Javeria Shahid A Quick Guide
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy or bright light therapy, is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mental health conditions. It involves exposure to a lightbox or lamp that mimics natural sunlight. Light therapy can be effective, convenient, and generally safe, with few side effects. It may also be beneficial for sleep disorders, fatigue, shift work adjustment, jet lag, and non-seasonal depression. However, it is recommended to consult with a doctor before starting any treatment.
What is light therapy?
A range of mental health issues are treated with light therapy, sometimes referred to as phototherapy and bright light therapy. It is primarily used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), often known as the winter blues or seasonal depression. This particular sort of depression only manifests at specific times of the year, typically during the shorter winter days. Other types of depression, sleep disorders, and other diseases may benefit from light treatment.
How does it work?
A major depressive disorder featuring seasonal patterns may be worsened by a lack of sunlight exposure which is balanced by light therapy.
You sit close to a lightbox or bulb that produces bright light during a session. Although the box or lamp often imitates natural sunshine, different products from various manufacturers may differ.
A light therapy box’s typical output falls between 2,500 and 10,000 lux. The brightness of the light is measured in luxes.
Typically, treatment starts in the fall and lasts until the beginning of spring. The strength of the lightbox and how well you respond to the treatment will determine how long the session lasts. Standard bright light therapy guidelines often recommend starting at 10,000 lux for 30 minutes every morning, however, a person who is new to the treatment may need shorter initial sessions. The length of the therapy session may be shortened using a stronger lightbox.
Watch: [Mayo Clinical Minute: Lift your mood with light therapy]
What is light therapy used for?
Light therapy is frequently the initial course of treatment suggested for those with SAD and may be utilized to address a number of mental health disorders.
It can be used alone, especially for people with lesser symptoms, but it also works well in combination with talk therapy, behavior and lifestyle changes such as exercise and good sleeping habits, and medications like anti-depressants.
The following conditions can be treated with light treatment in addition to seasonal affective disorder:
- Dementia
- Different types of sleep disorders
- Fatigue
- Getting used to a night shift schedule
- Jet lag
- Non-seasonal depression
What are the potential risks?
The following are the difficulties and side effects that can happen with light treatment:
- Euphoria
- Exhaustion
- Eyestrain
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Irritability
With a light treatment lamp, it usually takes several days to see the effects. The lamp must be used consistently at the same time each day in order to be useful.
What are the benefits?
In addition to perhaps reducing the symptoms of depression, light therapy is typically simple to begin and modify based on how it makes you feel. Some of its benefits include:
Accessibility: Rentable or buyable light boxes might be used for treatment at home.
Associated with very few or moderate side effects: Most negative effects of light treatment, such as headaches, vertigo, or nausea, can be avoided by changing how you use the lamp.
Convenient: While working or eating breakfast at home, you can utilize a light treatment lamp. Additionally, stopping light treatment for a few days won’t have any negative effects or cause your symptoms to come back.
Non-invasive: Although it is not taken internally, it offers a substitute or supplement to medical interventions like drugs.
Safe: Light treatment is often risk-free and safe, despite the possibility of some negative effects, especially when the lamp is used inappropriately.
With seasonal patterns, light therapy may also be useful for conditions other than MDD, but it’s always advisable to talk with your doctor before beginning any new treatment.
We hope you found this article useful in learning more about light therapy and how it works to deal with a variety of mental health problems. Learn more about dealing with insomnia without medication.