Over nearly two decades, light treatment with a portable lightbox has come to be recognized as the most effective and least expensive way to treat this problem. Light has also been demonstrated to be effective for treating many sleep problems, jet lag, shift-work adjustment, and the agitation that often accompanies Alzheimer's disease. There is also solid research demonstrating the effectiveness of light treatment for people suffering from premenstrual disorders, attention problems, and alcoholism. A lightbox should be used daily for 15-30 minutes, generally in the morning, throughout the period of time that the user is usually symptomatic. You simply sit in front of a lightbox while reading or eating, allowing your eyes to be exposed to the light without staring at it.
Most people notice the antidepressant benefits within a few days.
Humans have an internal time-keeping mechanism, and natural daylight sets and resets it daily. Whenever this biological clock gets out of sync with the realities of life, or there is not enough natural light, bright artificial light can be used as a corrective measure to advance or delay it, as needed. Melatonin plays a role in this process, since the onset of darkness promotes the secretion of this hormone and bright light stops its production. Neurotransmitters, such as seratonin and dopamine, which play a central role in regulating mood, are also involved, but the exact mechanisms of the therapeutic action of light treatment are not yet fully understood. Visit our products page to see them.