Light therapy is a great way to treat a range of ailments, disorders and conditions. With both external and internal benefits to your body, light therapy can be a part of your daily routine if you wish so. However, with the use of light therapy the question “How often should I use it?” arises. While some people recommend more exposure than others, we are here to inform you of what the experts say.
Light therapy uses a light box in most cases. The light that you are exposed to during the treatment is far brighter than a regular lamp but is proven to be safe and effective. However, individuals with sensitive eyes should be cautious and avoid using a light box. The protocol for light therapy is quite simple. You should place your light box on a table, preferably somewhere where you will be sitting for an extended period of time. You can eat, work at your computer, read or do other activities while being exposed to the light box. You shouldn’t stare directly at the box, similar to how you wouldn’t stare directly at the sun. To find out more about the recommended light therapy duration click here.
Light therapy is recommended for 30 minutes to 2 hours per day. The exact amount of time you should undergo light therapy varies based on the intensity of the light box. This means a bright bulb will require less time of exposure and a dim bulb will need more exposure time. When it comes to recommended dosage of light you should be exposed to, in most cases, the light therapy is prescribed at 10,000 lux in the early morning hours of the day.
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When To Begin Light Therapy
Light therapy is generally only to be used during the fall and winter months. The use of light therapy also depends on how far north or south you are from the equator. Therefore you won’t need light therapy for 12 months per year. If you are thinking of undergoing light therapy, you should consult your doctor first. A medical professional will advise you on the best schedule and exposure level for you. If you have Seasonal Affective Disorder, you may benefit from light therapy in the evening. Click here to discover how effective light therapy is at treating SAD. According to statistics, most people notice benefits from light therapy within the first 3 to 5 days. For others, it may take a week or two to notice any improvement. What Color Light Helps With Anxiety? Read here.
The Pros And Cons Of Having Light Therapy Daily
As with any other treatment, there are pros and cons to light therapy. Light therapy produces many benefits to our health. This is especially true since the treatment does not require the use of drugs and pharmaceuticals. It is a “natural” treatment that mimics the daylight cycle that takes place in nature. However, there are always possibilities of adverse reactions. These may include:
- Eyestrain
- Headache
- Nausea
The most common side effect of this treatment is tiredness, which occurs as a result of your body adjusting to a new sleep-wake schedule. You need to give your circadian rhythm time to balance out. Generally speaking, this feeling should go away within a week. If you experience adverse effects, stop using light therapy and consult your doctor. What Is Green Light Therapy Used For? Click to find out.
Light Therapy Guidelines
When using a light box in this type of therapy, there are a few guidelines that should be adhered to. For a list of full guidelines, including how long light therapy should last, click here. During light therapy, you should keep in mind the following:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule when using light therapy.
- Place your light box on a table and maintain the correct distance from the source. Each manufacturer will indicate how far away you should be from the box.
- You need to have your eyes open during light therapy. You should never stare directly into the box.
- You can use this time to read, catch up on work, have a meal, or socialize with friends. As long as you are exposed to the light at the correct distance, you will receive the benefits.
- The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder should improve with daily use of the light box.
- Once your body has become familiar with the light box and responded well, you can adjust the schedule. You may find that light box exposure works better in the evening. However, don’t use it too close to bedtime as it will disrupt your circadian rhythm.
- Make sure to consult your doctor before beginning any treatment and monitor your symptoms (if any) along the way.
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Conclusion
All in all, the exact length of time you should use light therapy varies from person to person. If you find your current light therapy regimen is not effective, don’t be afraid to switch it up and experiment under the guidance of your doctor. Learn how the latest and most current trends in health and wellness include light therapy.
