Light Therapy
Light is something most of us take for granted, until we are deprived of it. Research shows that light entering through the eyes triggers a number of hormonal mechanisms, which in turn regulate the body’s rhythms of sleeping and waking, eating and metabolising, along with many other body functions that occur on a regular daily, monthly or annual basis. Although we need very little light for visual purposes, the body requires light of high intensity to operate these internal ‘body clocks’. Without it they gain or lose time, becoming ‘out of sync’ and the disruption can result in eating and mood disorders, severe depression, lethargy, sleep problems and sometimes menstrual difficulties.
People tend to suffer symptoms of light deprivation more in the autumn and winter when daylight hours are significantly reduced in the northern hemisphere, and overcast skies block out the natural daylight. Natural daylight is the keyword here, as it differs significantly from the artificial lighting we use in our homes and work places which is much duller.
Intensity of light is measured in lux - the standard measure which indicates the brightness of light received at a particular distance from its source. The electric light used in most homes and workplaces rarely exceeds 500 lux. A sunny afternoon outside could be as much as 100,000 lux, and even the cloudiest day is rarely below 10,000 lux. Researchers have discovered that regular doses of at least 2,500 lux are necessary to keep our internal body clocks functioning normally.
Only Light Boxes can provide this level of light. They are the products most recommended for anyone suffering from S.A.D. - Seasonal Affective Disorder. Natural Alarm Clocks like the Lumies and Dawnlite do not produce this level of light, but can greatly assist anyone struggling to wake up at any time, and Daylight Bulbs provide a more natural bright, white light indoors so are healthier for the eyes. All our Light Boxes and the Lumie Body Clocks are British made.
CHOOSING A LIGHT BOX -Every one of our light boxes produce the 10,000 lux of light required for the most effective treatment of SAD. Your personal requirements will determine which one is most suitable for you.
THE BEST - The BriteBox and Diamond 4 and 3 light boxes provide the strongest light keeping treatment times to a minimum. The BriteBox has the largest area of light. It can be positioned so that two people sitting at right angles to each other can be treated at the same time. It also folds up into a protective carry case that is easy to store and take with you if travelling. The Diamond light boxes take up less space than the BriteBox when in use. They can be tilted to adjust the angle of the light. They can also be fitted to a stand to raise them up, or to a wall bracket to give the effect of a window with bright daylight flooding in.
TREATMENT TIMES (at arm's length) and VAT-free PRICES
Diamond 4.............................20 minutes...............£230
Diamond 3 and BriteBox..........30 minutes...............£210 and £199 respectively
Diamond 2.............................60 minutes...............£170
Skylite 450DL and Litepod........45 to 60 minutes......£155 and £115 respectively
Brightlight Desk Lamp..............75-105 mins............£138
SIZE - If space is at a premium then the Skylite and LitePod are worth consideration.
The LitePod is the narrowest and shortest light box. It is 37.5cm (15 inches) high.
The Skylite 450DL is 45 cm (18 inches) high.
WATTAGE - The Skylite 450DL is the most energy efficient of light boxes using only 36 Watts.
Skylite.........36W Diamond 2..........72W Diamond 4........144W
LitePod........48W Diamond 3........108W BriteBox............150W
Brightlight Desk Lamp...45W Low wattage, low cost and doubles as a dimmable desk or bedside lamp.
Light Therapy
