Light therapy is also known as phototherapy, bright light therapy, or light box therapy. The MayoClinic.com website suggests that light alters the circadian rhythms and inhibits the release of melatonin, a brain chemical that regulates sleep cycles. Because depression often worsens during the colder, darker months, light therapy has been shown to effectively reduce the symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Safety
If you've been diagnosed with depression and are considering light therapy, you should speak with your mental health care professional and an eye care professional about the treatment option. Although light therapy has been shown to lessen the symptoms of depression during winter, you should make sure that you have no problems with your eyesight. According to the article "Q & A on Bright Light Therapy" people with cataracts, glaucoma and other eye problems have been excluded from studies measuring the effectiveness of light box therapy, so you should consult a professional for any warnings regarding your use of the therapy.
The MayoClinic.com website further suggests that those with light sensitive skin should not use light therapy, nor should people using anti-inflammatory medications that react to sunlight. In addition, people with bipolar disorder have been shown to experience episodes of mania immediately after light therapy. Be sure to consult your mental health professional before beginning this treatment.
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
The most common type of bulb used for light therapy is the compact fluorescent bulb. These bulbs are often used as the light they give most closely resembles sunlight. Compact fluorescent light bulbs can be purchased at most home improvement stores, grocery stores and online. There are simple compact fluorescent light bulbs that run between $3.00 and $8.00 per bulb, and more complex bulbs such as the Purely Anion compact fluorescent bulb, which also has a built in negative ion generator. These types of bulbs are particularly helpful for those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder and an increase in depression during the winter months. According to "Q & A on Bright Light Therapy", negative ions are found in nature (wind, running water, sunlight), create cleaner air and reduce the symptoms of SAD and depression.
Light Boxes
MayoClinic.com suggests that before using a light box, you familiarize yourself with the variety of light boxes available and compare them to suggestions and recommendations made by your mental health professional and/or physician. There are a wide range of light boxes available to suit your needs based on price, location and preference. Travel light boxes are portable for those who may need light therapy on the go. There are also standing light boxes that can be placed in a bedroom or office to experience the effects of light therapy in the morning (when the therapy is most effective).
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