White Light Therapy

Light therapy - exposure to artificial light - can be a safe, effective way to treat symptoms of depression, seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.), sleep disorders, and mood disorders. Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is a form of depression that often occurs as a result of reduced exposure to sunlight in the fall, winter, and spring.  Light therapy is performed through lightboxes that emit full-spectrum light similar in composition to sunlight and thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep.

Located in the Wellness Suite, this service is offered free of charge to NU students, faculty, staff, and members, and massage clients of Henry Crown. To make an appointment or for more information, call 847-467-2607 or visit the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion Wellness Suite.
 

How it Works
The human body uses light cues, such as those provided by the sun, to set the timing on certain internal biological functions. These daily internal cycles, called circadian rhythms, sometimes fall out of sync, resulting in an imbalanced body clock. Light therapy helps to shift the circadian rhythms back to their normal time by delivering a specifically engineered intensity of light to stimulate the production of key substances by the brain.  
 
Treatment is often helpful beginning in early fall when the days become shorter, and the weather becomes more cloudy (less sunshine) until spring when outdoor light alone is sufficient to sustain a good mood and higher levels of energy.

Benefits
  • May alleviate symptoms resulting from S.A.D.
  • May alleviate symptoms from other types of depression
  • May boost the effectiveness of anti-depressants
  • May help offset jetlag and other sleep disorders
  • May help improve your mood
  • May increase your energy levels
  • May help you feel better about yourself and life
  • Safe with minimal side effects
 
Light therapy can start to improve symptoms within a few days, or in some cases, it may take two or more weeks. 
 
What to Expect
During light therapy, you sit or work near a lightbox, with the light entering your eyes indirectly (you can't get the same effect merely by exposing your skin to the light). Light therapy is most effective when done early in the morning; however, you can still gain benefits at other times of the day. Light therapy is best when performed on a regular basis (e.g., every day, 3-4 times a week). Monitoring your mood and symptoms in relation to your therapy sessions can help determine a schedule that best meets your needs.

First Few Sessions
  • You should position yourself approximately 40" away from the unit and take in the light therapy for 15 minutes.
  • Over the course of 1-2 weeks, you can try:
    1. Moving closer to the light until you are 2 feet away from the unit
    2. Increasing your time to 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and eventually 60 minutes

Best time of day: Light therapy is most effective when done early in the morning; however, you can still gain benefits at other times of the day.  Light therapy is not recommended late in the afternoon or evening, as this may adversely affect your sleep.

How often: Light therapy is best when performed on a regular basis (e.g., every day, 3-4 times a week). Monitoring your mood and symptoms in relation to your therapy sessions can help determine a schedule that best meets your needs. 
 
Consult with your doctor to determine your best schedule for use; they can help you with a daily schedule to aid in restoring a strong circadian rhythm. Since everyone's circadian rhythm is unique, users may need light at different times of the day for maximum effectiveness. 
 

When to Use Caution
It's always a good idea to talk with your physician to see if light therapy is a good option for you. 
It is strongly recommended you consult with your physician before trying light therapy if:  
  • You have a history of skin cancer
  • Your skin is especially sensitive to light (lupus)
  • Your eyes are sensitive to light or vulnerable to light damage (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and retinopathy)
  • You take herbs or medication(s) that can increase sensitivity to sunlight and cause skin reactions (e.g., certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, melatonin, or St. John's Wort). Review any medication or supplement you take on a regular basis to make sure it won't cause a reaction to light therapy. 
  • You have bipolar disorder or manic depression.  Light therapy may lead to hyperactivity, agitation, mania, and suicidal thoughts. Anyone using light therapy should immediately report any mood changes or disturbing thoughts to their physician or health care provider. 
 
Other side effects of treatment (often occurring in the beginning) may include headaches, eye strain, eye irritation, or nausea. These symptoms are usually mild in nature and disappear within a few days of starting treatment. Side effects can also be managed by reducing treatment time, moving farther away from the lightbox, taking breaks during longer sessions, or changing the time of day. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I engage in light therapy more than once a day? 
For most, once a day is sufficient. It is important to keep in mind that using the light too late in the day/evening may adversely affect your sleep.
 
Do I have to take my glasses off when using light therapy? 
No, reading or prescription glasses and contacts do not reduce the effects of light. However, you should not use tinted glasses or sunglasses.
 
Can I get a sunburn?
Light therapy uses broad-spectrum lights that do not produce UV light, so there's no risk of getting a sunburn or any interference with Rx meds that require you to stay out of the sun. 
 
Does the lightbox interfere with Rx meds that require me to stay out of the sun?
The LED bulbs do not have UV output, so there is no risk of burning or damage to the skin or eyes or any interference with Rx meds that require you to stay out of the sun. Double-check with the pharmacy or your MD to make sure it is the UV rays that you are to avoid.
 
Ophthalmological concerns:
If you suffer from an eye disease or have a history of eye diseases in your family, you should consult your ophthalmologist before using light therapy. Also, if you experience any temporary eye problems, wait until the problems subside before engaging in light therapy.