Light is important for humans – it has a much wider effect than just helping us to see. The ticking of our body clock and our adaptation to the environment strongly depends on light. In our society, professional and social requirements often force us to time our sleep and wake periods against our body clock. Very often we do not get the chance to profit from natural light and most people do not get enough light in their homes and workplaces. Especially in combination with a mistimed sleep-wake cycle, we feel tired or powerless, have difficulties to concentrate, and might even have a bad mood or mood swings. Even our immune system can suffer from this.
Light therapy improves the ticking of our body clock, helps to be alert and awake, and improves our mood and well-being. Even our sleep can be ameliorated with light therapy. It is the most commonly used treatment for seasonal affective disorders (“winter blues”) and sleep-wake rhythm disorders, and approved as supplemental treatment for all psychiatric disorders where depressive symptoms occur. Light therapy has also been proven useful to improve quality of shift workers’ life or to overcome jetlag.
In the same line, light at workplaces is of great importance. Although harmful, most of us work under too low light conditions in our offices and workplaces. Open offices where enough natural light is present, or optimized artificial bright light settings can counteract the negative influences of too little light and therefore help create a more healthy and productive work environment.
If applied correctly, side effects or negative consequences of light therapy and bright light are rarely observed. Nonetheless, there are some contraindications (certain eye conditions, parallel intake of medications which enhance light sensitivity etc.). It is moreover important that light therapy devices are equipped with a UV light-filter to avoid harmful effects on the eye. Therefore, for accurate and maximally effective treatment, several aspects have to be considered and it is important to seek professional advice. Light properties, such as intensity, color spectrum and dynamics have to be considered and adapted to the individual needs and purpose. Also, optimal light exposure duration depends on the specific aim of the intervention.
Light is important for our body and mind. Light therapy can improve well-being, mood, sleep, and concentration. It helps us to adapt if our body clock is not in synchrony with the environmental light-dark cycle due to jet lag or shift work. If the light therapy devices are appropriately selected and used, side effects are rare and application is easy.
For more information, feel free to consult : www.luminotherapie.com
