Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the light that's emitted from SOlshine Photo Nutrition different than other full-spectrum lights (FSL)?
- Other FSL lights are not actually full-spectrum. They are visible spectrum only and do not include a broad band of essential near infrared light (NIR) or a trace of ultra violet light (UV).
- So-called FSL that does not include invisible near infrared light (NIR) is harmful to one's biology, especially the eyes. (Retinal damage by commercial LED)
Why are some of the SOL PhotoVites near infrared (NIR) LEDs faintly glowing red?
The shorter near-infrared wavelengths which are closer to visible red light, appear as a faint red glow.
There are 5 different NIR wavelengths and the longer wavelengths will be completely invisible, however all are in fact working properly.
Why are some of the LEDs not glowing in the SOL bioBulb? Are they not working?
All of the LEDs are working properly, however the brightness of the white light washes out the faint glow of the near infrared (NIR). Half of the 18 LEDs will appear to not be working, however they are emitting 5 different NIR wavelengths.
What is the difference between SOL bioBulbs and SOL PhotoVites?
SOL Photovites primarily serves as a light therapy device, intended for use in shorter sessions. On the other hand, SOL bioBulbs, while also offering therapeutic benefits, are mainly designed for providing nutritional lighting to the environment all day.
SOL Photovites are nutritional light therapy devices that regulate brain chemistry and address circadian rhythm disruption in order to reduce the risk of mal-illumination and metabolic syndrome.
Being SAD Rated: 14,840 LUX @ 2', they're also ideal for a host of other light related issues: (see) benefits in the nav bar and a sample of related research.
- User Guide: SOL PhotoVites
- Preliminary Research
- 2-modes: timed 15 minutes FSL & NIR session combined and timed 15 minutes NIR only session: 30 minutes total protocol
- 20 visible full-spectrum LEDs & a broad band of 5 different wavelengths of near infrared (NIR)
SOL bioBulbs are also therapeutic being SAD Rated: 10,940 LUX @ 2', however they are primarily intended for "nutritional" environmental all day light and especially when computing. SOL bioBulbs utilize 9 'visible; full-spectrum LEDs and a broad band of 9 near infrared (NIR) LEDs. They are non-dimmable and have a long life of 30,000 hours with a 2 year warranty.
Are there any contraindications or side effects when using SOLshine?
With any new product, we always recommend starting low and slow. Anyone with a medical condition should check with their physician before using. On rare occasions, a side effect can be similar to drinking 'too much' coffee, depending on one's sensitivity. Another description of this could be "edgy." If this occurs, reduce the amount of use time and/or simply increase the distance from the light source.
Can SOLshine be used for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
Yes, SOLshine will benefit SAD sufferers, however SOLshine is not limited to bright light therapy for SAD. SOLshine addresses the epidemic of Mal-illumination of which SAD is a sub-syndrome.
When we began our research in March of 1988, a headline on the cover of People Magazine boldly proclaimed, "Full Spectrum Light CURES Depression!"—a statement that was quite astonishing at the time, as the term "CURED" is not typically used in this context nor is it allowed today. The concept of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) has since become a foundational element in the discussion of light therapy. Red light therapy, supported by numerous peer-reviewed studies ranging from pain management to beauty, alongside the growing awareness of blue light's impact on eye health, has significantly contributed to understanding light's importance. It took three decades for the concept of SAD light therapy to truly permeate public consciousness. Echoing the insights of Dr. Jacob Lieberman, who regards light as the medicine of the future, it's clear that the future of medicine, with light health and therapy at its forefront, is now.
SOLshine has fundamentally enhanced full spectrum lighting. Our SOLshine products, offering the most comprehensive spectrum available, truly earn the designation of Nutritional Light. Surpassing traditional SAD lighting and even advancing beyond Dr. Ott's contributions, we provide the most extensive, "balanced" spectrum of light. Discover more about OUR TECHNOLOGY here.
What is SOLshine's recommended use?
SOLshine SHOULD BE USED DAILY FOR LIGHT HYGIENE ALL YEAR LONG
- SOL PhotoVites is intended for morning nutritional light therapy and may be used throughout the day for a natural energy boost.
- Unique dual modes allows for a convenient timed sessions.
- Near infrared mode is especially beneficial at night to aid sleep.
- SAD light therapy
- SOL bioBulb is used for nutritional light therapy as well as all-day natural lighting.
- Includes a convenient "clip-on" with cord & switch.
- May also be used in track & overhead cans for general lighting.
- SAD light therapy
- SOL Telescope (includes a SOL bioBulb)
- Adjustable height & directional gooseneck floorlight is convenient for many applications.
- Especially beneficial to counter computer radiation and blue light.
- SAD light therapy
Will SOLshine give me a tan?
No. SOLshine will not give you a tan.
Can I hurt my eyes by looking at SOLshine?
SOLshine will not damage your eyes by glancing at the light, but it is bright and it is not intended to look at the light to receive wellness benefits. SOLshine is intended to deliver a light 'shower' much like sunshine at noon.
As a matter of fact, our products support eye health by emitting NIR and red light which helps reduce the risk of retinal-inflammation by priming the cells in the retina for "repair & regeneration."
Can I wear my eyeglasses while using SOLshine?
Yes, but eyeglasses may partially filter the light, hindering complete absorption of the light's current intensity. If feasible, removing your eyeglasses is recommended. When using the bioBulb, positioning it above your head is optimal to ensure the light isn't filtered by your glasses.
Is SOLshine safe for children to use?
SOLshine is safe for children of all ages. As a matter of fact, studies show that poor or inappropriate lighting in schools can adversely affect children’s health and their ability to learn and full spectrum lighting can actually enhance Scholastic Performance.
Do your lights come in yellow? Why are they white?
ALL full-spectrum lights appear white. In other words, all of the colors of the spectrum together (sunlight) appear white. You would not want"limited spectrum"yellow light. The biological benefits (see benefits in nav bar) associated with full-spectrum light & sunlight are quite overwhelming as this small collection of research indicates.
Do the lights produce heat?
There's minimal heat and our near infrared (NIR) component for"blood" photobiomodulation is non thermal unlike high heat far infrared light often associated with an infrared sauna. Although our lights have multiple applications, our primary focus is to reduce mal-illumination and the risk of disease, especially associated with metabolic syndrome.
Can I use SOLshine at night?
Yes, however, we do not recommend it. When the sun goes down, one should reduce the light in their environment as much as possible and preferably shift to red light. Red light does not interfere with sleep and the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. Additionally, it's health wise to reduce all screen time an hour or two before bedtime because of the high energy visible (HEV) blue light emitted that interferes with melatonin production.
What is the warranty?
Our products come with a 2-year warranty, ensuring a full replacement in the event of defects arising from normal use.
How does SOLshine full spectrum with NIR compare to red light with NIR?
As full-spectrum light (FSL) pioneers (Ott Light Systems, 1987-97), we refer to FSL with NIR as the "fullest" spectrum light or Nutritional Light Technology™ (NLT). As the name suggests, full-spectrum light contains all of the color spectrum of the rainbow. However, common full-spectrum lights do not include essential "invisible" UV and NIR.
Technically, NIR is "limited" spectrum light. However, there's no doubt that NIR and/or NIR/red light therapy (RLT) has remarkable health and wellness benefits. For simplicity, one may compare our nutritional FSL to a multi vitamin and NIR/red light as individual vitamins since light is in fact a nutrient. As I think you may know, RLT is very popular and is often referred to as photobiomodulation (PBM).
Here's a post that compares PBM with our "blood"PBM.
To learn more about health span, longevity and the miracle of FSL, please checkout the navigation benefits link along with a host of health related subjects associated with FSL research.
I read that SOLshine products have some UV light. Should I worry about negative effects?
Our products contain a trace amount of UV light, specifically UV-A, which is supported by research to offer potential benefits.
What nanometers (nm) does the light use?
Our Nutritional Light Technology ranges from a trace of UV at 350 nm through the visible, full-spectrum with a curve similar to sunlight, as well as 780, 810, 830, 850 & 900 nm for a broad band of near infrared light(NIR) that drops off at 1000 nm.
Please see the SPD test (spectral power distribution) to get a visual perspective
Have you tested the PhotoVites for flickering and EMF?
Our SOLshine PhotoVites utilizes DC (direct current) technology, ensuring no flicker and exceptionally low EMF levels. We ensure that our lights meet the Swedish standard for electric and magnetic fields, posing no concern when tested at a distance of 12 inches or more from the device.
What is the wattage of your products?
The bioBulb is rated 10 watts, and the Photo Vites is rated 40 watts. Both are "universal" voltage(110v-230v).
You do not need a transformer or anything special because of the wattage. If required, you can use a 220v plug adapter that's compatible with a 110v plug.
What is the difference in health benefits between the bioBulb and Photo Vites?
The therapeutic benefits are the same, however features/options and recommended use time as well as brightness vary. Both reduce the risk of mal-illumination and/or circadian disruptions like SAD. Both may also be used throughout the day for a vitality energy boost. FYI, to support circadian rhythm ALL lights after sundown should be reduced and preferably switched to red instead of white.
- SOL PhotoVites is specific to light therapy
- Dual Modes: FSL (full-spectrum light) and near infrared light (NIR) combined for Mode 1. Mode 2 is only NIR light. Both Modes: 15 minute timed session. Protocol: 30 min. total = Mode 1 followed by Mode 2.
- NIR Mode 2 is especially beneficial when computing to counter EMF and HEV (high energy visible) blue light.
- NIR Mode 2 is used any time (day or night) and may also be used 30-45 minutes before bedtime to aid sleep.
- SOL bioBulbs (floor light or clip on)
- Primarily used for environmental FSL all day long.
- Ideal for reading, crafting or computing with the similar benefits to help mitigate EMF and HEV blue light.
What is the recommended usage time/interval for the telescope lamp?
The SOL Telescope may be used specifically for light therapy and/or "all day" environmental lighting.
Light Therapy:Ideal for morning use to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and circadian rhythm disruptions.
- Placement: Best when positioned above head, showering the face from approximately 12-24 inches away.
- Usage: For morning therapy, around 45 minutes is recommended. Adjust the duration and/or distance as needed to suit efficacy and comfort.
- Consistency for Best Results: Daily use is suggested for optimal benefits.
Environmental Lighting: May be used all day to provide nutritional light for people, pets, and plants.
- Usage: Provides maximum visual acuity for reading, crafting etc. Especially beneficial when computing to help mitigate EMF and HEV (high energy visible light) blue light.
- Computer Placement: Position to right or left in between user and the computer monitor in order to comfortably 'shower' both user and keyboard from 12-24" above the head.