Additional components of successful treatment may include the use of medication and counseling. Many people only require 20-30 minutes per day with that intensity. Older lights, those putting out 2,500 lux of light typically, requires one to two hours of exposure. Light therapy signals the brain to release sufficient amounts of serotonin and curtail the daytime release of melatonin, a major source of depressive symptoms. For the vast amount of SAD, winter blues, and winter worsening sufferers, benefits will begin to occur within a few days.
Timing is another important factor in light therapy.
Another treatment strategy may include a supplemental afternoon session. A few will find light therapy prior to bedtime helpful, but this will cause insomnia for most people. After the evaluative work has been accomplished, you should begin using your light at the end of August or beginning of September. It has been demonstrated that an earlier start can help eliminate symptoms altogether. The later one starts light therapy, the more time may be required for effective results.