Can Light Therapy Help You?

Light therapy is a fairly new treatment for several different disorders ranging from seasonal affective disorder to jet lag. It is effective, easy to do and has very few side effects. Is it possible that light therapy help you? nnWhat is light therapy? This kind of therapy simulates natural light that you find outdoors to restore the body's rhythm back to a regular pattern and help people overcome some mood disorders. This type of therapy uses a specialized lamp that gives off a light that is brighter than that of a regular household lamp. Most light therapy boxes give off a light that is brighter and more intense than typical outdoor light, usually a short session of light therapy is usually quite effective. nnWhy is this type of used? Light therapy is used to simulate natural, outdoor light. Research has shown that being exposed to natural light helpsto maintain our body's natural rhythm. When we aren't exposed to much natural light it can upset the normal rhythm and create issues such as depression and seasonal affective disorder SAD. Light therapy can also help to treat conditions such as jet lag, post-partum depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder OCD. Exposure to a light box might even help people who work rotating shifts restore a normal sleep cycle. nnWhat are the risks? Light therapy has some risks, however they are usually mild. Some of the side effects may include: headache, nausea, eyestrain, agitation, fatigue, and irritability. Often side effects will take care of themselves soon after beginning light therapy treatment. But if they don't go away on their own, you should consider reducing the time that the treatment is used or change the time of day that you use the light. nnA word of caution, light therapy could trigger episodes of mania in patients with bipolar disorder. There could also be a risk of suicidal thoughts in patients who are suffering from severe depression. If you are currently being treated for one of these disorders, please check with your doctor before starting any type of alternative therapy. nnHow to get the most from your sessions. For best results, you should use your light box at the same time each day. Most health care professionals recommend using the box soon after you get up every day. Start with a 15 minute session and gradually work up to 30 minutes to two hours. Consistency is the key when using a light box. You might want to skip a day, but make your therapy time productive time. Put the box on a table near you and then read a book or watch television. nnLight therapy isn't a cure for every mood disorder, but it can help reduce symptoms and give you relief. Spending a little time in front of a light box each day can help you discover joy in the little things again.

About the Author

Tara is a mother of three who enjoys fitness and the outdoors. She loves to relax at the end of the day with a smoothie made with her hand held blender. Check out her website, www.milkshakemaker.org to learn all about different types of milkshake makers, blenders, and smoothie makers so you can make delicious treats too!

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