Thanks Deborah for writing on this timely topic.
I have been debating for a long time on whether to get light box. Mainly because I am not sure I have SAD. I get depressed in all seasons really. Could the light box help with just regular depression? I wonder if it would help my son with autism? Is there anything in the literature about this helping children?
Great information....this is a post I am sure many of our members can use right now.
MM
Hi MerelyMe,
You never know how much of your depression is caused by lack of sunlight. I think it depends on whether an individual with depression feels better in the summer or when they've been exposed to a lot of strong natural light. If so, I would think that light therapy would help.
I don't know if it has been specifically studied in children (I'm pretty sure it hasn't been studied in people with autism), but if a child suffers with SAD, this should be the first treatment attempted, as far as I'm concerned, before medication.
Deborah
Unless you have the equipment to test the UV output of a homemade light, it may not be a safe option. Also, full spectrum lights include some UV and at the proximity required for treatment, that could harm the eyes and skin of the user.
If you are seeing your doctor and they are determining you have SAD, ask them about light boxes to use or visit the Mayo Clinic online or cet.org for light box guidelines. As well, many insurers have specific guidelines as to the light boxes they would cover, such as 10,000 lux output.
To learn about how light therapy works the two websites noted have soem helpful information and some sellers will allow you to rent the lights to see if they will work for you, since they don't work for everyone.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
I live in Idaho and I spend my winters craving sunlight and battling depression. Thank you so much for posting on light boxes. I have been considering a light box purchase. I do not currently have a SAD diagnosis, but my primary MD prescribes Lexapro for my depression. I did have some questions if you don't mind. Can you sit in front of a light box (and meditate) with your eyes fully closed and the light box be effective? How far away from the lights do you need to be? Can the lights burn a fair skinned person (like a sun burn)?
Any information would be greatly appreciated. I'm going to contact my insurance company and see if they will cover all/part of the cost. One more question (sorry). Can you refer me to a good quality light box, preferably closer to the $100.00 than the $400.00 if possible? Thanks again for a very informative post.
Hi Rena,
The current thinking is that your eyes need to be open for the light to have an effect. However, there are some indications that light therapy might work even if you have your eyes closed. Some people find relief from SAD just by using dawn simulators, and your eyes are closed for most of the time with them.
If the lights are properly diffused, there should not be any possibility that you could get a sunburn, or longterm, develop skin cancer. The lights should be diffused with some sort of semi opaque plastic or glass.
I can't recommend a particular light box, partly because they really all do the same thing. But I would suggest reading the reviews on Amazon, through this search, for instance: Light therapy
Good luck! If I didn't live in California I definitely would be using light therapy, even though I'm on antidepressant therapy.