by Dr. Kevin Keough
Light therapy is effective in treating nearly 20 medical conditions. The effectiveness and importance of light therapy is supported by 25 years of research conducted at prestigious medical institutions, NASA, and the U.S. military.
Light therapy is now recognized to be a standard medical treatment by
* American Medical Association (AMA)
* National Institute of Health (NIH)
* American Psychiatric Association (APA)
Light therapy offers a solid alternative to medication for many groups of people including:
* Children and teens given worry of antidepressant—suicide link
* Women who want to avoid medications during pregnancy or while nursing
* People who prefer a "natural" alternative
* People who don't get enough sunlight
* People who experience daytime fatigue
* People with Alzheimer's/ other Dementias
* People who can't tolerate the side effects of medication
* People who suffer from jet lag or shift work related problems
* Teenagers and adults with sleep problems
Scientific Explanation-How it Works
First, remember that light is potent medicine. In simple terms, after light hits our eyes, it travels through the brain to a specific area causing biological changes that change how we think, feel, and function. In technical terms, after bright light hits our eyes it travels along the retinohypothalamic tracts to the suprachasmatic nucleus located in the hypothalamus. From there, it moves to the pineal gland. This complex process triggers hormonal and neurochemical changes that alter core body temperature, melatonin secretion, and serotonin and related neurotransmitter levels. These biological changes ultimately result in fairly rapid changes in our body clock and circadian rhythm. that affects how we think, feel, and function. This body clock coordinates "circadian" rhythms we experience through the day, including the cycle of waking and sleeping, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and most other bodily systems.
Historical Context
Light therapy is no fad. The development of light therapy equipment has important historical significance. Light, both natural and artificial, has been prescribed throughout the ages for healing purposes. Light played an integral role in the healing systems of the ancient Chinese, Egyptians, and Greeks.
Light therapy offers people a way to minimize the negative health effects associated with living in our modern 'indoor' society. Human beings synchronized their biological rhythms to the rhythms in nature for 40,000 years prior to the invention of the light bulb. Before this invention most aspects of our lives, including our own biological rhythms, were connected to the rhythms of nature.
The invention of the light bulb made it possible for people to disconnect our biological rhythms from the rhythms of nature resulting in the 'diseases of civilization'. Most people don't get enough sunlight-causing innumerable health problems. Fortunately, medical researchers have invented equipment that mimics sunlight. We now have a "medicine" to minimize the negative health consequences of detaching our biological rhythms from nature's rhythms.
Future research will document the benefits of light therapy for even more health conditions. Light therapy equipment is becoming a health "product" as common as dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and water purifiers.
History
Light, both natural and artificial, has been prescribed throughout the ages for healing purposes. Light played an integral role in the healing systems of the ancient Chinese, Egyptians, and Greeks. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, prescribed exposure to sunlight for a number of illnesses. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, bright light and fresh air were frequently prescribed for a number of mood and stress related disorders. In fact, prior to World War II .hospitals were regularly built with solariums, or sun rooms, in which patients could spend time recuperating in the sunlight. During the 1980's, a number of medical researchers working independently in different places around the world began to assemble the first generation of light therapy products.
Dr. A. J. Lewy and Dr. Charles Czeisler, two of the early pioneers, showed that light had significant effects on human biology. Dr. Lewy introduced the concept of 'seasonal depression' after his succesful treatment of an engineer using light therapy. He first used the term-' Seasonal Affective Disorder', and coined the acronym SAD, commonly used to this day.
Dr. Norman Rosenthal published his initial success in using light therapy products to treat 'winter depression' in 1984. In 1987, Dr. Czeisler proved that bright light could be used to alter our circadian rhythms, paving the way for the use of light therapy as a treatment for Circadian Rhythm Disorders. He went on to show that even very dim light can exert effects-often unwanted-on our biological rhythms. His research has shown that simple activities like working on a computer or reading with a night light can delay the biological onset of sleep. Dr. Czeisler's research contributed a great deal to the basic principles of 'sleep hygiene'.
Today, light therapy is a mainstream medical intervention. It is identified by physicians as a preferred treatment for several conditions, an important complimentary treatment for many others, and is expected to play an increasingly valuable role in medicine as the future unfolds. Undoubtedly, future research will continue to document the benefits of light therapy for an ever growing list of human ailments .
What is a Light Box?
The term "light box" is often used to describe any equipment used for light therapy. Actually, light boxes represent just one of five types of light therapy equipment. Light boxes have a special type of light fixture that produces light at 10,000 lux while at the same time blocks harmful UV rays.
Light Bulbs vs. Light Therapy—What's the Difference?
The light from light therapy equipment differs from ordinary indoor light in a fundamental way. Light therapy equipment is designed to emit bright light that mimics sunlight without harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Light therapy equipment uses a special type of light fixture that produces much brighter light than regular indoor lighting. The intensity of the light is measured in "lux." Lux refers to the brightness of a light source measured at a specific distance from the user's eyes. Because light diminishes with distance, light box intensity will diminish the farther one gets from the unit. Light therapy treatment requires a minimum of 2,500 lux to be effective, and the brightness recommended for most people is 10,000 lux. By comparison, most homes have light levels between 100-300 lux, and well-lit offices generally don't go above 700 lux. Natural daylight is almost always at least 10,000 lux.
How does light therapy actually work ?
First, remember that light is potent medicine. In a simple terms, after light hits our eyes, it travels through the brain to a specific area causing biological changes that change how we think, feel, and function. In technical terms, after bright light hits our eyes it travels along the retinohypothalamic tracts to the suprachasmatic nucleus located in the hypothalamus. From there, it moves to the pineal gland. This complex process triggers hormonal and neurochemical changes that alter core body temperature, melatonin secretion, and serotonin and related neurotransmitter levels. These biological changes ultimately result in fairly rapid changes in our body clock and circadian rhythm. that affects how we think, feel, and function.. This body clock coordinates " circadian" rhythms we experience through the day, including the cycle of waking and sleeping, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and most other bodily systems.
How Long Does It Take Before I Notice Benefits?
Most people report feeling better within 4-7 days after starting light therapy. This time period is considerably faster than antidepressant medication, which may take several weeks to work. Response time will vary depending on the reason for use, amount of exposure per day, proper use, quality of equipment, and related factors.
Can you buy light boxes that aren't so bright ?
People who find the brightness and glare of typical light therapy equipment to be intolerable or uncomfortable despite making recommended adjustments, those with medical conditions listed in the 'Safety' section, or those with a preference for light therapy equipment with a softer green colored light are encouraged to examine the products offered by Sunnex Biotechnology (see an example of a 'green' light just after this paragraph). Abundant research indicates such lights offer the same benefits as more traditional light therapy equipment. These lights are especially popular for people who need to use the lights while operating transportation vehicles of various types.
When and for how long do I use the equipment ?
The answer to this question depends on the reason you are using light therapy and a number of personal circumstances. Some people find 20-30 minutes to be sufficient exposure time. Many people will keep the lights on for up to 2-3 hours. Importantly, the timing of light signals can be as important as how much light we receive. When the biological clock receives light signals at the wrong time of day, it can become out of sync with the real world, creating havoc with sleep patterns, digestion, and other activities. This illustrates the importance of respecting light as potent medicine and becoming educated about the proper ways to use light therapy equipment.
Caveat: We strongly recommend that you work with an experienced health professional to develop a program that is appropriate for you.
That said, it is important to recognize this standard recommendation to consult with one's health care provider often creates more confusion. While light therapy is a mainstream medical intervention, the vast majority of health care professionals know little or nothing about it. However, it is important to inform your physician that you are using light therapy equipment. Most health care professionals will welcome an opportunity to learn more about light therapy. You can provide your health care provider with professional articles or links to web sites they can use to get valuable education. It is likely that such contact with your physician will result in them making recommendations to many other people to use light therapy.
All-In-One Page - Brighten Your Life, an eBook by Daniel F. Kripke, MD. (great guide to use of light therapy)
How Long Do The Light Boxes Last?
Most units come with a 5-10 year warranty. The light bulbs will last several years. When they burn out it is very simple and inexpensive to purchase replacement bulbs and insert them into your equipment.
How expensive are the light products ?
It is very important to mention that a single light box can be used by each member of a family of 4- 5 without difficulty over a period of 5-10 years. Replacement lights/bulbs cost between $ 10.00 to $ 15.00. and are easy to order. It is also necessary to point out that full spectrum light bulbs use up to 70% less electricity. People will spend more money on a pair of shoes or a dinner out but complain about a potent medicine that is always available and promises to fundamentally enhance your health and well being. There is every reason to believe light therapy equipment will become as common as aspirin and television given the innumerable health benefits.
The cost depends on the product, size, number of units purchased, and arrangements made with the distributors. All things considered, the cost of light therapy equipment is extremely reasonable. The cost of light therapy equipment ranges anywhere from $ 85.00 to $499.00. Though many people initially experience 'sticker shock' a closer look helps people understand light therapy equipment is the best bargain you will ever get. . Bottom line: given the health benefits, the warranties, the fact that even a higher priced light box costs less than a month supply of many antidepressant medications, ease of use by multiple family members, effectiveness, etc. this equipment is the best bargain around.
Will Health Insurance Cover The Cost?
Research indicates that health insurance companies will pay for the light boxes more than 60% of the time. The links below will allow you to print out several standard forms requested by insurance companies that can be completed by you and your health care provider. http://www.sunbox.com/Products/BuyersGuide.asp
Are These Light Products Safe?
The answer
for the vast majority of people is "YES." Remember, all light boxes
come equipped with shields to block harmful ultraviolet rays. Unless
you have manic depression, an eye condition, or stare directly into the
light for long periods of time, there is no research to indicate any
negative effects of this type of lighting. Bright light treatment is
generally well tolerated by most people. Side effects, when they do
occur, are almost always transient and mild. A few patients report mild
headache or brief eyestrain upon initial use that disappears after a
short time period. Such patients are instructed to shorten exposure and
lengthen distance from light during the first few exposures.
While light treatment appears to be safe for most people,
researchers warn that certain people should be carefully monitored when
using light treatment. People with Bipolar disorder or
manic-depression, those who have preexisting eye abnormalities (for
example, macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa), those with
systemic illnesses that affect the retina (diabetes mellitus, systemic
lupus erythematosis), those who have had cataract surgery, and those
taking certain photosensitizing medications (including tetracyclines,
sulfonamides, psoralens, and neuroleptics) should begin light treatment
only after consultation with their eye doctor.
The Internet is an excellent starting place for people interested
to learn more about negative ion generators and light therapy. We have
listed just a few of the sites available for information about light
therapy, its uses, and its effectiveness. We will be updating these
links over time.
National Mental Health Association SAD fact sheet
National Association For Mental Illness' SAD fact sheet
National Association for Medical Research's aricle about seasonal depression and light therapy
Life Extension Foundation is a non-profit group that funds scientific research aimed at preventing disease and extending the human life span.
The Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms (SLTBR)
The SLTBR has clinical and research interests in biological rhythm disorders including SAD, jet lag, shift work, sleep disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, premenstrual syndrome, and others. SunBox, Co. is a corporate member of this society. Their web site provides an excellent "Public Information" The Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rythms (SLTBR)
Research Initiatives Supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)The Center for Environmental Therapeutics, which is interested in non-pharmacologic treatment of depression, sleep disorders, and daytime fatigue, has identified a wide range of research projects currently underway by the NIH. For a full listing, search by key words such as "light therapy," "depression," "sleep disorders," "circadian rhythms," and "melatonin" at http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/
Researchers
In this section you will find links related to the premier medical researchers in light therapy.
Dr. Daniel F. Kripke is a physician certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California. Dr. Kripke has been researching the use of light for therapy for over 20 years and has written hundreds of medical articles about his research.
Dr. Kripke's e-book "Brighten Your Life" discusses the use of bright light to treat sleeping disorders and depression. You can also download and print the book for yourself using Acrobat Reader.
http://www.brightenyourlife.info/
http://www.dankripke.org
Dr. Raymond W. Lam, M.D. is Medical Director of the Mood Disorders Centre at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Hospital, and Head Professor of UBC's Psychiatry Department Division of Clinical Neuroscience. He has conducted research on seasonal depression, light therapy, and circadian rhythm disturbances. He is author of "Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond: Light Treatment for SAD and non-SAD Disorders" and a co-author of the "Canadian Consensus Guidelines for the Treatment of SAD."
http://www.psychiatry.ubc.ca/mood/sad/
http://www.psychdirect.com/depression/d-treatmentguidelinesSAD.htm
http://www.mentalhealth.com/book/p40-sad.html
Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D. is known as the psychiatrist and scientist who first described SAD, and who pioneered the use of light in its treatment. He has conducted extensive research into disorders of mood, sleep, and biological rhythms.
http://www.normanrosenthal.com
Dr. Michael Terman, Ph.D., is head of the Columbia Clinical Chronobiology Program. He is a leader in NIH-sponsored research on SAD for more than 15 years. The Program focuses on the use of non-pharmacologic therapies (such as bright light) for treating different types of depression.
http://depression.about.com/library/weekly/aa120798.htm
