In the UK, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is typically treated with the use of a light box which provides light therapy when natural daylight is insufficient at certain times of the year. This approach to healing has been used in many countries. Light boxes have been used as a treatment of a variety of different ailments, including depression that results from SAD.
History of Light Therapy
As far back as the 1870s, light therapy was recognised for its healing qualities and it was regarded as a treatment for a variety of different conditions. Sanitoria located in Europe at this time commonly prescribed 'light baths' as a form of treatment for a range of different psychological as well as physical health problems. It was also discovered in 1877 that sunlight was able to kill off many forms of bacterial disease which were prevalent at the time including cholera and tuberculosis.
Further research studies carried out by scientists over the three decades following, identified that it was Ultraviolet rays which were responsible for the therapeutic effect of sunlight.
Light Therapy in Finland, Sweden and Switzerland
In countries such as Finland where locals have months of darkness in winter and then midnight sun during the summer months light therapy has been frequently used to compensate for so little natural sunlight over such a long period of time. Many cafes in Finland also have a light 'shot' on the menu so one can have a coffee whilst receiving light therapy at a table.
During the cold war, Scandinavian countries like Sweden constructed underground buildings comprised of thick concrete to serve as nuclear fall-out shelters. Since this time, such cellars have been outfitted with full-spectrum lights. As a result, many locals can be found sitting in the cellars, using the full-spectrum daylight for light therapy purposes.
In Switzerland, much research has been undertaken into the effectiveness of using light therapy to treat different health conditions. This country has also made funds available for further studies to be carried out in this field.
Light Therapy in Russia and America
Light therapy has been used in Russia as a means of reducing the workers' sick days and therefore, it has been identified as a way to increase levels of productivity. Scientists in Russia have also undertaken research studies which have shown a link between receiving light therapy and an increase in not only the body's ability to cope with certain pollutants but also in terms of boosting effectiveness associated with immunisation.
Studies in America have also shown that light therapy is not something that is only effective in humans. Fertility levels in many animals such as deer, bears and chimpanzees rose dramatically after a New York zoo installed lights that simulated sunlight.
As highlighted above, light therapy is used in many different countries around the world and as more research is undertaken hopefully more knowledge into the effectiveness of such therapy will be discovered. At the moment light boxes are more commonly used for those suffering depression related to seasonal affective disorder.
Source:
Marshall, F. & Cheevers, P. (2002) Coping with SAD London: Sheldon Press
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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