Recommendations and Advices for Light Therapy
The truth is that there are numerous people worldwide who suffer from seasonal affective disorder. The most efficient method to treat it is to use light therapy, besides taking any drugs or medicines. The light treatment usually starts in mid autumn, and it continues till spring. Spring is the season when the outdoor light becomes sufficient enough to sustain a positive attitude and higher energy.
In order to use the lights for SAD in the most correct manner possible, any person will need to take into consideration a number of aspects, such as: Duration. It is recommended to structure the treatment in short blocks of time, such as 15 minutes. After a considerable period of time, you can gradually increase the duration of the sessions.
The aim is to achieve daily sessions of one to two hours, depending on the light intensity. Timing. As in any other daily activity, timing is important when it comes to light therapy. Some of the patients like to use the lights in the morning, after waking up, while others have different opinions. In most of the cases, a person suffering from depression will find extremely hard to wake up early, due to feeling lethargic. It is advised to discuss this aspect of timing with the specialized doctor. Intensity.
This is also an essential factor. The intensity of the apparatus is measured in lux, which represents the amount of light the person receives at a specific distance from the light source. Most of these devices produce between 2500 lux and 10000 lux. In case the light box emits less lux, the session needs to be longer and vice verse. In conclusion, we must specify that if you suffer from seasonal affective disorders, it is advisable to treat them with caution. Be attentive and learn how to properly use the lights for SAD.
Resources:
bright lights
light therapy