychiatrists reckon that the eye is the vision of the person not affected, he says (…) we are capable of studyin neurotransmitters presents the eye and we can see the effects after four weeks of light therapy sessions.”

 Seratonine and dopamine are the two most common neurotransmitters that are directly linked to the humour.  If there is a chemical inbalance of the neurotransmitters it can start a depression.

Light therapy

Light therapy, lux therapy or photo therapy consists of exposure to an intense light at eye level of 5000 to 10 000 lux (light unities), in controled conditions.  A headline comparison, of regular lighting that we can have at the house or at the office of only 100 to 150 lux.

The advantage of this treatement is that it can be done at home.  A light therapy lamp costs about 250 $.  Certain pharmacies also offer a months trial.  The cost of renting deducted if the person decides to buy the lamp.  It is better to buy a lamp specially made for this effect rather than fabricate your own, says the specialist (it is a danger for the eyes and your skin).

The use of a light therapy lamp can be diversified, because the user can stay active during sessions. Dr Hébert personnaly uses all the time a lamp at work at his desk.  He suggests also to people to place it on the table while they are having breakfast or when they are reading a news paper.  The person should keep their eyes open, but not to keep looking at the light.  The person can then carry on about their business, while being exposed to the light. You can equalise the sessions of exposur and the intensity of the light by your own energy and needs, which can change each month each year.  After an hour a day, the benefits generally show about a week later.  Sure it is firstly recommended to consult a doctor so as to choose if the problem which is affecting the person is really seasonal depression.

Sceptics

Despite its benefits, light therapy still has scepitcs in the medical community.  “There are psychologists and psychiatrists who do not believe in it, underlines Dr Marc Hébert.  They were surprised to find that a number of patients answered in the same way to light therapy sessions”.  In fact, it would seem that the treatment works for about 70% of people suffering from seasonal depression.  One of the advantages of this treatment is the possibility which it offers to everyone, the power to anticipate the blues before the arrival of autumn.

“We know that the treatment of light therapy works for people affected by winter depression, but we do not know yet the mecanical theraputic action, indicates Dr Marc Hébert, who specialises in the subject since 1992.  We notice that the biological response to the light therapy, which lets us conclude that it, is not a placebo effect, but a real effect”.

According to Kino Québec, a person has “more chance of being in a excellent mood and have the spirit if his level of melotonin (sleeping hormone) is not too high during the day” the exposure to the light helps to increase the level of mealtonin. The govermental organisations suggest the practise of sports outside even when it is dull, seeing as the light of day will always be superior to the light we find in doors.  Although, the Russian acadamy of medical science showed that physical exercise also had positive results, as light therapy for people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

If the thought of being exposed to artificail light puts you off, nothing stops you from changing your habits and going to delight in the sun summer or winter.  It must be known that the sun produces 100 000 lux during the summer, but the intensity of the light is lower in winter, so only 20 000 lux on average.  The statistiques show that during summer the daily exposure during the day is about 2 hours so during winter it is just 30 minutes.  Never forget that the intensity of the sun is about 25 times more powerful than a light therapy lamp.

You will find all the information you need on light therapy on the specialist site : Solvital

Light therapy has been used for a number of years to get round the loss of light in winter.1 man out of 10 and 1 woman out of 5 suffer from winter blues and in certain cases seasonal depression called SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder.

We are coming up to the shortest days of the year, a period where there are the most cases of seasonal depression, winter blues, which is tiredness in the morning, lack of dynamism, becoming irritable, gloomy humour, sleeping distress, a lack of libido.  These symptoms are due to a loss of sleep, which can easily be beaten thanks to the use of light therapy lamps.  All you have to do is be exposed infront of a lamp that reproduces natural sun light (about 2500 and 10000 lux), preferably in the morning, for about half an hour.  You will find all your energy as if you were in August.

To find out more on light therapy, its medical basics and to find a light therapy lamp or light therapy glasses LUMINETTE which have been agreed by the EU medical board go to :

Solvital light therapy

Reckon of them for birthdays or anniversary and offer your friends a bit of well being.

Light therapy consists of exposing a strong light (of 10 000 lux) for about half an hour.

This treatement is done with the help of special light therapy lamps.

In autumn or winter a large number of people feel tired, have no energy, their morale is low and they eat more than usual.  For certain people, this state could send them into depression.

These symptoms are due to our metabolisms hard adaptation to the autumn winter season, with shorter darker and depressive days.

At its peak this phenomenon is called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).  It can also show itself in a lighter form called “Winter Blues”.

These phenomenons are between the months of September and March.

Nearly 20% of the population suffers from winter blues.  5% of the population becomes victims of deep depression: Loss of sense of humour, a desire to be alone, weight gain and a loss of interest for usual activities.

Light therapy is a simple, effective and medically recognised way to beat these symptoms.

Find all the information you need on light therapy at Solvital. 

At the beginning of the 1980’s in the United States Professor Rosenthal learned the benefits of light therapy lamps.  At first they were used in cases of seasonal depression also called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).  Light therapy is today practised in a number of hospitals a number of pathologies, but mostly with distress linked to the upset of the biological clock (circadian rhythm problems) like insomnia and generally distress sleeping.

Light therapy reveals its effectiveness in numerous cases, and helps to quickly find energy when a lower morale lets us feel the changes in the seasons.

Light therapy lamps and seasonal depression or SAD.  The principal symptoms of winter season depression start to show at the end of summer when the days start to grow small and become dull as there is less light it is the seasonal change that affects a number of people.

In a number of cases it is Winter Blues which we all suffer from in one way or another, it is a simpler version of winter depression, and this in no way stops us from continuing with our daily lives.

In the cases of SAD people will suffer from a depressive state, tiredness and will have a tendancy to isolate themselves socially.  Also noticing a significant rise in their appetite with a tendancy to gain weight or even bulemia due to sweet foods, gloomy humour a tendancy of insomnia and an excessive need of sleep, loss of concentration and motivation with a loss of interest and a loss of out place.  The people suffering from seasonal depression do not automatically show symptoms, this is why it is vital to contact a doctor for a check up.  The signs of this depression disappear with the arrival of gorgeous days and sunlight.

Light therapy lamps : How does it work?

Light therapy consists of facing a light therapy lamp which transmits light to the eyes. The intensity of the light should be between 2500 and 10 000 lux (light units).  It is the retina via the neurotransmittors that inhibit the melatonin, a sleep hormone which is at the root of the problems linked to a loss of light.  This homone is normally secreted at night for us to sleep. The fact that this sleeping drug is naturally blocked during the day helps us to find out natural energy.

How to use the light therapy lamps

First you have to remember that light therapy lamps used as treatment in hospitals and at home respond in the same way as any normal medecine.  This is why you should verify that the lamps have an agreed EU license.

The origin of light therapy lamps are reserved for medical use (by a GP or at the hospital).  Today light therapy lamps may be used at home, at the office in response to normal usage.

The power will be the first factor in the choice of a lamp, of course the more powerful the lamp the more the use will be a greater comfort.

Each session should be done in the morning.  The user must place the lamp at eye height or just underneath the eyes.  It is not necessary to look at the lamp but it is vital that the retina swims in the light coming from the light therapy.

The length of the session must be between 30 minutes and 2 hours (30 minutes at 10 000 lux or 2500 lux for 2 hours).

The effects on the morale can be felt quite quickly, from the first couple of days, but may take 10 days for others.

There are very small indications against light therapy but it is vital to consult a doctor when the person suffers with their eyes or is taking photosensitive medication.

You will find all the information you need on light therapy and seasonal depression at Solvital light therapy

Light therapy, a method clinically backed by data investigated for over two decades, is used to treat a depression called seasonal affective disorder or SAD. For this, a device called a light therapy box is mainly used usually for approximately 30 minutes daily. The function of the light therapy is to cause a change in the brain by mimicking outdoor light that would liven up the mood of the person affected and reduce the symptoms of the depression. The light used is generally 25 times as bright as normal room light. A study published by Dr. Michael Terman uses an apparatus with fluorescent bulbs which disallow UV radiation through a filter, leaving out unpleasant glare. This when applied as treatment on SAD patients upon awakening found it better than those who used it in the evening. Another group of thirteen specialists from Canada issued guidelines for treating SAD. These professional guidelines include conclusions like 10,000 lux for 30 minutes per day using a light therapy box as a starting dose. If a light box emanates 2,500 lux, it would require two responses in a day. The therapy should start early morning where it would maximize response which would usually show within a week, but may be effective from week four in some cases. The side effects of such therapy could include headache, strain on the eyes, nausea and agitation. Generally mild in nature, these effects disappear with reducing the dose of light.

The therapy boxes are also called light boxes, bright light therapy boxes and phototherapy boxes. The Center for Environmental Therapeutics (CET) recommends requirements for effective therapy as many products in the market claiming to be proficient to help SAD may not be so. These include things like checking whether the product is tested through trials under peer-reviews. One should also verify specifications of the product like whether or not it has a sufficient output like an illumination of 10,000 lux at a comfortable sitting distance.

In a light therapy box, the UV filters if faulty could cause harm to the eyes and skin by allowing UV rays to pass through. The fluorescent lamps should therefore have a diffusing panel and should give off white light rather than a colored light. A compact light box is also not as efficient in therapy as the small head movements render the eyes out of the range of therapy. The angle at which the light reaches the eyes, if projected downward, minimizes glare leading to less eye strain.

Such things recommended by the CET should be kept in mind while buying light boxes for therapy. The quantity rather than the quality is effective in the therapy of seasonal affective disorder.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a particular kind of major depression that recurs at certain times of the year; most commonly in the fall, from September through to November. The symptoms show signs of abating from around March through May.

People who suffer from SAD are affected by the amount of daylight exposure they receive. The hormone melatonin, which helps regulate hormone secretion, body temperature and sleep, is produced in the brain during hours of darkness. The decrease in daylight hours in autumn and winter causes an increased production of melatonin in SAD sufferers, which results in the onset of debilitating symptoms of depression. Exposure to bright light is effective in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder.

The incidence of SAD as well as its severity is influenced by several factors including geographical location, family history of SAD, recent illness or spending a major part of the day in a windowless room. Light therapy works on the principle that exposure to bright light can suppress the production of melatonin in the brain, which regulates the internal clock of the body and reduces symptoms.

A light box is a small portable device that is comprised of fluorescent tubes or bulbs. It is specially designed to provide a precise amount of balanced spectrum light that is equivalent to being out in the sun on a clear, sunny spring day. In mimicking outdoor light, the light box causes biochemical changes in the brain that help in synchronizing wake/sleep patterns, regulating the body clock and relieving symptoms of SAD.

During Light Box Therapy the user is required to sit directly in front of the light box at a specific distance, which depends upon the required intensity. For light therapy to be effective it is necessary for the light from the light box to enter the eyes indirectly. Just exposing the skin to the light does not have the same effect. Looking directly into the light can hurt the eyes and is not advisable, except in a few patients who are questioned to look into the light for brief moments before looking away again. But, sunglasses are not to be worn during light therapy as it blocks the light from entering the eye, adversely affecting the effectiveness of the therapy.

Light therapy is now considered a standard treatment for SAD. It offers numerous potential benefits for SAD sufferers especially for those who are averse to taking antidepressants or for those tried antidepressants and found them ineffective.

Bringing the sunshine indoors. That is how some people describe the benefits of therapy lights.  Scientists believe that simulated bright light has an effect on chemicals in your brain and your skin and can be used to help some conditions.  There are many different types of therapy lights so I’m going to described some of them and the disorders they can be used with:

Light boxes (Phototherapy or bright light therapy)

Many therapists have noticed that sitting near a simulated sunlight box can alleviate symptoms for some complaints. The strength of the light should be at least 2,500lux and daily exposure is required. Remember that a medical practitioner must prescribe the strength and type of light used as well as the duration of exposure.

SAD Lights

Otherwise known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or its mildest form ‘Winter Blues’.  You don’t have to be a genius to know that we all feel better during the long sunny days of summer. We seem to have more energy too. You lose some of that enthusiasm in the winter when there are not so many daylight hours. Some people get ‘winter blues’ which makes them feel lethargic and ‘under the weather’, with a tendency to overeat. For others this becomes severe enough it to disrupt their lives and cause a lot of upset.   It can also affect the way we behave.

The symptoms usually start at the beginning of the winter season and start to get better when spring arrives in March and April.  It may not be necessary to use light SAD therapy daily during the winter months and advice from a trained professional is advised.

Jetlag and Sleep Disorders

Where the circadian rhythms or body clock of the brain have been affected by periods of sleep deprivation or extended night or daytime hours. Flying over time zones can have this effect. The light box can simulate the difference between waking hours and sleep or night time and helps to re-adjust the body and brain into rhythm quickly.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

A regular topic in many research papers on Alzheimer’s Disease is the hurt that happens to the part of the brain that controls the circadian rhythms.  The combination of hurt nerve pathways and poor eyesight as you get older can mean that indoor levels of light are not enough to identify the difference between daytime and night time.  Experiments using therapy lights and light boxes have found that they can help maintain Alzheimer sufferers’ rest and activity cycles for longer.

UVB/UVA1 light

The same technology that is used for sunbeds in tanning shops can also help to ease stubborn patches of psoriasis, vitiligo, stretch marks and pale scars. The light must be focussed on the affected patch without unwanted exposure to normal skin.

Coloured-light therapy or Intense Pulsed Light

These types of therapy lights use filtered floodlights to bathe the skin in light of different colors.  Different color filters have proven better for different disorders:

Blue:  is used to ruin the bacteria that cause acne.
Green:  is used to treat pigment irregularities e.g. liver spots, age spots
Yellow:  for vascular conditions such as thread veins and rosacea.
Combination green and yellow:  smoothes away fine lines and wrinkles.
Red: has been found to be effective in the relief of headaches and, when concentrated in one area, for the relief of arthritic pain.

Low-level laser light (Ruby and KTP) therapy

Developed to help reduce patches of discoloured skin, such as birthmarks or moles. Laser light is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the skin causing it to break up in darker areas and help to make it look more normal.

The above two systems of therapy lights can be combined and used to remove areas where the person believes they have too much hair.

Information in this article is for advice only. Anyone wishing to try these treatments should contact their medical practitioner first.

Light therapy is a relatively new way to treat many different types of disorders from seasonal depression to jet lag. It is effective, simple to do and has very few, mild side effects. Can light therapy help you?

What is light therapy? This type of therapy mimics natural outdoor light to help restore the body’s natural rhythms and help people overcome many different mood disorders. Light therapy uses a special light that emits a light that is brighter than that of a normal household lamp. Most light boxes give off a light that is brighter and more intense than typical outdoor light, so a small session of exposure to the light is usually very effective.

Why is light therapy used? This type of therapy is used to simulate natural, outdoor light. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light helps to maintain our body’s natural rhythm. When there is a lack of natural light it can upset the natural rhythm and cause disorders such as depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Light therapy is also effective in treating conditions such as jet lag, post-partum depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Exposure to these lights can even help people who work rotating shifts maintain a normal sleep cycle.

What are the risks? Light therapy has a few risks, but they are generally mild. Some of the side effects may include: headache, nausea, eyestrain, agitation, fatigue, and irritability. Most side effects will resolve themselves within a few days of beginning light therapy treatment. But if they don’t go away on their own, try cutting back on the time that you use the treatment or change the time of day that you use the light.

A word of caution, light therapy may trigger episodes of mania in patients with bipolar disorder. There is also a risk of suicidal thoughts in people who are suffering from severe depression. If you are currently being treated for one of these disorders, please consult your physician before beginning any type of alternative therapy.

Getting the most from your therapy sessions. For best results, you should use your light box at the same time each day. Most health care professionals recommend using the box soon after you wake up each day. Start with a 15 minute session and gradually work up to 30 minutes to two hours. Consistency is vital when using a light box. You may be tempted to skip a day, but find ways to make your therapy time productive. Place the box on a table near you and then read a book or watch television.

Light therapy isn’t a cure for every mood disorder, but it can help reduce symptoms and give you relief. Spending a small time with a light box each day can help you find joy in the small things again.

• 10,000lux at 19cm
• Typically 90 minutes at 50cm to treat SAD
• Flexible neck and dimmer control
• 55W daylight bulb
• Height 45cm, Head 45 x 18 cm

Lumie Desklamp – light therapy lamp for SAD