Now there are several ways to combat this problem:
Light box therapy: (Phototherupy) this type of general therapy is also known as bright light therapy. Phototherupy requires the patient to sit near a fluorescent light box that simulates sunlight. Ideally, the light should be 2,500 lux to be effective, and daily exposure is recommended. A doctor will prescribe the right exposure strength and duration.
Seasonal Affective Disorder: The problem with depression in winter is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. It is a known fact that many people get very depressed in winter time when there is less light, and even go so far to say that they are feeling less energetic and just not well. This condition can also give rise to overeating and a whole new set of problems. There are special light boxes for this disorder. They are called SAD light boxes. Again, before starting therapy consult your doctor.
Sleep and jet lag: Light boxes can help sleep disorders and jetlag. These devices can simulate daylight and nighttime, which helps people adjust to regular sleep hours. These light boxes help to reset the body's clock that determines when you will sleep. This is very important as lack of sleep can cause serious accidents while driving and interference with many facets of your life.
Dementia and Alzheimer: With these disorders, the body's natural clock or circadian rhythms gets disrupted, due to nerve and brain damage. This is further aggravated by poor sight in the elderly, which means that normal indoor light may not be sufficient for them to determine the difference between night and day. Light boxes are being used in experiments to see if the sleep and activity cycles can be improved with these patients.
Skin problems: Some skin problems such as: stretch marks, patches of psoriasis, vitiligo, and pale scars may be helped with UVB or UVAI light. These are the types of lights that tanning beds use. Caution should be taken to only focus the light on the skin to be treated and to avoid damage to normal skin. Be careful not to overexpose.
Colored lights: (Intense pulsed light therapy). Different colored floodlights are used for this light therapy. Different colors are thought to be better for different problems, for example:
1. Blue is good for helping to destroy acne bacteria
2. Green lights help with pigmentation problems, like age spots and liver spots.
3. Yellow is thought to aid vascular problems, such as rosacea and thread veins.
4. Green and yellow light is said to help fine lines and wrinkles.
5. Red is meant to help arthritis when directed at the exact point. It is also thought to be good for headaches.
When trying any of these light therapies, always consult your doctor. He will know if you have any latent ailments that could be aggravated by light therapy. Also, sometimes the duration and strength of exposure will need to be adjusted for the best effect.
