6 Ways to Get the Most Out of Light Therapy

That time of year is upon us once again: for an estimated 10 million Americans, the winter season brings Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) due to shorter days and less exposure to natural, healing sunlight. When your body is deprived of sunlight, it produces melatonin, which is a big reason for feeling sluggish and tired all winter long. Light boxes are a highly recommended treatment for SAD, but are you getting the most out of light therapy?

1. Make Sure Your Light Box is 10,000 Lux

The quality of light therapy treatment relies on how bright your light box is. SAD is treated most effectively by a light box rated at 10,000 lux, the equivalent of afternoon sunlight.

2. Sit in Front of the Light Box

The light box should be placed at eye level, about two feet away from your face. Make sure it isn’t pointed directly in front of your eyes and position it to the left or right at about 45 degrees.

3. Use the Box Consistently

Starting in the fall and all the way to the spring, use the light box every day. The best way to get the most out of the treatment is a daily morning session lasting anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour.

4. Enjoy the Good, Not the Bad

Make sure your light therapy box filters out harmful UV rays while allowing you to benefit from the full spectrum of white light.

5. Be Careful with Certain Medications

It’s important to get a box that blocks UV light for another important reason: certain medications can cause bad reactions in prolonged sunlight exposure. 

  • Some high blood pressure medications like Cardizem and HCTZ
  • Drugs used in chemo, including doxorubicin, methotrexate, and 5-FU
  • Certain diabetic medications, such as glyburide and glipizide
  • Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • A few over-the-counter medications including ibuprofen, diphenhydramine, and naproxen

A quick glance at the warning labels can give you an idea of a potential reaction, but these reactions may just mean limiting the light therapy sessions rather than eliminating them. When in doubt, ask your doctor.

6. Use a Highly-Rated Light Box From a Reputable Manufacturer

Optimizing your light therapy sessions starts with using a highly-rated box from a trusted manufacturer, such as the BBB A+ rated The SunBox Company. We have been in the business of light therapy for over three decades; and in fact, we were the original light box company. We are constantly evolving our light box technologies to meet the needs of customers throughout the US and beyond.

We may be approaching the season’s shortest, coldest days, but it’s never too late to start treating SAD with a SunBox light therapy box. Browse our category of 10,000 lux products to find the path to an energized, new you this winter.