How to Choose a Light Therapy Product for Seasonal Affective Disorder

A treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder is light therapy. Light therapy is exposure to artificial light in a way that simulates outdoor sunshine. Because the average lamp in the home cannot duplicate natural light, special light boxes have been made. How do you choose the right one?

When choosing a light box for light therapy, there are some features you should watch for. How intense is the light? What kind of light does the light box produce? Is the light box easily adjustable? Is this product specifically for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? How safe is it? And is it affordable?

Light intensity. A brightness of 10,000 lux for treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is generally recommended. (Lux is a unit of illumination. The light of a full moon is about 0.2 lux. Light in a living room is about 50 lux.) So you want to make sure that the light therapy product you are interested in for treatment of SAD will produce 10,000 lux. And then see if it's at that level only if you sit right under it or if you can sit nearby. Ideally, the light source should not be right in your eyes. So is the light source adjustable? This is especially important if you are looking at a model that uses blue light. If blue light is directly in your eyes, it could harm your retina.

Light type. What kind of light does the light box use? Many of the light therapy products use fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. Some use blue light, and as mentioned above, it could be harmful if the light can't be adjusted. Other light therapy products use LED lights, or light-emitting diodes. They are more efficient and the wave length can be directed more. Also, consider how much of the UV rays the product blocks.

Is this right for me? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is no the only condition that is treated with light therapy. Light therapy is also used for pain and some skin conditions. So you want to make sure the box you are buying is specifically for SAD.

Convenience and affordability. Some light therapy products are bulkier than others so consider this when buying. Can I move it easily? If I want to move around during my light therapy session, can the box come with me? Does the product have a timer? If it has to be mounted, is it easy to do? Does it come with a storage case? And with the money being spent, am I getting my dollar's worth?

Of course, before making any decision on a medical therapy, it's best to consult your physician or a pharmacist. Through their experience, they may be able to recommend one product over another based on their other patients' experience.

For more information on light therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder, please visit the Mayo clinic's website at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/DN00013