Archives For Mental Health

Light Therapy & Bipolar Disorder

 

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is something to be taken seriously. The disorder causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs and lows. The emotional highs are often called mania or hypomania and the lows are called depression. These mood swings can occur once or twice a year or as much as several times a week. When feeling depressed and low, people often lose interest and pleasure in most activities, feel hopeless, and especially sad. When the opposite feeling occurs, people often feel full of energy, as if they’re on a high. For people struggling with severe Bipolar disorder, these mood shifts are very intense and exaggerated and happen frequently.

How Do I Know If I’m Bipolar?

There are many different types of Bipolar disorders and related conditions. The symptoms for these disorders change depending on the person struggling. MayoClinic, a reputable website for all things medical, has a section on Bipolar disorder describing the differences between Bipolar I and Bipolar II, and other related disorders, as well as their symptoms…

  • Bipolar I disorder. You’ve had at least one manic episode. The manic episode may be preceded  or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. Mania symptoms cause significant impairment in your life and may require hospitalization or trigger a break from reality (psychosis).
  • Bipolar II disorder. You’ve had at least one major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks and at least one hypomanic episode lasting at least four days, but you’ve never had a manic episode. Major depressive episodes or the unpredictable changes in mood and behavior can cause distress or difficulty in areas of your life.
  • Cyclothymic disorder. You’ve had at least two years — or one year in children and teenagers — of numerous periods of hypomania symptoms (less severe than a hypomanic episode) and periods of depressive symptoms (less severe than a major depressive episode). During that time, symptoms occur at least half the time and never go away for more than two months. Symptoms cause significant distress in important areas of your life.
  • Other types. These include, for example, bipolar and related disorders due to another medical condition, such as Cushing’s disease, multiple sclerosis or stroke. Another type is called substance and medication-induced bipolar and related disorder.

Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder, but a separate diagnosis. While the manic episodes of bipolar I disorder can be severe and dangerous, individuals with bipolar II disorder can be depressed for longer periods, which can cause significant impairment.

(From MayoClinic.com)

Is It Common?

There is a myth that Bipolar disorder is a rare condition. This is far from true and we have the number to prove it. The National Institute of Mental Health claims that Bipolar disorder affects about 5.7 million American adults each year. This is about 2.6% of the United States population of people 18 years and older. Estimates for children and teens are hard to gather and summarize due to the criteria for the diagnosis. Many children are not diagnosed but it is estimated that at least three quarters of a million American children suffer from Bipolar disorder.  Bipolar disorder is a common condition among Americans. If you’re suffering, you’re most definitely not alone.

Light Therapy and Bipolar Disorder…

Bipolar disorder is a long term condition and although there isn’t an almighty and powerful cure to the disorder, there are treatments available. Medications can be prescribed, but what if there was something better? What if you we could tell you there’s a “light” at the end of the tunnel?

Light therapy is still being studied in regard to treating Bipolar disorder, offering hope for the future. Light therapy is most commonly used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of depression that occurs often during the winter months. The treatment uses artificial light to mimic the outdoor light that is lacking during the season with less daylight. Bright light affects levels of certain brain chemicals. These chemicals, such as seratonin, play a major role in regulating mood. The bright light seems to affect the same brain structures and chemicals that anti-depressants do, which is why Light Therapy is currently in the radar in the Bipolar world.

How It Works…

Studies are being conducted at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) in Pittsburgh, led by Dr. Dorothy Sit,  an assistant professor of psychiatry at WPIC. She has been focusing on light therapy since 2007 because there are little to no drug-free treatments available for Bipolar patients.

Dr. Sit says that her initial experiment on Bipolar disorder in 2007 became the laid groundwork for the case to develop more research. In 2007, fewer than 10 people were evaluated and all of them were women. The next study will include 40 to 60 men and women between the ages of 18 and 65. Dr. Sit is using a top of the line light box and has  high hopes for her studies.

Hmmmm…

“People with bipolar disorder are exquisitely sensitive to morning light, so this profound effect of morning treatment leading to mixed states is very informative and forces us to ask more questions … Did we introduce light too early and disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep patterns?”

-Dr. Sit, 2008.

A Game Changer…

Although it has not been proven yet that light therapy may be a safe and effective way to treat Bipolar disorder, this is definitely a topic that should be taken seriously. If light therapy can treat Seasonal Affective Disorder as well as other forms of depression, why wouldn’t it be able to  help people struggling with Bipolar disorder? If you or anyone you love is currently suffering from Bipolar disorder…keep your eyes on the light! Treatment that doesn’t involve pills may be on its way.

Posted on April 16, 2016 In Light Therapy, Mental Health, Uncategorized
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Light Therapy & 3 Key Elements

 

The Three Key Elements… 

Light Therapy can be used for a wide array of conditions and disorders. Each of these forms of treatment requires variations of the 3 key elements of Light Therapy. Duration, timing, and intensity.
The duration of the Light Therapy treatment refers to how long the treatment is conducted and the scheduling of it. This can look like once a week for two months all the way to five days a week for a year depending on the condition. The timing of the Light Therapy treatment refers to how long the treatment is conducted. For example, sitting in front of light box for thirty minutes, or keeping a body wrap around the back for fifteen minutes. The intensity of the Light Therapy treatment refers to the power of the Light Therapy device being used. For example, using a light box with 10,000 lux in order to treat seasonal depression. When these three key elements are scientifically and accurately combined, Light Therapy patients will find themselves on a path to a happier and healthier life.

Choosing The Three Key Elements…

Light Boxes for Depression: 

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that occurs each year during the months of fall and winter. The depression occurs due to the lack of sunlight as well as day light savings. These tough months can seriously affect our circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock inside our brains. Normal depression, which can occurs during any of the 12 months of the year, is also very sensitive to light. Using a light box in situation such as this has been proven extremely effective. If someone is struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, a light box will lift their mood and remind their brain what time of day it is in order to keep mood levels high. If someone is struggling with Depression, a light box can help by effectively elevating the chemicals in the brain that make us feel low.

After much research, the ideal light boxes have been created to fit individual’s lifestyles. Light boxes come in all different shapes and sizes as well as different intensity levels. The method of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the seasonal depression as well as the device being used. The stronger the light, the less time should be spent in front of the light box. Most people use light boxes for a minimum of 30 minutes each morning. A morning treatment can start your day off right and keep your body’s internal clock in check. However, some people don’t have time in the morning and choose to do the treatment at a different time. This is okay too. The more effectively you can fit the treatment into your schedule, the more you will benefit from it. Below is a list of light sources and how much light we receive indoors versus outdoors. Also, note that lux is a standard unit of light flow.

  • Bright moonlight – 1 lux
  • Candle light at 20 cm – 10-15 lux
  • Street light – 10-20 lux
  • Normal living room lighting – 100 lux
  • Office fluorescent light – 300-500 lux
  • Sunlight, 1 hour before sunset – 1000 lux
  • Daylight, cloudy sky – 5000 lux
  • Daylight, clear sky – 10,000-20.000 lux
  • Bright sunlight – 20,000-100,000 lux

Outdoors on a sunny day is 50-100 times brighter than office or room lighting.
(List borrowed from PsychEducation.Org)

With that being said, most light boxes are around 10,000 lux. It’s important to keep cost in mind as well. The higher intensity of the device, the more expensive it is going to be. But if Seasonal Affective Disorder or Depression are controlling your life, is cost necessarily a factor?

Dawn Simulators have also been proven extremely effective in scenarios such Seasonal Affective Disorder and Depression and they are noticeably cheaper than light boxes. A Dawn Simulators mimics the sunrise and sunset in your home through a small lamp. A timer must be set and when it’s time for you to start waking up, the simulator will turn on, mimicking the sunrise. This can be left on throughout the day and then slowly shut off as your day winds down. Most people only use the simulator to wake up, sort of acting as an alarm clock. But for people working from home or spending a lot of time in their home during the fall and winter months, it may be effective and helpful to leave the simulator on throughout the day.

Light Boxes For Other Mood Disorders:

Light boxes and dawn simulators, which were described above, are also extremely effective when it comes to mood disorders such as insomnia and jet lag. Seasonal changes, depression, medications, and stress, can all trigger insomnia. And for people that travel a lot for work or pleasure, jet lag can quickly control your life.

Using a Dawn Simulator for both of these conditions can be extremely effective. If you’re struggling with insomnia, a dawn simulator will help you wake up and go to sleep at appropriate times, helping create a proper sleep schedule and breaking insomnia. Also, because insomnia is also a side affect or depression, you could kill two birds with one stone. Using a light box could help too. It could elevate your mood, thus decreasing your stress levels, ultimately letting you fall asleep.

A Dawn Simulator can help fight off jet lag by keeping your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm in check. The simulator will help remind your brain the time of day and get you back to normal. A light box could definitely be effective too if it is used in the morning. It will not only keep your brain in sync with the day, but it will also put a smile on your face and a glow on your skin.

Light Therapy Devices For Cosmetic Conditions:

Light Therapy devices are commonly used to fight acne, slow down the cosmetic aging process, and even reverse hair loss. Handheld devices are typically used for acne and usually use either red or blue light. The device uses infrared lighting to penetrate into the pores on the skin to kill the bacteria that creates acne. The devices can also reduce the inflammation on the skin. This process can be done at home or in a dermatologists office. However, at home treatments are going to be far less expensive. The devices are typically held to the skin for 10 minutes increments and the light is commonly between 400 and 1,000 nanometers in intensity.

Anti-aging is one of the most popular benefits of Light Therapy. Red light therapy is commonly use for skin rejuvenation. Treatments can reduce wrinkles, minimize fine lines, reduce cellulite markings, and leave you with a young and healthy glow. Handheld devices, similar or the same as the ones use for acne, can help achieve all of these goals. Red light therapy beds are also extremely common. Similar to a tanning bed, the person undergoing the treatment would lay in the bed for a certain amount of time on a set schedule. Typically 15 to 30 minutes one to multiple times a week.

Hair loss is treated with red light therapy as well. Whether the hair loss is due to old age, pattern baldness, stress, or a skin condition, red light is known to help. The patient will either use a handheld device or a light panel and set a schedule for themself. The intensity is the same at the options discussed above. Of course, for all of these things, reading instructions and taking your personal condition into order before beginning treatment will give you the best results.

Light Therapy Devices For Severe Skin Conditions:

Light Therapy can help with more serious conditions, such as Rosacea, Eczema, Athlete’s Foot, Psoriasis, and more. If you are currently taking medication for any of these conditions or similar ones, it may be worth discussing Red Light Therapy with your doctor and finding a better option for your body. The treatments won’t take over your life and can be easily fit into your daily routine.

Red light therapy is used for just about all of these conditions. The same devices discussed above are used for these skin conditions. Blue light therapy is currently being used to treat certain types of skin cancers and it is remarkable. A solution is put onto the skin and then blue light is applied to the cancerous areas. The light penetrates through to the skin, killing the cancerous matter.

As discussed before, depending on the severity and exact circumstance of the condition, the treatments length and intensity levels differ. These treatments, aside from skin cancer, can be done at home or at a doctor’s office.

Light Therapy For Pain:

Red light therapy is commonly used amount athlete’s for pain management. Red light can treat aches and pains, reduce muscle and joint pain, help manage chronic pain, speed up the healing process for a wide array of injuries, and much more. Red light therapy beds, as discussed above, are commonly used for all of these conditions. Body wraps that use red infrared light are used as well and are much easier to fit to your lifestyle.

Starting The Treatment…

As with all major lifestyle changes regarding your health, it is always important to consult with a doctor who knows your history first. The next step is to choose whether to do the treatments at home or in a doctor’s office. If possible, at home treatments are usually the best route. Not only are they far less expensive, it is also easier to manage your time around the treatments if you only have to worry about your own schedule. It’s important to choose the right light therapy device. If it doesn’t fit your needs or schedule, you will never use it!

And lastly, but most importantly, keep an open mind. Light therapy is a natural form of therapy which could lead to doubts. But if your mind is open and you stick to a schedule, light therapy can seriously be life changing. The treatment will not heal you over night, but if you are dedicated, you can witness wonders.

Posted on April 15, 2016 In Acne, Blue Light Therapy, Depression, Hair Loss, Light Therapy, Mental Health, Psoriasis, Red Light Therapy, Skin Treatments, Uncategorized
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Top 5 Light Therapy Products For Travelers Under $100 

Light Therapy is all the rave right now. It’s all natural, drug free, chemical free and harm free. It’s being used to treat acne, rejuvenate skin, treat cancer, treat all different forms of depression, treat skin conditions, cure hair loss, and so much more! The biggest factor when it comes to any sort of medical treatment is convenience. If the treatment does not easily fit into your schedule, it’s very common to not give it the chance it deserves. In order to get the best results for light therapy treatments, patients need to set a schedule for themselves and be sure to follow it. In order for this to happen, the treatment has to work with the patient’s daily routine. Many people travel, right? Whether it’s for work, pleasure, family, friends, etc. However, traveling quite frequently while also following a medical treatment plan can be difficult. This is why finding the right Light Therapy product is so important. If you’re a traveler and looking to add Light Therapy to your lifestyle, this list is for you. We have created a list of the Top 5 Light Therapy Products For Travelers Under $100. Our list is succinct and accurate, helping you find the perfect product. These devices are easy to pack in your carry on, can be used just about anywhere, and they won’t empty your wallet. You’re welcome!

1.) Nature Bright Sun Bliss 2 in 1 Portable Light Therapy & Wake-Up Light

Amazon for $60.30

The Nature Bright Sun Bliss 2 in 1 Portable Light Therapy & Wake-Up Light is perfect for the traveler who needs a little help keeping their circadian rhythm in check. This light is made with a 10,000 lux bright light which is meant to mimic the sun no matter what time of day it is. It can be used as a simple light box that you spend some time in front of to raise your energy levels or you can use it as an alarm clock. Set the time you’d like to start waking up and the light will slowly start to turn on, mimicking the sunrise and keeping your mind’s internal clock in check. The Nature Bright Sun Bliss Light is light weight and portable, weighing in at only 15.5 ounces and 1.2 inches in height.

2.) Zadro Sunlight 365

Amazon for $34.95

The Zadro Sunlight 365 was specially designed for the winter blues traveler. This light consists of 35 blue LEDs and has 10,000 lux of light which is quite impressive considering the size. The light is adjustable from 0 to 100% and has a small panel on the front that shows the time and other optionable settings. This light is plastic, small, and portable, making it a necessary addition to your carry on bag.

 

3.) Verilux Happy Light Liberty 5K Natural Spectrum Energy Lamp

Joann for $19.99

This lamp is on sale! You better add it to your cart quick! The Verilux Happy Light Liberty 5K Natural Spectrum Energy Lamp is only about 6″x7″x3″ which makes it perfect for your office, desk or hotel room. It’s plastic and portable, making it easy to fit in your suitcase or briefcase. It emits 5000 lux which is ideal for mild to moderate cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, jet lag, shift changes, insomnia, and more. This lamp may be small but it sure is mighty.

4.) LED Light Therapy Skin System For Beautiful Skin

Amazon for $99.99

The LED Light Therapy Skin System for Beautiful Skin uses multiple forms of light therapy to target skin conditions such as acne, wrinkles, scars, inflammation, psoriasis, Rosacea, and more. This skin care package includes three detachable light heads which can be changed according to what your skin requires. The device is hand held, cordless when in use and charges with the included cord. The device is aimed to give you a 30 minute treatment per charge and has a built in timer to let you know when your treatments are finished. Treatments are usually 10 minutes long. The device is only 5.6 ounces and 2 inches long, making it easy to continue your skin treatments while traveling. How often do you get to treat your acne on the go? This device makes it possible.

5.) ReVive Light Therapy Skin Treatment

Amazon for $79.95

The ReVive Light Therapy Skin Treatment is a handheld wand that penetrates deep into the skin to kill acne and the bacteria that causes it. The device is made for all skin types, even the sensitive ones! The light head consists of 40 LED blue light bulbs which makes this device a bang for the buck! The device should be used for a minimum of 3 minutes each day and used with goggles if the light is close to your eyes. The ReVive Light Therapy Skin Treatment device is small, portable, and will fit nicely in your toiletry bag while you travel. Continue your treatment on the go! It’ll be worth it.

Posted on April 11, 2016 In Acne, Blue Light Therapy, Depression, Light Therapy, Mental Health, Products, Red Light Therapy, Skin Treatments, Top 10's
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Sunlight & Mental Health

 

What Is Sunlight?

Sunshine! It gives us tans, beach days, blooming flowers, pretty green grass, a need for oversized sun hats, an excuse to go outdoors, and oh so much more. But the most important thing sunshine may contribute to our lives is it’s effect on our mental health. But before I get into that, let’s learn a little more about the sun. Let’s learn the facts.

Sunlight is a portion of the electromagnetic radiation that is given off by the all mighty and powerful sun. Using more specific terms, the sun gives off infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. For us little people down on Earth, sunlight is filtered through the atmosphere surrounding the Earth, thus providing us with daylight. This means the sun is present above the horizon. When the sun’s rays are not being by clocked by clouds, which creates diffused light, they shine right on down to us. This creates sunshine, which is an unbeatable combination of radiant heat and bright light. Too much sun isn’t always a good thing. It’s important to always wear sunscreen, protect your skin from overexposure, and always drink enough water. The sun is more than powerful and can easily control our bodies.

If you’re like me, you cross your fingers, pray to the weather gods, and hope with everything inside of you that every single day of the year will be sunny. This is because sunlight is known to have positive effects on the brain, can drastically improve your skin, can ease health problems, and most definitely raises energy levels. If we are smart about how we manage our time with the sun and how it fits into our lives, we can be exposed to a world of health benefits. The most important effect the sun can have on our bodies, may be our mental health.

Our Mental Health…

Our mental health is something that shouldn’t be tampered with too much. According to Mental Health, a website dedicated to the study of the human brain, mental health is not only important, it’s also intricate. According to the website,

“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

  • Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
  • Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
  • Family history of mental health problems”

(MentalHealth.gov)

It’s important to remain happy, remain sane, and have a good outlook on life in order to achieve the highest possible quality of life. Our mental health is a sensitive part of us. It can be quite a rollercoaster so it’s smart to always keep your seatbelt on.
Of course, there is an endless list of factors that could have a negative effect on our mental health. We could have family issues, we could be suffering from heartache, we could be struggling with a severe disorder, disease, or condition. The list goes on an on. However, one of the most common reasons why someone’s mental health levels would decrease is due to the weather.
It is incredibly common for people who struggle with Depression, seasonal changes and Seasonal Depression to just shrug it off, but it is taking a toll on their mental health for sure. For example, the way the weather effects us. It’s easily to call feeling down during winter the “winter blues.” Or if you get to work before the sun is up and then get out once the sun has already set, you are not going to stay at the top of your game. This is where Depression can either show up again or appear for the first time. It’s easy to just wait it out, letting yourself hibernate and feel low. But the truth is…our brains love the sun! Our bodies are far more sensitive to sunlight than most people recognize. The winter blues and our not so great daily schedules can take a serious toll on us and they rely on whether or not the sun is out and planning on sticking around.

Light Therapy For Mental Health…

When struggling from Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Seasonal Depression, or seasonal changes, you don’t need to just sit and wait around for things to get better. One form of light therapy was created in order to help treat the conditions we are discussing. A light therapy device can be used to help treat the symptoms associated with these conditions. It doesn’t work in one day, but it’s a step in the right direction.

People struggling with Depression or these seasonal related conditions first choose which form of light therapy prefer according to their lifestyle as well as their symptoms. A light therapy device for this sort of treatment provides a measured amount of light through fluorescent bulbs or panels. The light intensity is typically between 2,500 to 10,000 lux. Depending on the device chosen, which could be a panel, box, lamp, or simulator, the patient would choose a schedule. The treatment is most effective if a set amount of time is scheduled on a regular basis.

Natural Sunlight For Mental Health…

Sunlight does more than just lift our moods, it actually cures depression symptoms. It does this by raising levels of anti-depressants in the brain. Serotonin, which is a mood lifting chemical, is produced at a higher rate on sunny days. While light therapy devices can help raise Seratonin levels as well, nothing beats the real thing.

It may sound funny at first, but treatment for depression and seasonal depression can most certainly be done with natural sunlight. Similar to a light therapy device, setting aside a part of your day on a regular basis is the same concept. Not everyone is lucky enough to live somewhere where they can receive this sunlight throughout the year, but if you are, you should take advantage of it. It’s too good for you not to!

Don’t Forget!

“Adding a little sunshine to your life by getting outside more can relieve anxiety and reduce depression. If you live in higher latitudes with little sunlight, a light box may provide some mood-boosting benefits. From treating skin conditions to strengthening bones, sunlight has other health benefits as well. Because excess sun exposure is linked with increased skin cancer risk, refrain from staying outside too long without sunscreen. If you’re going to be outside longer than 15 minutes or so, you’ll need a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.”   -(HealthLine.com)

“Discovering the environment’s impact on cognitive functioning within the context of seasonal disorders may lead not only to better understanding of the disorders, but also to the development of targeted interventions to enhance everyday functioning and quality of life.”
-Shia Kent, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Posted on April 8, 2016 In Light Therapy, Mental Health, Sunlight, Uncategorized
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Top 10 Light Therapy Products For Depression Under $100

Light Therapy is being used to help treat depression all over the world. Many people struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a form of depression that occurs annually during the fall and winter months. Due to the fact that there is little to no sun during these months and the time changes make it difficult to keep track of what time of the day it is, it is easy for depression to settle in. For people that struggle with depression regardless of the time of year, Light Therapy has also been proven effective. Light has the power to lift energy levels, making it easier to live with depression. Also, typically depression and insomnia go hand in hand. Light Therapy helps keep the brain’s internal clock in check which can help fight insomnia. Waking up to “sunlight” in your room can awake you in the right mood and remind your body that it is time to wake up and get the day started.

Whether you’re struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, insomnia, or any other disorder that’s got you down, Light Therapy might be the right path for you. A simple light box that you leave on your desk may flip your life around. Spending as little as thirty minutes in front of a light box while you read, work, eat, write, or knit may be what you need to feel like yourself again. We know that many people struggle with all different forms of depression and we know that time, money, and convenience all play a role in our treatment options. This is why we made a list for you. Below you will find the Top Ten Light Therapy Products For Depression Under $100. These products are highly reviewed, easy to use, and inexpensive.

1.) Sphere Gadget Technologies Lightphoria 10,000 Lux Energy Light Lamp

$69.99

If your mood could be bumped up a few notches and your space is limited, this is the light therapy lamp for you. The Sphere Gadget Technologies Lightphoria 10,000 Lux Energy Lamp is not only portable and sleek, it’s also well made and sturdy. It emits 10,000 Lux of light energy and is made with 72 energy efficient LEDs that consume 7.2 watts. This is impressive considering it’s size. The lamp has options for different intensity levels and a timer that can be set for 15, 30, or 45 minutes.

2.) NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp

$39.99

The NatureBright Sun Touch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp uses 10,000 lux light therapy and negative ion therapy which is worth pointing out after seeing it’s price point. This lamp was created to balances your body’s internal clock which is the main reason why Seasonal Affective Disorder exists. Once your mind and body are back on track you start to feel refreshed, energized and youthful. Ion therapy has also been proven effective when used as anti depressant and can show results in as little as three days. This lamp is recommended by the Columbia Department of Psychiatry and the New York State Psychiatry Institute. Definitely a product you should add to your cart!

3.) Philips Wake-Up Light

$69.99

A dawn/dusk simulator is necessary for anyone struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, insomnia, or jet lag. The Philips Wake-Up Light is intended to be an all natural and highly effective alarm clock. Instead of blasting a loud alarm in your ear to wake you up in the morning, this Light Therapy device slowly begins to mimic an outdoor sunrise when it reaches the time you set it to. The purpose is to awake you naturally, leaving you refreshed, energized, and ready for the day. There are also 10 light settings, a snooze option, and an alarm beeping option in case you sleep through the light.

4.) Verilux VT10WW1 HappyLight Liberty Personal Portable Natural Spectrum Energy Lamp

$39.95

Light Therapy Lamps are intended to improve your mood and outlook naturally, drug free, and harm free. The Verilux VT10WW1 HappyLight Liberty Personal Portable Natural Spectrum Energy Lamp is highly reviewed and trusted for doing just that. The LED light panel on the lamp is only 8″ in height and width and it emits 5,000 lux of light energy. This is a moderate output range, making this lamp ideal for mild to moderate cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder and other forms of depression. The size and intensity of the lamp make it perfect for desk, office, and travel use.

5.) Aura Light Therapy Lamp

79.89

The Aura Light Therapy Lamp is sleek, modern, and highly reviewed. This lamp emits 10,000 lux of light energy and has a 6 inch photopic measurement. This lamp is a must have for anyone dealing with the winter blues. The company recommends performing light therapy treatments as early as possible in the morning and credits itself for being highly effective in lifting moods, stabilizing energy levels, and treating depression. The high number of happy reviewers on Amazon agree too!

6.) Nature Bright Sun Bliss 2 in 1 Portable Light Therapy & Wake-Up Light

$60.30

The Nature Bright Sun Bliss 2 in 1 Portable Light Therapy & Wake-Up Light is perfect for someone who needs a little help keeping their circadian rhythm in check. This light is made with a 10,000 lux bright light which is meant to mimic the sun no matter what time of day it is. It can be used as a simple light box that you spend some time in front of to raise your energy levels or you can use it as an alarm clock. Set the time you’d like to start waking up and the light will slowly start to turn on, mimicking the sunrise and keeping your mind’s internal clock in check. The Nature Bright Sun Bliss Light is light weight and portable, weighing in at only 15.5 ounces and 1.2 inches in height. This lamp is perfect for your desktop, bedside table, or carry on bag!

7.) Lighten Up! Sunrise / Dawn Simulator

$39.95

This sunrise and sunset simulator is a little different than most. The Lighten Up! Model 308 Sunrise Simulator actually does not include a lamp. Instead, this device plugs into the light source of your choice, turning it into a simulator. With this device you can control your own lamp and have it on a specific timer, staying in tune with the outdoor light, thus keeping your internal body clock in check. This simulator is perfect for helping treat seasonal depression, jet lag, insomnia, and more. For people who live in areas that deal with long periods of darkness, for example Alaska in the winter, this simulator can help your body remember what time it is and where your brain should be at at that time. This simulator is very well priced and the fact that you can control just about eveything about it including the light source isn’t too bad either.

8.) Zadro Sunlight 365

$34.95

The Zadro Sunlight 365 was specially designed for the winter blues victim on the go. This light consists of 35 blue LEDs and has 10,000 lux of light which is quite impressive considering the size. The light is adjustable from 0 to 100% and has a small panel on the front that shows the time and other optionable settings. This Light Therapy lamp is plastic, small, and portable, making it a necessary addition to your carry on bag.

9.) Verilux VT15WW1 Happy Light Liberty 7,500 Lux Energy Lamp

$43.99

Okay, we’ll admit it. This lamp isn’t too different from all the other ones we’ve discussed. But when a light is this powerful and this cheap, it’s worth pointing out! The Verilux VT15WW1 Happy Light Liberty 7,500 Lux Energy Lamp emits 7,500 lux light energy at an 8 inch photopic measurement. It’s also UV free, flicker free, and small enough to put on your desk, but not small enough to not give you the power you need to fight the blues. HappyLight has been making Light Therapy devices since 1956 and all of their devices are worth your hard earned money. We promise!

10.) Hammacher Schlemmer Desktop Light Therapy Lamp

$99.95

Yes, this is another light therapy box, and yes, this one is more expensive. But didn’t your parents ever tell you “you get what you pay for!” The Hammacher Schlemmer Desktop Light Therapy Lamp is sleak, clean, and effective. The lamp is equipped with 10,000 LUX of daylight spectrum light, which is rare for a product of its size. The high level of light being emitted is perfect for counteracting seasonal depression, seasonal change, jet lag, and more. Spending just 30 minutes a day in front of this light therapy lamp can help stop the release of melatonin in your brain. Melatonin is a sleep hormone and when it is stopped from being released throughout the day, you will find yourself with a much higher energy level from sun up to sun down. The Hammacher Schlemmer Desktop Light Therapy Lamp uses a 36 watt bulb rated for 10,000 hours. It also includes an electronic ballast to stop buzzing while operating and flicker elimination technology. This light therapy lamp definitely needs to be added to your cart!

Posted on March 29, 2016 In Depression, Light Therapy, Mental Health, Products, Top 10's
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Light Therapy & Cancer Survivors

  

Did You Know…
that a great deal of cancer survivors are diagnosed with clinical depression? Some survivors struggling with depression have been cancer free for years. Even though the cancer is gone, patients still struggle immensely. Is it going to come back? What happens if I does? What do I do with all of these debt? How do I become myself again? Will I ever be happy again? All of these questions are one hundred percent valid which is why we should never except cancer survivors to constantly be leaping with joy with no other thoughts in their minds. That is just not fair.

Depression…
is a much more than feeling just feel low for a couple days. Everyone has their moments where they feel sad and low, sometimes even depressed. These feelings can be brought about by rejection, loss, drastic lifestyle changes, low self esteem, every day struggles, and more. However, when these feelings don’t fade away as the days go on, and your mood is always as low as the dirt, it is very likely that your sadness has transformed into something far more serious. These are signs of being clinically depressed. Clinic depression is difficult to conquer and therefore should never be ignored. However, when sadness turns into depression, it becomes a condition that is medically treatable.

The Symptoms…
of depression are not necessarily anything that you wouldn’t expect. Imagine your worst day, when you feel so sad and low, helpless and anxious, and then morph that into a lifestyle. This is depression for most people. Web MD, a scholarly website dedicated to helping us understand our bodies, has a section on their website explaining depression and all of the details surrounding the condition. In their section on depression, there is a chapter titled, “How Do I Know If I Have Depression?” The site continues to list signs that point towards depression followed by some important key signs…

• A depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning
• Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
• Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
• Insomnia (an inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death)
• A sense of restlessness or being slowed down
• Significant weight loss or weight gain

Light Therapy… 
is slowly becoming a total game changer for our world. It is helping treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, skin disorders and conditions, and a whole lot more. Lucky for cancer survivors everywhere, Light Therapy is most definitely helping kick depression’s butt. 

New studies conducted in colleges across the world have shown that Light Therapy can decrease symptoms of depression in cancer survivors. It is also helping to balance the circadian rhythms in their brains. 
According to Psych Central, a very credible website dedicated to the interworkings of our brains, the studies were extremely enlightening. The website explains, 
“For the study, researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Northwestern University, University of Iowa, University of California in San Diego, and Reykjavik University in Iceland randomly divided 54 cancer survivors into two groups. Participants were provided with a light box and asked to use it for 30 minutes every morning for four weeks. The boxes either had a bright white light or a dim red light. Depressive symptoms and circadian activity rhythms were measured before, during, and three months after completing the light exposures to determine the effectiveness of the light therapy. The study found that patients exposed to the bright light experienced improvements in depressive symptoms, while those exposed to the dim red light experienced no change in symptoms. “Our findings suggest light therapy, a rather non-invasive therapy, may provide an innovative way to decrease depression among cancer survivors,” said William Redd, Ph.D., a professor of oncological sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and co-author of the study.” (PsychCentral.com)
It is important that whatever treatments occur post cancer for these patients remains non-invasive and very positive. This is why Light Therapy being effective for treating depression is so important to acknowledge. Light Therapy is harm free and can seriously improve the quality of life that cancer survivors are experiencing.

Posted on March 25, 2016 In Light Therapy, Mental Health, Uncategorized
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