How to Obtain Maximum Results from Your Light Therapy Sessions

Although most people take sun light for granted, it actually plays an important role in each person's daily life. The body uses sun light to regulate many processes, one of which is regulating the body's internal clock or circadian rhythm. An inadequate supply of light could cause serious disturbances in the body and result in circadian rhythm disorder. Signs of such disorder include sleep disturbances, jet lag and body temperature problems.

If a person can’t receive an adequate amount of natural sunlight, light therapy sessions may help restore the natural rhythm. It consists of sitting in front of a light box for a specified length of time. Here are some tips to help you get the most benefit from your light therapy sessions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a light box

1. Contact your health care provider if you feel that you might benefit from light therapy. Consider the three factors involved in order for light therapy to work. Such factors are intensity, duration and the timing of the therapy session. Your health care provider can provide guidance regarding the intensity and duration of each session, depending on your health needs. He can also provide information regarding the type of light box you need and where to obtain it. Many health food stores carry light boxes.

2. Schedule time. Generally, daily sessions is required to benefit the most from light therapy. Such sessions can range anywhere from 30 minutes up to two hours. Your doctor may start you with 15-minute sessions and gradually increase them to longer periods.

3. Have your light therapy sessions in the morning for maximum benefits. Having these sessions in the evening can interfere with your sleep.

4. Stick with your therapy sessions even if you start to feel better. Stopping too soon could cause your symptoms to return. You may notice positive results within days if the right therapy is used. However, in some cases it may take two or more weeks of light therapy before seeing results.

Tips & Warnings

• Light therapy is not new. Doctors have been using it since the 1980s.
• Bright light therapy consists of sitting in front of a light box, which emits light measured in lux.
• Inadequate exposure to light can worsen conditions such as depression, cancer, hyperactivity, hair loss, and fatigue.
• Consult your physician before starting light therapy sessions.
• Avoid looking directly at the light, as it may cause retinal damage, as well as photophobia.

[jull14]

on 11/12/2009 Excellent article and it is very informative.

[besesitos]

on 11/12/2009 Thanks for the article on How to Obtain Maximum Results from Light Therapy Sessions!Hugs