When should you not use light therapy?

The major contraindications for the use of light therapy are diseases that involve the retina of the eye, such as diabetes, and the use of photosensitizing medications like lithium, melatonin, phenothiazine antipsychotics, and certain antibiotics.

What are contraindications for LED light therapy?

Contraindications for light therapy include pregnancy and epilepsy, photo-allergy, and medications that cause light sensitivity (such as Tetracycline). Also, if you are currently taking steroids or cortisone injections, you should not receive light therapy.

Does light therapy have side effects?

Is red light therapy safe? Red light therapy appears to be safe and is not associated with any side effects, at least if used short-term and as directed. This therapy is not toxic, not invasive and not as harsh as some topical skin treatments.

When is light therapy most effective?

Light therapy is especially beneficial when sunlight exposure is limited, such as during the fall and winter months. Mental health professionals frequently recommend this treatment method as it's proven to relieve symptoms caused by seasonal affective disorder, circadian rhythm disorder, depression, and more.

Can you overdo light therapy?

Getting two or more treatments in each visit helps clients save valuable time and enjoy better results. Clients are also encouraged by the fact that red light therapy is safe – because it does not harm the skin or the underlying tissue, there is virtually no risk of overdoing it.

How to Use Light Therapy

Can you overuse light therapy?

It is possible to get too much light, which can produce discomfort including feeling “wired,” such as after consuming too much caffeine. Working with an experienced clinician, and starting with general guidelines, many SAD patients arrive at a “dose” that works well for them.

What does light therapy do to the brain?

Research on red light therapy and brain health shows that natural light improves reaction time, attention, memory, and executive function. Some of the benefits that show the most potential are as follows: Improved cognitive function. Improved recovery from stroke.

How long does light therapy results last?

The results of BroadBand Light therapy are not permanent but can last 3 – 4 months or longer. This is because our treatment penetrates the skin and stimulates new collagen production. As the new collagen replaces old, damaged tissue, you start to see improvements in the appearance of your complexion over time.

Who should not do red light therapy?

The major contraindications for the use of light therapy are diseases that involve the retina of the eye, such as diabetes, and the use of photosensitizing medications like lithium, melatonin, phenothiazine antipsychotics, and certain antibiotics.

What are the two disadvantages of LED?

Can you use SAD lamp with eyes closed?

Although you don't need to stare at it, the light must reach your eyes to have any effect. This means you can use the lamp whilst working at the computer, watching TV, reading, etc. Dark glasses, tinted lenses or closing your eyes will all limit the effects of light therapy.

Do SAD lamps give you vitamin D?

People commonly use sun lamps, also known as SAD lamps, to treat a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). These lamps can also help a person's body make vitamin D, which helps ensure that specific body functions run smoothly.

Should you do light therapy in the morning or night?

Light therapy tends to be most effective when practiced daily in the morning, as many people experiencing circadian- or depression-related sleep issues are what researchers called “phase-delayed”.

How often should you use light therapy?

To see significant benefits, you typically need to have a series of in-office treatments. You may need a treatment each week for about a month. Then you might need maintenance treatments every month or every few months. Some at-home devices may also require a substantial time commitment.

Does light therapy work through the eyes or the skin?

The authors found that the antidepressant effects of phototherapy were much greater for 10 patients when light was applied to the eyes than when it was applied to the skin, suggesting that its effects may be mediated by the eyes.

How many times a day can you use light therapy?

As long as you are following the manufacturers instructions, you can use red light therapy everyday. If you have chronic pain, it's recommended to start a daily routine with using red light therapy.

What is light therapy best for?

Light therapy boxes can offer an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder. Features such as light intensity, safety, cost and style are important considerations. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs each year during fall and winter.

What conditions does light therapy treat?

Light therapy, or UV phototherapy , is a highly effective outpatient treatment for many skin conditions, including psoriasis, vitiligo, scleroderma and other dermatologic disorders. It works by slowing down cell growth and inflammation that causes skin problems to develop.

Can Lighttherapy increase anxiety?

Can Light Therapy Cause Anxiety? Bright light therapy does not cause anxiety. However, the use of bright light may cause an individual to feel irritated. This sense of irritability can come from sessions that are too intense or too long.

Can light therapy make you sick?

The most common side effects of light therapy include headache, eye strain, and nausea. You may be tired during the first week because of changes in your sleep-wake patterns, but this will usually go away after about a week.

How long should I use my light therapy at home?

Some people with SAD find that light therapy can help improve their mood considerably. This involves sitting by a special lamp called a light box, usually for around 30 minutes to an hour each morning.

Where should you place a light therapy lamp?

Place your light therapy lamp near you but not directly in front of you. The light should be in your field of vision but you should not look directly at it. For best results, position your light therapy lamp from 6 to 24 inches from your face at a 30 to 45 degree angle from your eyeline.