depression bright light therapy seasonal affective disorder help sad body clock sleep disorders circadian rhythms winter blues jetlag blue light therapy
What is light therapy?
In the early 1980’s, scientists researching depression noted a consistent pattern of symptoms becoming more severe in many patients during the long winter months, particularly in the northern hemisphere. Significantly these symptoms eased or disappeared completely as the longer summer days returned.
In 1982 The National Institute of Health (NIH) identified winter depression and coined the term, ‘SAD’ for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
The scientists found that 'SAD' was related to an imbalance in the body's natural circadian rhythms. The Circadian rhythm, or the body’s inner clock governs the timing of sleep, hormone production, body temperature, and other biological functions.
In 1984 these pioneering scientists discovered that exposure to bright white light is very effective at treating seasonal affective disorder.
For many years doctors had relegated light therapy to the periphery of credible
science. It wasn’t until 2001 that researchers from NIH, Thomas Jefferson Medical University and Apollo Health fully understood how exposure to specialised bright light, stimulates the production of brain chemicals to relieve the symptoms associated with seasonal depression
Dr. George Brainard’s team at Thomas Jefferson Medical University, identified a photo receptor in the human eye, responsible for reacting to light and controlling the production of melatonin.
They found specifically that light in the range of 447-484 nm (nanometers) is responsible for suppressing melatonin production and shifting circadian rhythms. Indeed, this particular bandwidth of light is up to ten times more effective than other wavelengths. We now know this technology as BLUEWAVE™.
How does Light Therapy Work ?
When the recipient is exposed to Apollo's BLUEWAVE™ Technology, waves of light enter the eye.
A nerve that connects the retina to a key point in the Hypothalamus region of the brain is activated.
Once activated the Hypothalamus sends a signal to the Pineal gland. The pineal gland immediately suppresses the withdrawal hormone Melatonin and stimulates the production of the active hormone Serotonin.
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As Serotonin is released you become more active, energetic and alert. This action Improves concentration and motivation. more
This cutting edge research has redefining the direction of many sciences and it's opening the minds of some of the staunchest sceptics.
Today Sleep Science researchers recognise bright light therapy as an effective treatment for circadian related sleep disorders and it is commonly used to combat the effects of Jetlag.
Industry safety bodies have introduced Bright Light therapy into the workplace
as a safety aid for people working night shift or in limited light situations
such as underground mining.
Infact as each year rolls by the importance of a regular body clock and its
impact on our daily lives is being identified as a vital ingredient in stable
mental and physical health. This inturn has paved the way for new research into
many common diseases with some making advances not seen in decades.
Research using Bright light therapy is underway now in the areas of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Women’s menstrual health to name a few. You can see the results in our research articles.
depression bright light therapy seasonal affective disorder help sad body clock sleep disorders circadian rhythms winter blues jetlag blue light therapy
