~ Light therapy or phototherapy also referred to as heliotherapy, consists of exposure to (full-spectrum) daylight or to specific wavelengths of light.Until the early 1930s, light therapy was considered an effective and mainstream medical therapy.
A common use of light therapy that strikes the retina of the eyes is used to treat circadian rhythm disorders and can also be used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as well as some non-seasonal psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and postpartum depression. Additionally, the term is associated with the treatment of skin disorders and beauty procedures.
Light therapy is preferred over antidepressants because it is a relatively safe and easy therapy.
The effectiveness of light therapy for treating SAD is linked to the fact that light therapy makes up for lost sunlight exposure and resets the body’s internal clock. Studies show that light therapy helps reduce the debilitating and depressive behaviors of SAD, such as excessive sleepiness and fatigue.
Sleep Disorder in Parkinson’s Disease
Sleep Disorder in Alzheimer’s Disease
A Word of Caution
In order to reduce the risk of retinal damage caused by LEDs, invisible near-infrared light (NIR) wavelengths should be emitted from a light therapy device in conjunction with the visible spectrum..
“LED light exposure that is not balanced with full (spectrum) sunlight loaded with the red parts of the spectrum is always damaging to your biology.”
World class expert on photobiology
