You may have heard of full-spectrum light therapy before and wondered if it can help you.
We’re constantly surrounded by artificial light, such as light bulbs, LEDs and screens. This light has an irregular light spectrum, with high concentrations of high-energy blue light. Full-spectrum light is simply artificial light that mimics the sun’s balanced spectrum to give you natural light indoors. Full spectrum light therapy has emerged as a promising solution to counter the adverse effects of limited exposure to natural light.
When it comes to being used for health purposes, full-spectrum light therapy is primarily used for people suffering from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), though it can be used to treat other forms of depression as well.
Table of Contents
- What Is Full Spectrum Light Therapy?
- How Does Full Spectrum Light Therapy Work?
- Which Conditions Does Full Spectrum Light Therapy Help With?
- How To Use Full Spectrum Light Devices?
- Safety Considerations
- How Can I Incorporate Full Spectrum Light Therapy in my Daily Routine?
- Summing It Up
What Is Full Spectrum Light Therapy?
Full spectrum light therapy or broad spectrum light therapy is a treatment in which you expose yourself to light that closely resembles sunlight. The sun’s light contains a balance of all colors and wavelengths. Full spectrum light therapy, or a light therapy box mimics the sun’s spectrum and is free from the imbalances and deficiencies found in typical artificial lighting.
How Does Full Spectrum Light Therapy Work?
The sun’s light is not just beneficial for humans, it plays a crucial role in regulating our body’s processes. If you’re unable to get enough sunlight, a light therapy box can substitute for it. For some people, excessive light therapy can help regulate and alleviate depression and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
Here’s how full-spectrum light affects us:
- Regulates circadian rhythm: Exposure to full spectrum light helps regulate our internal body clocks, promoting a healthy sleep-wake cycle and synchronizing our daily activities with day and night.
- Increases vitamin D production: Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, and full spectrum light can stimulate vitamin D synthesis in our skin, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and well-being.
- Improves mood: Natural light has been linked to improved mood, reduced symptoms of depression, and enhanced overall well-being. Full spectrum light therapy can have similar effects, making it a valuable tool for those affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- Increases energy: Exposure to full spectrum light can boost alertness and energy levels, making it a helpful remedy for the "winter blues" and fatigue.
- Increases productivity: Studies have shown that full spectrum light can improve cognitive performance, focus, and productivity.
Which Conditions Does Full Spectrum Light Therapy Help With?
Broad spectrum light therapy or full spectrum light therapy benefits are many. It helps with the following conditions:
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
During the winter months we receive less sunlight, which causes some people to feel low in the cold and rainy weather. This is often referred to as the ‘winter blues.’ Broad spectrum light therapy makes up for this lack of sunlight. Regular sessions with a light box can significantly reduce the symptoms associated with this type of depression.
Shift Work Disorder
Individuals who work irregular hours or night shifts struggle with disrupted circadian rhythms. Full spectrum light therapy can help regulate sleep-wake cycles and improve alertness during working hours. Those who work night shifts rarely receive sunlight, so light therapy can help substitute. Keep in mind that artificial light has an unbalanced spectrum (high in blue light) and isn’t any good at doing the sun’s job!
Jet Lag
Traveling across different time zones can disrupt your internal body clock, leading to jet lag. For those who travel often, full spectrum light therapy can assist in adjusting to the new time zone and reducing the duration and intensity of jet lag symptoms.
Non-Seasonal Depression
Full spectrum light therapy for depression has proven to be effective as well. It’s often used to treat non-seasonal depression, anxiety and other mood-related disorders by boosting mood.
Sleep Disorders
People with sleep disorders such as insomnia or delayed sleep phase syndrome can use light therapy to regulate their circadian rhythm. Using a light box early in the morning signals to the body that it’s daytime and starts the sleep-wake cycle. This helps shift the circadian rhythm earlier so sleep comes early too.
Cognitive Disorders
Research has found full spectrum light therapy to be helpful for individuals with cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease by improving sleep, mood, and overall well-being.
For plants
Full spectrum light is excellent for plant growth. Gardeners use full spectrum light for plants, to give indoor plants the complete spectrum of light given by the sun.
How To Use Full Spectrum Light Devices?
There are two types of full-spectrum light therapy devices; full spectrum bulbs and full spectrum light therapy panels.
Full Spectrum Light Therapy Bulbs
Full-spectrum light therapy bulbs are easy-to-use and cost-affective. You simply replace the regular light bulbs in your home with full-spectrum bulbs. You can buy full-spectrum bulbs in all fittings and sizes to fit your sockets. By replacing your traditional lighting with these bulbs, you won’t just benefit from the healthy balanced spectrum, you’ll also be protecting yourself and loved ones from harmful blue light.
You don’t need a condition to benefit from full-spectrum light bulbs- anyone can benefit from replacing artificial light with a healthier light spectrum
- Easily to replace the existing bulbs in fixtures and lamps
- Convenient for providing personal light therapy.
- Can be used in various settings, such as home or the office.
- Will protect you from the harmful blue light in artificial lights & LEDs
- Can be used even if you don’t have any conditions
Full Spectrum Light Therapy Panel:
Broad spectrum light therapy panels are best for those who want to treat a specific condition. These panels have powerful and intense light, customizable brightness and timer functions.
- Cover a broader area and provide more intense light
- Ideal for treating conditions like SAD and depression
- Ideal for clinical settings and larger spaces
- Often come with adjustable brightness and timer features for precise control
To sum it up, if you're looking for a practical and cost-effective solution for personal use, full spectrum light therapy bulbs are a great option. On the other hand, if you need more comprehensive coverage, adjustable settings, and plan to use it in larger spaces or for clinical purposes, a light therapy panel might be the better choice.
What to Look For When Buying Full Spectrum Light Therapy Products
Consider the following factors when buying a light therapy device, to ensure you’re getting the best full spectrum light therapy solution or the best light therapy lamps on the market. Also make sure you verify the products by checking full spectrum light therapy reviews on the manufacturer’s site.
- Spectrum Quality: The best full spectrum light therapy products will provide a balanced spectrum that closely mimics natural sunlight. Attached you can see the spectrophotometer report of our light therapy panels/bulbs and that of natural sunlight. Both the colors and intensity are almost identical to the sun.
- Intensity: Check the intensity or lux rating to make sure it's suitable for your intended purpose. Higher intensity is often better for treating specific conditions. Our BioLight™ Full Spectrum + Infrared Light Panel emits full spectrum light in the range of 3,000-12,000 lux. For SAD treatment, a full spectrum light box with an intensity of 10,000 lux is recommended, but lower intensities can work for other purposes.
- Adjustability: Look for products with adjustable brightness and color temperature, allowing you to customize your experience. Naturally, our therapy light has brightness control.
- Timer Function: A built-in timer is handy for light therapy panels to help you control the duration of your sessions. Our therapy panels have this function which lets you relax, knowing the panel will turn off after your set duration
- Safety Features: Make sure the product is certified to meet safety standards and comes with eye protection features to prevent UV-related eye damage. Our BioLight™ - Full Spectrum Light BULBS and panels come with UV-blocking technology to protect your skin and eyes during your sessions.
- Warranty: A longer warranty period can offer peace of mind and protection against potential malfunctions. All BlockBlueLight’s products come with a 30 day refund guarantee because we believe in our products.
- Flicker Free: All LEDs have invisible flicker because alternating current (AC) is supplied to homes and building. Invisible flicker has side-effects such as dizziness, headaches, fatigue, eyestrain, impaired thought, and migraines. All BlockBlueLight's products convert the AC current to DC signal before providing it to the bulbs, which produces little to no flicker.
- EMF Free: All artificial lights produce some amount of EMFs (electric-magnetic forces).Higher frequency EMFs, which include x-rays and gamma rays are ionizing radiation and directly damage DNA or cells. Although EMF radiation can’t be eliminated completely, our products are designed to produce as little as possible, in quantities which are not harmful to humans.
How To Use Full Spectrum Light Therapy?
Timing
Aim for morning exposure to maximize serotonin production and regulate your circadian rhythm. The goal with light therapy is to mimic natural sunlight and using it in the evening will disrupt your circadian rhythm. You will become alert and it will be difficult for you to fall asleep.
Duration
Ideally, spend 30 minutes to an hour in front of the light.
Distance
Sit or stand about 16-24 inches from the light source, and position it at an angle so that it shines into your eyes without staring directly at it. This mimics natural sunlight.
Don't Overdo It
Avoid excessive exposure to full spectrum light, as it can lead to eye strain or other side effects. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration.
Consult a Professional
If you're using full spectrum light therapy to treat a specific condition, consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on the appropriate intensity and duration.
Summing It Up
In conclusion, full spectrum light therapy is a natural and effective way to improve your mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Whether you choose BioLight™ Full Spectrum Light Bulbs for your daily routine or the BioLight™ Full Spectrum + Infrared Light Panel for more intense therapy, BlockBlueLight.co.nz provides high-quality products to meet your specific needs.
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