Light therapy
Light therapy or phototherapy is a type of treatment that involves exposure to daylight or to specific wavelengths of light using polychromatic polarised light, lasers, light-emitting diodes, fluorescent lamps, dichroic lamps or very bright, full-spectrum light. The light is administered for a prescribed amount of time and, in some cases, at a specific time of day.
History[edit]
The use of light therapy dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, who worshipped the sun god Ra. They believed that exposure to sunlight could cure a variety of physical and mental ailments. In the modern era, light therapy was first used in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the 1980s.
Types of Light Therapy[edit]
There are several types of light therapy, including:
- Bright light therapy: This is the most common type of light therapy used to treat SAD, certain other types of depression, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
- Blue light therapy: This type of therapy is often used to treat acne and pre-cancerous skin growths.
- Red light therapy: This therapy is used to treat skin issues, such as wrinkles and scars, and other health issues.
- Green light therapy: This is a newer type of light therapy that is being studied for its potential to relieve pain.
Uses[edit]
Light therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Non-seasonal depression
- Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
- Jet Lag
- Dementia
- Skin Disorders
Risks and Side Effects[edit]
While light therapy is generally safe, it can have side effects, including:
- Eyestrain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Irritability or agitation
- Mania, in people with bipolar disorder
See Also[edit]
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Light_therapy[edit]
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Bili light with newborn
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Blue Light acne phototherapy iClear
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Jaundice phototherapy
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Light therapy lamp and sunlight
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Sun therapy at Alton Hospital
