-
What is Light Therapy?
- How Does Light
Therapy Work?
- Is Light Therapy
Just For Seasonal Affective Disorder?
- Should I Consult
My Doctor?
- Do I Have to
See a Specialist for Light Therapy?
- How Long Does It
Take Per Day?
- How Often Do Lamps
Need to Be Replaced?
What
is Light Therapy?
Light therapy has been used
to treat certain conditions since 1984, when Dr. Norman Rosenthal
of the National Institute of Health published a groundbreaking
report into the positive effects of light therapy on seasonal
affective disorder (SAD). Since then hundreds more research
studies have been undertaken and many technological advancements
have been made, meaning that light therapy is now an affordable
and effective treatment for many different medical and sleep/energy-based
conditions.
Light therapy
involves an individual sitting at a recommended distance from
a fluorescent
light box which produces a light intensity of between 2500 and
10000 lux (the Metric measurement of light quantity).
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How Does Light Therapy Work? Light therapy works
by exposing the eyes to intense light. When the light
hits the retina the
light is transmitted by nerve impulses to the pineal gland
which is responsible for melatonin secretion. This
function can help moderate the body's internal clock, also
known as the circadian rhythm. Light therapy is also
able to reduce the daytime melatonin levels, while also enhancing
the effectiveness of serotonin and other neuro-transmitters
- which explains its ability to be able to effectively treat
seasonal affective disorder, Alzheimer's and other mental
disorders.
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to top Is
Light Therapy Just For Those With Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD)?
While light therapy
is incredibly effective at relieving the symptoms of SAD,
it can be used for many more conditions and everyday situations. Light
therapy is now used to relieve the symptoms of jet lag, for
shift workers who need to alter their body clock, for those
who
have difficulty getting to sleep (or waking up!) and for
those who simply want more energy or a better night's sleep. For
more information on the uses of light therapy follow the
links below:
- jet lag
- sleep
difficulties
- more energy
- to generally increase sleep quality
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to top Should I Consult My Doctor?
Although light therapy
is extremely effective to treat problems and disorders such
as SAD, it is possible
that there may be other influences that are causing the symptoms
you may be experiencing. Seeking the guidance and support
from a qualified medical practitioner is thoroughly recommended
for both diagnosis and treatment.
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top Do I Have to See
a Specialist for Light Therapy?
Thanks to the
increase in technology and the advancements in our understanding
from research, light therapy is now convenient and affordable
for you to use at home, at work and on the go! Although
it is always recommended to seek medical advice for any
ongoing treatments, light therapy is one of the most effective
and versatile treatments you can undertake in the comfort
of your own home.
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to top How Long Does It
Take Per Day?
Intensity levels
can be altered by moving closer or further away from the
light box
and each treatment session can range from between 15 minutes
to three hours. A half an hour session at 10,000 lux
or an hour session at 5,000 lux, once per day is about the
average daily use.
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to top Can I Overdo Light Therapy?
Yes, it is possible to over
use light therapy and this may result in fatigue
and irritability. Over use for a prolonged period of 28+
days can lead to these symptoms. Over use can also cause
eye strain, however, when used correctly light
therapy is an effective and natural treatment.
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to top How Often Do Lamps
Need to Be Replaced?
After approximately
two to three years, the lamps in light therapy products can lose
their intensity and may need replacing.
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