Science behind using light therapies lamps for treating SAD

Not many of us aware, because we live at a place where we get to see the sunlight almost every other day but people living far away from the equator suffer from a serious disorder called as SAD. This occurs due to lack of sunlight. People also suffer from jet lag when they travel for hours and at times for days. The root behind both these problems is the same and they both can be treated well by using light therapy lamp technique.

Mechanism of SAD:

Have you ever thought how can light be helpful in treating these two disorders? The answer is that light helps and brings some hormonal changes in the brain. The inhibition of these hormones in turn controls our mood and makes us more gloomy and depressed. That is why light therapy lampsare used to treat it.

How light lamp therapy works?

Light therapy lamp works exactly in the same manner as the sunlight do. Studies have revealed that such kind of the light plays a pivotal role in eliciting certain chemical responses in the brain. These chemical changes in turn ignite the mood and alleviates the symptoms of seasonal effective disorder.

Features on an ideal light therapy lamp box:

Thelight therapy lampshould have the following features:

• Do not release UV rays
• Provides 10,000 lux of light

How to use light lamp box:

• This light therapy lampshould be taken as soon as after waking up.
• Exposure should be for 30 to 60 minutes at least.
• The lamp should be kept about 16 to 24 inches away from the user’s face.
• The eyes should be kept open throughout the therapy but avoid looking at the lamp directly.

Though, these boxes are effective and safe but FDA has not approved them for the treatment of SAD.The lamp can be used without doctor’s recommendation and prescription.

Points to consider:

There are many points that should be considered while going for the light therapy lamp.

• Most of the light lamps are built to treat certain skin disorders with the help of the UV rays. So, pick the lamp that is free from UV radiations because in case of seasonal affective disorder, this can be harmful.
• Light lamps differ in their intensities. The ones with lesser intensity may require more time than the ones with the higher intensity. The favorable intensity of the light therapy lamp is 10,000 flux of light.
• Light boxes are made with care so that they do not harm the eye or any other part of the skin. Still, if you feel any issue you may contact your doctor about it.
• Light boxes come in variety of shapes and sizes. So, choosing the one that fits your daily needs is preferred.

Conclusion:

Light therapy lamps are not yet approved by FDA but these are extensively used in treating SAD.These lamps have a powerful impact on the brain that it has actually cured thousands of people across the equator. So buying the right kind of the lamp is mandatory.

You may go to https://techexpertreviews.com for more information.

Amjad is a traveler, physicist and a business consultant. He enjoy playing with his kids.