Light therapy provides the user with levels of light similar to that experienced in the summer time, during the long winter nights when the effects of SAD are most keenly felt. Via one of our units light therapy is most effective when used upon awakening and can be fitted into your normal daily routine by receiving the therapy while having breakfast, watching TV, reading or working at a computer. Light therapy has the added benefit of being a drug free procedure.

Light therapy has been proven effective in over 80% of diagnosed cases, with exposure from 30 minutes to several hours per day to very bright light, at least 10 times the intensity of ordinary domestic lighting. Ordinary light bulbs and fittings are not strong enough. Whereas the average home or office lighting deliver an intensity of 200-500 lux, the minimum dose necessary to treat SAD is 2500 lux. Some light units deliver up to 10,000 lux, which can shorten treatment time.

Light treatment should be used daily in winter, starting in early autumn when the first symptoms appear. It consists of sitting 2-3 feet away from a specially designed light box, wearing a Light Visor, or waking up to a dawn simulator. Allow the light to shine on the eyes. While getting your light treatment carry out normal duties; eating, writing, reading, etc. It is not necessary to stare at the light during the session, but keep in mind that the more photons that reach the retina, the faster the session will be.

Treatment is usually effective within 3-4 days and the effect continues provided it is used every day. Sun glasses, tinted lenses, or any device which blocks the light to the Retina of the eye, should not be worn. Daily exposure to as much natural daylight as possible can be of help.

Traditional antidepressant drugs such as tricyclics are not usually helpful for SAD as they may exacerbate sleepiness and lethargy. The non-sedative SSRI drugs such as paroxetine (Seroxat), sertraline (Lustral) and fluoxetine (Prozac) are effective in helping the depressive symptoms of SAD and combine well with light therapy. Other psychotropic drugs (i.e. lithium, benzodiazepines) have not proven very useful in the treatment of SAD.

Worldwide research has shown that light therapy can also benefit people who suffer from sleep disorders, PMS and some instances of ME and MS. It can also reduce the effects of jet lag and help shift workers adjust their sleep patterns. Psychotherapy, counseling or any similar therapy which helps the person with SAD to relax, accept their illness and cope with its limitations can be useful.