Light Therapy for Depression

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Light Therapy For Depression

• How Does it Work and How to Choose the Right
  Light Box
• By Meital James
• http//Light-Therapy-Reviews.net

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• Did you ever notice how your depression worsens
  after spending a full day behind closed curtains
  at home? Have you ever spent half an hour out in
  the sun and found yourself smiling and whistling
  a cheerful tune? Well, the inventors of light
  therapy for depression noticed it too.

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• Theres no question about it and many studies
  have confirmed it Lack of sufficient light has a
  negative effect on our mental (and physical)
  health. It is already scientifically proven that
  bright light therapy can REVERSE seasonal
  affective disorder in just a few sessions and now
  more and more studies find that it works wonders
  with non SAD depression and depression during
  pregnancy as well. In fact, a few studies found
  that light therapy is just as effective as
  antidepressants.

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How Does Light Therapy Help With Depression?

•  Light promotes the brains production of the
  neurochemicals responsible for positive moods.
  This may explain why people not getting the light
  they require feel lethargic, less motivated and
  experience the blues.
•  Light therapy is just like going outside for an
  hour a day, but without the risks associated with
  UV light.

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How to Choose the Right Light Box for Depression
Treatment

• First of all, Im happy to report that according
  to my extensive online research, reading dozens
  of light box users, most of them swear by it and
  would not go through a day without it. But there
  are many light boxes out there. How to choose the
  right one and the best one?

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These are the features you have to look for

• The light box should be intended for SAD and
  depression specifically. Not for skin treatment,
  for example.
• The light box should have 3 LED lights that
  produce 10,000 lumens each
• The light should be blue. Recent research found
  that blue light at a certain range is more
  effective for depression and SAD than white
  light. But, blue light may cause some damage to
  your eyes so avoid looking directly at the light
  source in any light box that you buy.

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• UV light filter Look for a light box that
  releases as little UV light as possible at high
  intensity. If youre not sure, contact the
  manufacturer for safety information
• Size and extra features Most people prefer a
  small to medium light box, its important if you
  dont have a big place to put it on, or if you
  want it to fit your desk or nightstand. Keep in
  mind most light boxes need to be positioned
  within 2 feet (61 centimeters) of you. Some light
  boxes offer more than an Off and On switch such
  as timers you can program, adjustable brightness,
  extended batteries and more.

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• Cost most of light boxes that meet the above
  criteria cost between 60 (Naturebright Suntouch,
  for example, costs 69 right now) to 500. Some
  health insurance companies cover some of the cost
  of light therapy for SAD, but you will of course
  have to get a prescription from your doctor.

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The Top 2 Light Boxes for Depression

• I have there are 2 light boxes that meet all of
  the requirements I have listed above and have the
  best user satisfaction rate online. (I use one of
  them at home every winter when my SAD pops to say
  hello). You can see them below, and read many
  user reviews for them
•  Philips goLITE BLU
• NatureBright SunTouch
•  

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• Warning If you suffer from clinical or major
  depression, it is recommended that you dont try
  to treat yourself but consult with a doctor to
  avoid improper and dangerous use of the device.
  Also, Persons with eye problems such as diabetic
  retinopathy and sensitivity to light should not
  use light therapy because it can exasperate those
  diseases.