Health and Beauty

Will you get some sunshine again?

Nothing to do, it has settled like the arrival of autumn on the calendar: like every year at the same time, you lack enthusiasm, desire, you feel tired… in short, you feel a (small) feeling of depression. What if the treatment was as simple as a ray of sunshine? This is the genius principle of light therapy. By reproducing the natural sunlight that we all need, it has a positive effect on mood, sleep and fatigue. At home, while exercising, in the office: light therapy can be a well-being routine within everyone's reach!

When is light therapy used?

You've noticed this change in your mood: Summer is great, but when fall comes, your energy runs out, giving way to fatigue and sometimes feelings of sadness. The solution to thwart the surrounding depression and get back in shape? A light treat of course! This is what light therapy offers. It is mainly used against seasonal depression, and is also very effective in improving sleep and combating fatigue.

Against seasonal depression

Also called seasonal affective disorder, seasonal depression affects between 2 and 6% of the French population, the majority of whom are women.(1). This condition is simply linked to our lack of natural light and the disruption of our biological clock. Depending on where you live, you will be more or less susceptible to this temporary depression. In Canada for example, It will affect up to 10% of the population.

While too much sunlight can be harmful to our health, its light is essential for the proper functioning of the body. When the light is low, especially in the morning and evening between October and April, it begins to secrete melatonin, the sleep hormone, instead of serotonin, commonly called the “happiness hormone,” which is involved in regulating our mood. And emotions.

The result: Disturbed melatonin levels create havoc with our biological clock, leading to fatigue and low morale. This is where light therapy comes in! The light sent to the retina through the lamp will inhibit the secretion of melatonin and restore the production of serotonin.

The result: better shape and better morale.

To adjust your biological clock

“Sometimes, there are people who are exhausted in the morning and feel very good in the evening,” says Gilles, founder of the Institute Dedicated to Health and Light Therapy. “The idea is to reset their biological clock so they sleep longer and have more restful sleep.” Specifically, her clients include business leaders who are traveling in the middle of jet lag. Young people, whose sleep can be disrupted by screens, can also use light therapy.

Which light therapy device should you buy?

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How does light therapy work?

Light therapy has proven its benefits for about thirty years. Recently, researchers from Strasbourg University Hospital proved that this is the case As effective as antidepressants To treat seasonal depression, he called for the wider use of light therapy.

Lamp or lights?

But then, how does it work? The principle of light therapy is simple: expose your face to artificial white light, called broad spectrum, which mimics the qualities of the sun. You should expose yourself in the morning for 20 or 30 minutes daily depending on the power of the lamp.

You can do your sessions in an institute, or in a hospital center based on a prescription, or at home, or even… while exercising! Yes, thanks to light therapy glasses. This is the portable version of the flashlight. Like a lamp, you can buy or rent one.

Treatment for a month

Light therapy is not a miracle cure! You must expose yourself daily for at least a month to feel the benefits. “For seasonal depression, I recommend doing light therapy throughout the winter,” Gill warns.

No need to stick or repair the lamp! “Brightness is very important, whatever your situation, the retina sensors take care of it,” continues our specialist.

And contraindications?

Phototherapy is safe, except:

  • If you suffer from eye inflammation, disease or degeneration (glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis, stye, etc.).
  • If you are prone to bipolar disorder, because treatment may create an unwanted reaction to phototherapy.

However, do not hesitate to seek medical advice before starting light therapy.

Light therapy lamps: how to choose well?

be careful ! It is very easy to purchase light therapy lamps online, but they are not necessarily very effective. Some will also ask you to stick your face in it. That's not good! “The lamps must have an emissivity of 10,000,” Gill explains to us Lux Minimum, up to 15,000 lux, that's interesting.

They come in all shapes, and it is up to you to choose the one that suits you. Please ensure that your lamp complies with European standards! Finally, white light is preferred over blue light. And remember, you can also rent equipment, lamp or lighting.

Will you get some sunshine again?

نحن نحب سماع آرائكم!

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