Light Therapy and Its Uses

"Light therapy", sometimes known as Phototherapy, is a popular treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In Light Therapy, the subject is exposed to certain ranges of light wavelengths - generated by either lasers or LED - or very bright, full-spectrum light, for a set period of time. Not only has phototherapy proven effective in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder, but for some people it has shown significant improvement for Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. Light Therapy has further been seen to show improvement in certain skin conditions such as Psoriasis, as well.

Full sunlight is preferred for SAD. Other treatments are based upon infrared light exposure. There are a number of products (such as light boxes) using very intense artificial illumination that have been shown to be effective for SAD. A quality light lamp or light box must provide at least 10,000 lux directed at the user's eyes, yet filter out UV radiation which can injure the eyes.

When treating Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome, the light must be provided as soon after arising as possible to achieve any effect. Some users have reported success with lights that turn on shortly before waking.

Phototherapy is also used as a treatment for Jaundice in newborns, because light aids the breakdown of bilirubin in the skin.