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Light
Therapy |
Q&A
From Apollo Light |
Since 1981 intense artificial light therapy has been implemented and
researched in the U.S. and abroad. Thousands of individuals, medical
centers and clinics have found success by utilizing this therapy for
patients with SAD (seasonal depression), sleep disorders, PMS,
mal-adaptation to shift work, and jet lag.
This "Questions and Answers" page is intended to provide readers with general
information about the current uses of light therapies. No medical instruction or
advice is intended. It is suggested that all interested persons seek the advice
of a skilled clinician.
How does light therapy work?
Exposures to intense artificial bright light suppress the secretion of
the night time hormone melatonin, and may enhance the effectiveness of
serotonin and other neurotransmitters. It is the only effective means of
shifting circadian rhythms.
What lamps are more effective? What wavelength of light
is needed?
The important factor contributing to physiological responses to light is
the intensity of light that reaches one's eyes. Some people enjoy the
ambient color that full-spectrum (daylight color) lamps produce, but no
therapeutic effects have been documented from the use of average
intensities of full-spectrum light. Apollo's Brite
Lite 6 is designed to produce the proper high-intensity light
treatment without damaging UV.
What intensity is needed and for how long?
Most people who suffer from SAD or winter blues use a 10,000 Lux therapy
early in the morning for about one-half hour. 10,000 Lux is 20 times the
intensity of average indoor ambient light. Timing of light therapy
varies for each individual.
What type of light unit is needed? Can one use a standard
ceiling fixture?
To achieve the intensity of 10,000 Lux, with standard fluorescent
technology, one would need to build a light unit with 8, 4-ft. tubes. An
individual can not receive the proper intensity of light from a standard
ceiling fixture because the ceiling lights are too far away and not
oriented towards the users eyes.
Will insurance cover the cost of a new fixture?
Many insurance companies have reimbursed the purchase price of light
fixtures for the treatment of SAD, PMS, sleep disorders, and
mal-adaptation to shift work.
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