very helpful for seasonal affective diosorder and winter blues
Disadvantages:
none
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
The Philips Bright Light HF3305: This is a mains or battery powered high intensity light system used in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).Ill talk about SAD first then describe how a
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that afflicts people mainly during the winter and is often referred to as seasonal depression. SAD was classified in the early eighties by the National Institute of Health although it has been recognised as a problem in Scandinavian countries for a longer time as their winter is longer and darker than ours. Seasonal Affective Disorder causes you to feel low, gloomy, and lacking in energy. It may be hard to concentrate and difficult to focus. This can result in people overeating due to carbohydrate cravings, become socially isolated as they cant face going out, and sufferers frequently have sleep problems finding it either hard to get off to sleep or very difficult to wake up and get going. Seasonal Affective Disorder results in symptoms of clinical depression, such as impaired social interaction and mental alertness. There is a milder form the lack of energy and feeling sad or down are present but not so severe.
The lack of sunlight in the autumn, winter and early spring causes the effects of seasonal depression. Without sunlight, the brain doesn't produce enough serotonin, which results in the symptoms of depression. The darker days also signal the brain to overproduce the hibernation hormone, melatonin. The symptoms gradually lessen as the days draw out, Specialized bright light (a large field of 10,000 lux intensity) is the best way of preventing and treating this disorder. Light therapy at this intensity stimulates serotonin production in the brain and research strongly indicates low serotonin levels contribute to depression. Most antidepressants work by stimulating serotonin or by preventing its destruction Light also suppresses the hibernation hormone melatonin, this is the jet lag hormone. The production of Melatonin is necessary when we sleep, but daytime melatonin can be very disruptive to the circadian rhythm (body clock). Bright daylight suppresses melatonin giving us more energy and a more restful night When looking for a lamp suitable to give you that daily burst of light that is lacking several things need to be taken into account. Most importantly is that ordinary incandescent or fluorescent lighting is nowhere near the lux needed plus they do not offer full spectrum light. They actually need to be able to provide a diffuse field of 10,000 lux full spectrum light at an effective distance of 15 inches or more. The more photoreceptors in the eye that are subject to exposure the better the effect; this is known as spatial summation Indoor light is usually less than 400 lux; a cloudy day about 3,000 lux; and a sunny day is 50,000 lux or more. Using the 10,000 lux light box for about 30 minutes a day is usually enough for a beneficial response. A light box with a lower lux rating usually requires more time for a response. For example, 5,000 lux light boxes usually require 45-60 minutes of daily exposure, while 2,500 lux light boxes require 1-2 hours of exposure.About the BRIGHT LIGHT COMPACT HF3305 ≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
The Bright Light yields between 2,500 and 10,000 lux, depending on how far away you sit from it. The Philips Bright Light has been designed in such a way that, if used normally, it does not harm the eyes or health in general. The Bright Light does not tan or cause any skin reactions because the UV radiation has been filtered out. The two special tubes of the Philips Bright Light each use 55W which in total is no more than an average light bulb. Bright Light lamps last approximately 10,000 hours
Children may use the appliance following these guidelines. Children under 8 generally have more sensitive eyes than adults and should not be exposed to more than 2,500 lux. Children over 8 can be exposed to the same light intensity as adults (10,000 lux).
You can position the appliance on a desk, a table or on the floor or hang it on the wall, as long as you are sitting within the recommended distance. The appliance can be positioned at various angles, depending on where you are sitting or what you are doing. Together with the curved design of the light screen, this ensures the light falls on your eyes, providing you sit within the recommended distance and look at the lamp from time to time.
The appliance should be placed at a distance of 25 to 75 cm from where you are sitting. Choose a distance you find comfortable. The closer you sit to the appliance, the shorter the session can be: setting 1: distance 25 cm: 1 hour distance 40 cm: 2 hours setting 2: distance 20 cm: 30 minutes distance 40 cm: 1 hour distance 60 cm: 2 hours.
It's sufficient to sit close to the lamp provided you make sure that the light can reach your eyes. Don't stare at the lamp, just look at it once in a while. Exposing yourself to the light of the appliance for a longer period than the recommended time is not harmful. It may, however, disturb your sleep if you use the appliance after 8 pm
During the first few days, some people may experience a minor headache, or watery or strained eyes. Symptoms such as headaches or watery eyes generally disappear within a few days. If they do not disappear, consult your doctor before continuing with the sessions.
You can use the appliance in autumn and winter when the days are getting shorter and you feel the winter blues coming on. The Bright Light can be used all year round by people who do not get enough light and feel less fit as a result. The appliance can also be used to fight jet lag and the effects of shift work, but it may also make people who work in an artificially lit room all day feel more energetic.
If you're on prescribed medication, you should consult your doctor first before using the Bright Light. Some medicines cannot be used in combination with light therapy. Anti-depressants, for instance, make your eyes highly sensitive to light and using the Bright Light in combination with this type of medicine may result in eye damage. Be particularly careful if you use more than one medicine. Some medications have worse side-effects when used in combination. the Bright Light does not give you a tan as it has a screen that filters out UV. If you have a history of skin allergies though you to consult your doctor first.
We use these lights throughout the winter at work to ensure that our clients get to see them in action and can try them.They certainly brighten up our winter and do make you feel more energetic and less slothful
The bright light will cost around £55
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Price
under £55
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