A CAVEAT: I am not a medical expert or professional in any way when it comes to the use of light therapy. I do not suggest that the way I am using my light is the proper way. So don't blame me if it doesn't work or something goes wrong. Do your own research and talk to your own doctor or therapist about light therapy.
A friend commented on my last blog entrance and asked me about my mood lamp. I think I should call it by it's proper name--it's really light therapy. There are a ton of websites about light therapy as a practice and also units for sale. But basically the idea behind light therapy is that as day length shortens, some people are more sensitive to the lack of natural light, which can add to depression. With light therapy you use a lamp that is a full spectrum lamp and give yourself short doses of extra "daylight."
The way I've been told to use light therapy is to use it in the morning for about 10 minutes a day, working up to between 15 and 20 minutes a day. As I understand it, you don't need more. It's best to use it in the morning because it affects your biorhythms and can throw off your sleep patterns if used at night. And you can't close your eyes during the time you use the light lamp (which is unfortunate because I always fight to stay awake while I'm using it!). It should be kept at a distance about equal to where your computer screen is. In fact, using it while on the computer in the morning would be a good time. However, kids should not sit under the light with you.
I got my light from Costco, it's called "go LITE" by Philips, but you can find it on Amazon and other places if you just do a search for it. It costs a little over $100, but I've had mine for several years and it is still going strong. Light therapy is an easy thing and has very little, if any, negative side effects. But like I said at the first of this blog, I do not promote my own information and experience with light therapy as the proper way of doing things. I will not be responsible for someone else's choice. (Do I sound paranoid? I just don't want the responsibility of telling a person how to use light therapy).
A friend commented on my last blog entrance and asked me about my mood lamp. I think I should call it by it's proper name--it's really light therapy. There are a ton of websites about light therapy as a practice and also units for sale. But basically the idea behind light therapy is that as day length shortens, some people are more sensitive to the lack of natural light, which can add to depression. With light therapy you use a lamp that is a full spectrum lamp and give yourself short doses of extra "daylight."
The way I've been told to use light therapy is to use it in the morning for about 10 minutes a day, working up to between 15 and 20 minutes a day. As I understand it, you don't need more. It's best to use it in the morning because it affects your biorhythms and can throw off your sleep patterns if used at night. And you can't close your eyes during the time you use the light lamp (which is unfortunate because I always fight to stay awake while I'm using it!). It should be kept at a distance about equal to where your computer screen is. In fact, using it while on the computer in the morning would be a good time. However, kids should not sit under the light with you.
I got my light from Costco, it's called "go LITE" by Philips, but you can find it on Amazon and other places if you just do a search for it. It costs a little over $100, but I've had mine for several years and it is still going strong. Light therapy is an easy thing and has very little, if any, negative side effects. But like I said at the first of this blog, I do not promote my own information and experience with light therapy as the proper way of doing things. I will not be responsible for someone else's choice. (Do I sound paranoid? I just don't want the responsibility of telling a person how to use light therapy).
1 comment:
I've been trying to figure out a way to put a therapy light at/above my sewing table. Two birds, one stone, y'know. And I wouldn't fall asleep.
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