How to use a happy light as a therapy? What is the use of light therapy? As we all know, light may serve in different ways like giving glow in a dim room, heating up a place when it is cold and the like. Also, light may come from different sources, for example, the light from the sun which gives us warmth. With this simple information, we can say that light can be used as a therapy for exceptional cases.
First we have to define what is a Happy Light. Happy Light is a light therapy device used for the treatment of Seasonal Affecting Disorder (SAD). It reduces the melatonin levels of the person suffering from the disorder and boosts their energy level. Happy light is composed of fluorescent bulbs enclosed in a simple box with a plastic diffusing screen. The Happy Light device uses a full-spectrum bulbs emitting light similar in color and composition of the sunlight. Now, let us define what Seasonal Affecting Disorder (SAD) is. This disorder upsets or depresses a person when the season he/she doesn’t like comes. People suffering from this disorder experience having difficulty to get up in the morning most especially when it is still dark, with less energy, and gaining weight. These people doesn’t feel like functioning well during seasons they hate the most.
In this condition comes the idea of using happy light as a therapy. How to use a happy light is simple. First, you just have to set up the Happy Light device in a table or desktop where you can sit comfortably during the treatment session. Then, it is used by simple sitting in front of the Happy Light device closely, with its lights on and your eyes open. Looking directly into the light is not recommended, and a person using this device can divulge their attention in a reading book or other hobbies as long as the head and the body are concentrated on the light. Depending on the individual needs, happy light therapy can be used from 15 minutes or up to two hours, once a day or in split sessions depending on the need of the person and the equipment used.
There are actually two recent developments in apparatus design to take note of. The first type is actually a lighting unit placed in the head and allows the user to move around while taking the treatment, while, the second type show a graduated light signals in the bedroom as substitutes for bright light exposure.
A happy light can always be helpful to people who are experiencing SAD (seasonal affective disorder). But, take note that a happy Light or Light therapy devices should be used with the guidance of a professional or a doctor. Of course, there are some side effects, especially when it is used during nights because it may cause insomnia.
God gave us all what we need and gave the happiest light of all which is free, yes, I am talking about the sun. Exercise under the sun and the sun can give you all the natural light you need. The Happy Light is only a helpful device and it can only be an alternative of the sun.