Articles & Education

There are a number of resources that are available regarding the expanding applications of Bright Light Therapy also know as phototherapy. If you experience lower energy levels, disrupted sleep, fatigue, reduced libido, or irritability as fall and winter approach, you may be suffering from SAD. SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder which is a type of depression. Countless clinical trials have shown the benefit of bright light therapy in combating SAD symptoms. Sub-syndromal SAD or the Winter Blues is a milder form.

 

There are different types of therapeutic ligths available on the market today, red light, blue light, green light, UVB lights. These lights use different wavelengths for different applications. For SAD it is recommended to use Bright Light Therapy. Bright Light Therapy abbreviated as BLT uses a light box that gives 10,000 Lux at the users eye level. It is important to buy a large light box from a reputable company. Small lamps sit far from the eyes and will not provide the patient with the required level of light to enhance mood.

SAD Research Articles and Education

  • Mayo Clinic on SAD
  • Bright Light Therapy and Beyond
  • Light Therapy in SAD & Circadian Phase
  • Dawn Simulation & S.A.D.
  • Dr. N.E. Rosenthal
  • Pediatric S.A.D.

Sleep and CIRCADIAN RHYTHM ISSUES

  • Sleep Foundation on Light Therapy
  • Light Therapy in S.A.D. & Circadian Phase

bLUE LIGHT

  • Blue Light and the Retina
  • Blue Light & Macular Degeneration
  • Artifical Lighting & The Blue Light Hazard

Winter Blues References and Research

  • Dr Norman E. Rosenthal

    • Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine - Developer of light therapy for use in SAD patients

  • Daniel F. Kripke, M.D.University of California, San Diego
  • The Society for Light Treatment & Biological Rhythms
  • JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association
  • Center for Environmental Therapeutics CET

    • Founded in 1994, CET is an independent, non-profit professional organization dedicated to education and research on new environmental therapies.