Winter Sun Lighting

	Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

	What is light therapy? Light therapy involves use of a light source designed to affect the body as the sun would affect it if there were sunlight available. Light therapy has been shown to be an effective alternative to drugs for treatment of seasonal depression. Sometimes it may be used in conjunction with anti-depressants. Studies have shown that the threshold for light to affect a person's mood is 2500 lux. What is lux? Lux is a measurement of the amount of light that falls on a particular object. It is measured by a lux meter, much like a camera light meter. Lux is always measured at a specific distance from a light source. So, light boxes rated at 10,000 lux may vary considerably in brightness. We have lights that measure 10,000 lux at 7 inches, at 14 inches, and at 26 inches. How far you sit from the light will determine whether a full 10,000 lux is reaching your eyes or not. Since the threshold for bright light effectiveness in treating SAD is 2500 lux, any exposure at that level and above can be effective. How will I know which product to choose? Besides intensity and distance from the lamp, the length of time spent in front of the light is a factor in how effective it is. Depending on the individual, recommended exposure times may range from 30 minutes to 3 hours. A health professional can assist you in experimenting to find an effective exposure time for you. Many people want to get the brightest 10,000 lux lamp so they can sit the shortest amount of time. This is especially true for those who plan to use the light at home before work. On the other hand, if you work at a desk during the morning hours, you could sit under a light while working and get plenty of light from a less bright source over a longer time. Depending on the severity of your depression, you might be able to leave the light on and get up and move around your office, taking a break from the lamp from time to time and still get plenty of exposure during your morning shift. So, in making your selection, it's important to consult your doctor and think about how you might use a light. What is the difference between wide spectrum (sometimes called full spectrum) and cool white bulbs? Although we can order them, full spectrum bulbs are not used by most bright light manufacturers. The research which has been done in the area of light therapy for treating seasonal depression has shown that it is the brightness (or lux) that is the controlling factor in a positive result, not the spectrum of the light source. Some researchers are still looking at the ways full spectrum light may be beneficial to human beings and other living organisms, but since it has not been shown to be critical in treating winter depression, we carry only one model which may be ordered with full spectrum bulbs. What about UV light? Ultra-violet light is part of the wide spectrum of light. While most of our bright lights are not wide spectrum, all fluorescent bulbs emit small amounts of UV. Although tests are not conclusive, ultra-violet light may contribute to the growth of cataracts in the eye. For this reason it is best to have a plastic or glass shield or diffuser between your eye and the light source if the light is directly in your eyes. This is the same precautionary measure we take in wearing sunglasses outside in bright sunlight. Sunglasses are not recommended for light therapy because they cut down the intensity of the light. All except one of our bright lights have a plastic diffuser. The model without diffuser uses lead tape wrapped around the bulbs to shield any harmful radiation. How long should I sit by the light? Only a doctor or therapist can recommend exactly how you should use bright light for therapy. A doctor will help you select a schedule and monitor your mood as the season progresses. Generally it is recommended to use the light in the morning, although depending on your work schedule and particular needs, some late afternoon or even evening time may be appropriate. Late night use will likely result in a disruption of sleep cycles. Researchers are still studying the effects of nighttime exposure to light. Will my insurance reimburse me for purchase of a bright light? With proper documentation from a doctor, some insurance companies are covering purchase of bright lights as a medical expense. Winter Sun Lighting can provide you with a sample form to use. How can I learn more? Winter Sun's Resource Page has a bibliography of reading materials and other resources. We also can link you to Oregon Health Sciences University where research is on-going around mood and sleep disorders. And there are internet forums where people with S.A.D. share information with each other.