Definition
Light therapy or phototherapy is the use of artificial light to treat various kinds of ailments and is used in both conventional and alternative medicine. The Mayo Clinic lists several conditions that can benefit from light therapy such as nonseasonal and postpartum depression, premenstrual syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, jet lag and certain sleep disorders. However, it is most commonly used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a seasonal depression that usually occurs during fall and winter months when environmental levels of light are relatively low. Individuals who suffer from SAD experience fatigue, weight gain and a carbohydrate craving as well as the usual symptoms of depression, such as lack of interest in usual activities, social withdrawal and hopelessness. Ongoing light therapy during the difficult season has been shown to be extremely effective in treating individuals with SAD.
SAD is commonly treated using a light box. During therapy, you sit or work near the light box which emanates a bright white fluorescent light meant to mimic sunlight. This light is much more intense than household lighting and is also brighter and more focused than outdoor light. The goal of therapy is to initiate biochemical reactions in your brain, alter circadian rhythms and inhibit melatonin which can cause you to feel tired.
Although light therapy is not officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, many health care providers consider it to be the primary therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Treatment Methods
Duration, timing and intensity are the three key components to effective light therapy treatment.
Duration is the length of time you are exposed to the light box during a therapy session. Typical sessions usually run between 20 to 60 minutes. During the initial stages of therapy, expose yourself to the light box for shorter periods of time and gradually work up to longer sessions. The time of your session also depends on the intensity of your light, with brighter light requiring a shorter duration session.
Timing is an important component because morning light exposure is usually the optimum time to conduct your therapeutic sessions. One goal of light therapy is to alter your circadian rhythms, which is best accomplished in the early morning. Light therapy at night can also be disruptive to sleeping patterns.
The intensity of a light box is measured in lux units. Most light boxes fall between 2,500 to 10,000 lux. For therapy purposes, you should purchase a light box that is capable of delivering 10,000 lux at eye level. A higher-rated light box will also shorten the required therapy session time.
Be consistent with your treatment sessions once you have begun light therapy. If you cease or interrupt regular sessions, than your symptoms could return. If regular light therapy is ineffective in improving your condition, consult with your doctor, and consider seeking other treatment methods, such as psychotherapy or taking antidepressants.
Risks and Complications
Although uncommon, there can be side effects to light therapy. Some people experience eyestrain, headaches, irritation, nausea, fatigue or sleep problems. Usually the symptoms will go away on their own within a few days. If you experience any unwanted effects from light therapy, try modifying your treatment by reducing exposure time, moving further away from the light box, taking breaks during treatment or using the light box at a different time of day.
Make sure you choose a light box designed for light therapy. Some light boxes do not get bright enough for treatment. Others can expose you to ultraviolet light that can be harmful to your skin and eyes.
Light boxes can also cause a hyperactive state called "mania" in people with certain depressive disorders. People who are sensitive to sunlight or are taking medications that cause photosensitivity should also exercise caution before beginning light therapy. Your doctor or mental health care provider can help you decide if light therapy is right for you.
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