subject: Benefits Of Bright And Blue Light Therapy For Depression [print this page] Pure white light (sunlight simulation) has been used for a long time as a cure to common depression syndromes. More recently, research through clinical trials has revealed both benefits and the risks of this type of therapy and has also revealed possible alternative light treatments which have known to be effective in the majority of cases. In many cases of depression, light therapy of any kind is used along with the normal medication in order to greatly improve impact and effectiveness and to reduce overall treatment time. The schedule and duration of treatment in any kind of light therapy depends upon the intensity of the problem and the best responses of the sufferer, therefore, light therapy must be patiently tried and the timings and schedules changed to provide the best results.
History
Bright white light at 10,000 lux has been generally used (which is the measure for brightness, with actual sunlight on a bright day measuring about 50,000 lux) to aid in the cure for SAD (seasonal affective disorder), which is the most common form of depression. There are certain advantages and disadvantages associated with this type of therapy.
Timings: The effectiveness of this light therapy is closely tied in with the hormone Melatonin, which is related to sleep. Each individuals Melatonin peaks at different timings, and these timings can be discovered by conducting the therapy at different times or by consulting the Center for Environmental Therapeutics. Conducting the therapy when Melatonin levels are at a peak increases the effectiveness of the therapy to 80%. This therapy is generally administered or self administered, in the early mornings (as this is a convenient time for most people), however, for full effectiveness, it can be difficult for people to experiment around their daily lives or have to conduct the therapy at inconvenient timings. This therapy involves exposure to a bright light device (light box) at 10,000 lux for between thirty minutes to one hour a day.
UV and eye protection: As bright white light contains the UV band as well, it is suggested that those undergoing therapy wear strong UV protection while conducting sessions. Eye protection should be used for any type of situation involving exposure to bright lights.
Bipolar disorder: some SAD sufferers may also have bipolar disorder, and they must take medication such as mood stabilizers to offset any risk of manic episodes.
Blue light therapy
A shorter exposure or treatment duration is needed for blue light therapy than for white light and it has, in many trials, proven to be more effective than white light. Blue is a part of the full visible colored-light spectrum and it contains no elements of UV lights, which is a great advantage as blue light not only does not harm skin cells like UV rays do, it is even extensively used to help remove scar marks, discoloration on the skin surface, acne and spider veins as well. Blue light in the 405 to 425 nm wavelength range is also an FDA approved light for treatment as is considered safe.
Dawn Stimulation
Some studies have indicated that dawn simulation is potentially one of the most effective treatments for SAD and can help with virtually any form of depression if used simultaneous with medication or therapy. In this type of treatment, an special timed light source called a dawn simulator (or sunrise alarm clock) is used to simulate natural dawn light over a period of time (an hour to ninety minutes), waking SAD sufferer to this light. It is suggested that this is a great way to eliminate symptoms of SAD to a great extent. Dawn simulation has been gaining in popularity in many western countries in recent times.
