![]() Much research has shown that light from the short wavelength end of the spectrum, the blue end, has the strongest effect on the circadian rhythm system. Substantial anecdotal evidence supports the use of tropical vacations as a treatment for SAD.Īt this time, we do not recommend treatment with blue light. Dawn simulators are intended to duplicate summer sunrise. Longer periods of daytime exposure to lower levels of light than 10,000 lux have been reported to help some patients. Light visors contain LED light sources mounted on a headband: LED visors have never been tested in a controlled trial but are popular with some patients. Column-type devices have a compact footprint: the only such device currently sold uses green light (see below). Beam-type devices are light, small, rechargeable light sources which must be precisely positioned to illuminate the eyes. There may be other treatment devices which would meet the specifications above but have not been tested by us.įor additional options in treatment besides light boxes, see our page Other Light Treatment Options. These include the BOXelite, the Day-Light Sky, the SunTouch Plus, or the BuddyLux below. Some individuals maybe be satisfied with units that are somewhat smaller or dimmer, but still offer a true 10,000 lux treatment. We most recommend purchase of a full-size unit such as the NorthStar 10,000 or the SunRay II shown below, and we recommend purchase with legs which elevate the unit. The individual seeking light treatment has a number of choices. We urge the consumer who is looking for efficient light treatment to pursue equipment and conditions of use that result in at least 7,000 lux of exposure. Intensity of light is important because many experts believe there is a trade off between lux and duration: 30 minutes of exposure at 10,000 lux for is thought to be equivalent to 60 minutes at 5,000 lux or 120 minutes at 2,500 lux. Failure to be included in this listing does not indicate a product does not meet our specifications or is not an effective treatment for SAD. We are now updating our webpages as of October 2022. Some devices are no longer available, and some devices have been replaced. The unit must be rated as non-glaring by our volunteer panel, and the light emitting surface must not contain marked “hot spots” of greater intensity). The device must produce at least 5,000 lux if the user’s head is moved 5 inches to the left, right, up, or down 3. the device must produce at least 7,5000 lux at a reasonable distance (≥11 inches) 2. ![]() Three additional devices were somewhat smaller and dimmer but met our criteria (we believe that such units should meet 3 criteria to be recognized as a suitable bright light box: 1. ![]() In 2019 we published a paper analyzing 24 devices: only 3 were equivalent to full-size research devices. An individual seeking a light treatment device faces a significant issue: many devices on the market are too dim and too small to be useful treatment options. results in substantial improvement in SAD and sub-syndromal SAD for most patients. Substantial research and clinical experience indicate that exposure to bright light at 10,000 lux for 7 days per week for 30 minutes before 8 a.m.
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