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Light Therapy Know-How
Improve mood
Have you been bothered by feeling down lately, struggling to have interest or pleasure in doing things you usually enjoy? While there may be many reasons why you’re not feeling like your normal self, there likely are some key symptoms you’re experiencing that aren’t helping you see the light (excuse the pun!), such as lacking energy, sleeping poorly, or finding it hard to muster the motivation to blaze through your to-do list. As a result, your daily rhythms become more and more out of whack, affecting your ability to function optimally and feel well.
How are circadian rhythm and mood linked?
Your body’s circadian rhythm is affected by how much light (natural and artificial) you’re exposed to. Light exposure to the retina is first relayed to the area of the brain responsible for coordinating your body clock (hypothalamus), before descending to your pineal gland (located in the epithalamus). Your pineal gland transduces signals from the sympathetic nervous system into a hormonal signal, which results in the production of hormones such as serotonin (the happy hormone) and melatonin (the sleep hormone).
In fact, your body needs serotonin to produce melatonin, as your pineal gland chemically alters one hormone to create the other in a process called synthesis.
How can light therapy help?
Studies suggest that the brains of people with depression often produce too much melatonin, causing circadian rhythm disruptions. Exposure to the right light at the right time of day is key in coordinating biological clock signals. Research shows that bright light therapy in the morning or early afternoon has tangible, physiological effects on our bodies and brains by suppressing melatonin production, thus contributing to enhancing alertness, improving sleep and waking, and boosting serotonin. Opting for dimmer lights with reduced or low blue light content in the evening is recommended to encourage the melatonin levels to rise naturally.
Vitamin L Bright Light Therapy Lamp
In recent years, more research has emerged in support of bright light therapy (such as delivered by Vitamin L Lamp) as “an effective depression treatment not only to be used in SAD, but also in non-seasonal depression, with efficiency comparable to antidepressants”. Our customers’ experiences attest to the effectiveness of light therapy. “I find that the hour I have it on, and a few hours after I am more productive. It certainly boosts my mood.”, said Candice about her Vitamin L.
01. Boost mood and energy levels
02. Improve alertness
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Bodyclock Rise 100
The right light can also prepare your body for sleep. The built-in sunset feature can promote melatonin production to help you to unwind naturally. As your room gets dark, the light-sensitive display switches off to help you switch off, leaving you rested and refreshed when you next wake.   Bodyclock Rise 100 the ideal choice if you're new to this type of light therapy. Bright enough for reading, Bodyclock Rise 100 makes for a great bedside lamp.
01. Wake up refreshed and positive
02. Fall asleep easier
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From our community
I’m happier
The slow and natural wake up with the light has made a huge difference to my mornings. I’m more awake and happier than I was whilst using my phone alarm.
- Chelsea
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Can’t do without
I find that when I use my Vitamin L light in the mornings as soon as I sit down for work, I feel so much more alert and ready for my day. I couldn't do winters without it now!
- Sienna
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I love this alarm!
The light feature works really well in the mornings and does wake us up gently - no more startling mobile phone alarm wake-ups for us!
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Essential in the winter
I have been using this lightbox in the winter for years and consider it essential for my mental health. It’s compact, lightweight, bright and so easy to use - I’m very satisfied!
- Pat
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I love waking to my Lumie instead of a traditional alarm clock. The sunrise is very gentle and even the alarm tone isn't too harsh. I also think it looks attractive!
- Kate
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