Light Therapy for Sleep

Light therapy is used for circadian rhythm-based sleep disorders. Circadian rhythms are the inner biological clock that affect the daily natural cycle of sleep patterns. These rhythms are more a function of light and dark rather than the time of day. These types of sleep disorders do not respond to the natural light signals to sleep and to awaken.

Function

Light therapy is used to essentially assist the brain into responding to external cues for sleep and waking by using light. Use and timing of light therapy depends on the type of sleep disorder that is being experienced.

Who Benefits?

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, you might have a circadian sleep disorder if you have one of the following problems: difficulty going to sleep; wake up frequently throughout the night; awaken very early and unable to go back to sleep; quality of sleep is poor and does not refresh you.

Light Boxes

Light boxes are the most commonly used devices for light therapy. The box emits bright fluorescent light. Depending on therapy strategy, expect to use the light box for 15 minutes to two hours during the morning or evening.

Dawn Simulators

Dawn simulators mimic the sunrise and sunset. The room where it is used will gradually be illuminated or darkened in increments to signal the brain for waking and sleeping.

Warnings

Light therapy should only be used after consulting your physician or mental health care professional. According to the Mayo Clinic, side effects are uncommon, but you should not use light therapy if skin or eyes are sensitive to light, you are taking photosensitive medications such as antibiotics or if you're taking anti-inflammatory medications.

References

• Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
• Risks of Light Therapy
• Bright Light Therapy

Resources

• Bright Light Therapy