Light Therapy

Why is Full Spectrum Lighting Critical for light therapy?

When using bright light or light therapy devices for treating seasonal affective disorder full spectrum light is not only critical, it is much more effective. Our eyes see definition and color through the lighting environment we are placed in.

Nighttime vision is made effective by the use of narrow "rods" in the eye and views the environment monochromatically, or in gray scale. At night color is seen only in shades of black or gray. So at nighttime the quality of light is not as important.

Daytime vision is made effective by the use of wider "cones" in the eyes. We see objects as light is reflected off of each object. The brighter the light the more we can see. The more we can see the greater the requirement for clarity and contrast. This is done by the superior quality of full spectrum lighting. Full spectrum lighting duplicates the visible wavelengths of sunlight at noon and uses both high clarity and balanced color phosphors.

When we suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter depression we are missing the exposure to natural light that we enjoy with the longer days of summer time. The closest thing to natural daylight is full spectrum lighting. Countless schools, businesses and homes have used full spectrum light to help with many problems associated with the lack of sunlight we experience in the winter. Full spectrum light also significantly reduces any chance of side effects that can be associated with the use of a poor quality light that is used in many light therapy devices. The lights we use do not produce "Ultra Violet Rays" in any wavelength. Many companies that make light boxes know very little about lighting and make claims that are not consistent with their own statements.

If the company that you are looking at states that the bulbs they use in their light boxes or light therapy products can be purchased through normal electrical supply or lighting supply houses, their bulbs are not full-spectrum. For more information please go to www.fullspectrumsolutions.com