Bright Light Therapy

Bright Light Therapy, also known as phototherapy or heliotherapy is a treatment for individuals who have issues concerning sleep patterns and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Specifically, bright light therapy can help people with circadian rhythm sleep disorders by “re-setting” their internal clock. With the use of a special light box, which mimics sunlight, the body’s hormones responsible for waking are stimulated; eventually, the body will readjust to the desired sleep-wake pattern. Regarding depression, the bright light is believed to stimulate the production of hormones that are responsible for having a better mood. Moreover, light therapy is also being used to treat certain skin conditions (psoriasis, acne, skin cancer, etc.), retinal conditions, neonatal jaundice, and non-seasonal related depression.