Light therapy is also known as light exposure therapy, circadian light therapy, bright light therapy, or phototherapy. It is a treatment which involves exposure to an artificial light source. The history of light therapy dates back more than 3,000 years ago in India, where sunlight was used for therapeutic purposes and recorded in the sacred Hindu texts. Today, the beneficial effects of light therapy are well-established and they involve the use of visible light or non-visible ultraviolet (UV) light to treat a myriad of conditions.
During a light therapy session, the person sits in front of a specialized device, known as a light therapy box, that emits bright light similar to natural sunlight. It's thought that this type of light may cause a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) , such as being tired most of the time and sleeping too much. Generally, the light box should provide an exposure to 10,000 lux of light. Depending on the individual, treatment might last 20 minutes up to three hours, and a person might have light therapy once or more per day for consecutive days until symptoms improve. Your doctor can provide guidance on how long you should use light therapy.
TYPES OF LIGHT THERAPY
INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY: Infrared light is not visible to the human eye but is close to red light on the electromagnetic spectrum. It is generally broken into three categories: near infrared, mid infrared and far infrared. Some infrared wavelengths can penetrate deeply into the muscles and tissues, allowing for benefits of the light to affect organs within the body. Many powered infrared sources are available, including infrared heat lamps, infrared saunas, and LED (light emitting diode) arrays often combining red light and near-infrared light. Infrared light therapy benefits are:
- Improvement in sleep patterns
- Relaxes muscle tension
- Soothed joint pain
- Less fatigue and More energy
- Better appearance of skin and cellulite
- Weight control and loss
- Reduces stress
- Promotes relaxation
UV OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT THERAPY: UV light helps in reducing inflammation. UV light therapy is mainly used to treat:
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Mycosis fungoides
- Sézary syndrome
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Vitiligo
- Scleroderma
- Rosacea
- Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin
BLUE LIGHT THERAPY : Blue Light helps kill bacteria that causes acne, skin cancer and Actinic Keratoses. It has also been used to treat newborns with jaundice, helping to reduce the red-yellow pigment.
YELLOW LIGHT THERAPY: Yellow (or amber) LED light therapy encompasses 570nm-620nm and has a shallow penetration level which can be effective for healing a variety of skin issues. Yellow light therapy stimulates the production of red blood cells, which play a vital role in skin healing and skin cell rejuvenation. Key benefits are:
- Drug-free alternative for skin redness and flushing
- Heals skin irritation and rosacea
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Alleviates UV radiation damage
- Reduces the appearance of tiny blood vessels on the nose/face
- Boosts lymphatic flow, which helps remove toxins from the targeted area
- Increases cellular growth
LIGHT THERAPY FOR SAD
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), now known clinically as major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns, is a condition that causes sadness or depression when the seasons change. There are two types of SAD: wintertime and summertime. SAD affects people differently, but the symptoms may vary based on the type of SAD.
Symptoms of wintertime SAD include: Daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, increased irritability, lack of interest in social activities, lethargy, reduced sexual interest, unhappiness and weight gain.
Symptoms of summertime SAD include: Agitation, difficulty sleeping, increased restlessness, lack of appetite and weight loss.
Light therapy can also be used as a treatment for wintertime SAD. This involves using a specialized light box or visor for at least 30 minutes each day to mimic natural light. Light therapy should only be used under a doctor’s supervision and on approved devices. Other light-emitting sources like tanning beds, are not safe for use.
Another type of treatment is a dawn simulator which uses a time-activated light to mimic the sunrise as a way to help stimulate the body’s clock. Adopting some healthy lifestyle habits can also help minimize SAD symptoms. This can include: a balanced diet with lean protein, fruits, and vegetables, exercise and regular sleep.
Light therapy treatment can help cure insomnia and other sleep disorders. The goal is to reset your body clock so you feel alert during the day and tired in the evening. If you tend to wake up too early, light therapy in the evening may be helpful. If you have trouble waking up, light therapy in the morning can help.
Light therapy is not exactly a cure for a sleep disorder, but it can ease your symptoms. It can also give you more energy and increase your sense of well-being.
IS LIGHT THERAPY SAFE
Light therapy is safe as long as you do it correctly. Never look directly into a bright light because it can damage your eyes. Light therapy boxes don’t give off ultraviolet (UV) rays, so there’s no risk of skin damage. Still, talk to a doctor or sleep specialist before you start. They can help you design a safe, effective light therapy plan.
CHOOSING A LIGHT BOX
It's best to talk with your health care provider about choosing and using a light box. If you have past or current eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts or eye damage from diabetes, get advice from your eye specialist before starting light therapy. If you're experiencing both SAD and bipolar disorder, the advisability and timing of using a light box should be carefully reviewed with your health care provider. Increasing exposure too fast or using the light box for too long each time may induce manic symptoms if you have bipolar disorder.
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