Light helps control your body clock (or circadian rhythm). There are 2 hormones that greatly affect your body clock: Serotonin and Melatonin. Serotonin tells your body that it is time for you to be awake, and Melatonin tells your body when to sleep. When your body clock gets off track, your body is releasing these hormones at the wrong times. This causes you to have abnormal sleep cycles, as well as mood and energy problems.

Light is used to control when your body produces these two hormones. Serotonin and melatonin cannot be produced at the same time. When you use light, your body produces Serotonin, suppressing Melatonin. Depending on what time of day you use the light, this can shift your body clock to get back on track, allowing you to regular sleep, better moods, and more energy.

Which light would be best?

The lights that we suggest the most are the Deluxe Sunshine Simulator, Rise & Shine Full Spectrum Natural Alarm Clock and the Ultra Blue Light Therapy Sleep System These are our most popular product for light therapy for sleep. If the light will be used for a child, we suggest the The Verilux® Happy Lite Deluxe Sunshine Simulator because its field of light is much bigger, allowing the child to move around more. Though the Ultra Blue Light Therapy Sleep System is smaller and more portable, it does give off blue light. If you are looking for something that looks like "Sun Light", then we suggest the The Verilux® Happy Lite Deluxe Sunshine Simulator.

Am I supposed to look directly at the light?

You aren't supposed to look directly at the light. It needs to be set in your peripheral vision, with the light washing your face. The important part is that the light gets to your eyes. You need to be in a position that your face is within the beam of light coming from your light box, but it is not necessary (or recommended) that you stare directly at the light box.

What happens if I miss a treatment?

If you miss a treatment every once in a while, then you will be fine. Try not to miss more than one or two days in a row. If you skip treatments on a regular basis, then it may take longer for your treatment to be effective.

I am on a light sensitive (photosensitizing) medication, is it okay for me to use the light?

Although light therapy does not produce the wavelengths that photosensitizing medications react to, we recommend that you avoid using any light therapy, and avoid direct sunlight until not using photosensitizing medication.

There are times in the middle of the day when I lack energy or feel tired. What can I do?

You can do what we call a "boost". During the day, when you start to feel down or tired you can use your light for 8-10 minutes to get an energy boost. When you do this, make sure you use the light 1-2 feet further away from you than you do for your regular treatment. With the light being this far away, it isn't strong enough to shift your body clock, but it will suppress Melatonin production and increase Serotonin production, which will give you more energy. You can do this process every 3-4 hours through out the day, as needed. But, don't use the light 3 hours before you plan on going to bed, otherwise it will keep you awake.

What do I do if I sleep in on the weekends?