Are SAD lights safe?

Most people can use light therapy safely. The recommended light boxes have filters that remove harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, so there's no risk of skin or eye damage for most people.

Can you use a SAD light too much?

If you're experiencing both SAD and bipolar disorder, the advisability and timing of using a light box should be carefully reviewed with your health care provider. Increasing exposure too fast or using the light box for too long each time may induce manic symptoms if you have bipolar disorder.

Do SAD lamps give you vitamin D?

People commonly use sun lamps, also known as SAD lamps, to treat a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). These lamps can also help a person's body make vitamin D, which helps ensure that specific body functions run smoothly.

Who should not use SAD lamp?

The major contraindications for the use of light therapy are diseases that involve the retina of the eye, such as diabetes, and the use of photosensitizing medications like lithium, melatonin, phenothiazine antipsychotics, and certain antibiotics.

Do SAD lamps work with eyes closed?

Although you don't need to stare at it, the light must reach your eyes to have any effect. This means you can use the lamp whilst working at the computer, watching TV, reading, etc. Dark glasses, tinted lenses or closing your eyes will all limit the effects of light therapy.

Do SAD Lamps Actually Work?

What are the side effects of light therapy lamps?

The most common side effects of light therapy include headache, eye strain, and nausea. You may be tired during the first week because of changes in your sleep-wake patterns, but this will usually go away after about a week. Light therapy is usually started in the fall and continued through spring.

How long should you have a SAD lamp on for?

If the symptoms are not improving after 10-14 days, try spending up to 60 minutes per day in front of lights each morning, or divided between the morning and evening. Do not use the light box too near bedtime, as the light exposure can disturb sleep. If this still does not help, contact your doctor.

Do SAD lamps use a lot of electricity?

Energy-wise, even the most powerful fluorescent light box I know of (the SAD Lightbox Co. Diamond 5 that uses five 36W tubes and takes 20 minutes for treatment at 55cm) will use just over one pence per treatment.

Why does a SAD lamp make me tired?

Interestingly, the side-effects of over-exposure to SAD lamps are similar to the symptoms of Summertime SAD. This is because they're both caused by an increase in serotonin, the chemical in the brain that helps to control sleep and mood (amongst other things).

Do SAD lamps have side effects?

Side effects of light therapy

agitation or irritability. headaches or eye strain. sleeping problems (avoiding light therapy during the evening may help prevent this) tiredness.

Do your eyes have to be open for light therapy?

Your eyes should remain open throughout the treatment session. Damage to the eye's retina is a theoretical risk, but it has not been found to be a problem thus far. Nevertheless, you should take precautions to get your dose of light as safely as possible.

How long should I sit in front of my happy light?

Dr. Saltz says light therapy is most effective in the morning, using a happy light for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, eventually increasing it to 30 minutes. You'll want to position the light box one to two feet in front of your face. However, do not stare into the light.

Can you use plant lights for SAD?

When battling SAD, it's important to remember alternative remedies that can be easily incorporated into your daily life. Hanging grow lights like the Aspect provide a beautiful and natural alternative to the obnoxious light boxes.

Do SAD lights increase serotonin?

Helps with sleep disorders

If you have insomnia or circadian rhythm sleep disorders, research shows that using light therapy can help by positively affecting melatonin and serotonin levels in your brain.

When is the best time to use SAD light therapy?

Most studies indicate that early morning treatment (before 8 am) is optimal. It is now well established that the therapeutic effect of light is mediated through the eye, although patients should not stare at the units directly.

What should I look for when buying a SAD lamp?

The most important thing to look for in a SAD lamp is the correct amount of light intensity. Every expert agrees on this point: To trigger the brain to release serotonin, a true SAD lamp must have a brightness level of at least 10,000 lux of white light.

Is it better to use light therapy in the morning or evening?

Morning use may also be effective for non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome, while evening use is recommended for advanced sleep phase syndrome. There is less data about the effectiveness of light therapy for advanced sleep phase syndrome than there is for morning light exposure in delayed sleep phase syndrome.

Are light therapy lamps safe?

Bright light therapy—also known as phototherapy—is safely used to treat a number of illnesses, but the most common use is for a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

What are the cons of light therapy lamp?

Who should not use LED light therapy?

Who should not have LED light therapy? LED light therapy isn't appropriate for everyone, including people who: Take certain medications that increase their sensitivity to sunlight, such as isotretinoin and lithium. Have a history of certain conditions, including skin cancer and inherited eye diseases.

Can you overdo light therapy?

Red light therapy is generally considered safe, even though researchers aren't exactly sure how and why it works. And there are no set rules on how much light to use. Too much light may damage skin tissue, but too little might not work as well.

Where is the best place to put a SAD light?

When using SAD light therapy, it's recommended that your light source is kept somewhat close to you, however you should avoid positioning the light directly in front of your eyes. Instead position it at about 45 degrees to the right or left from your eyes.

Should you wear sunglasses with a SAD lamp?

Keep your eyes open, but DO NOT look directly at the light. Avoid wearing sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat with a visor as they block the good light. Clear glasses are fine. Use it any time of day.