Posted by Ilene on February 27, 2003, at 15:54:55
In reply to lightboxes - anybody using them? « hok, posted by Dr. Bob on February 25, 2003, at 2:11:43
> [from http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030203/msgs/203320.html]
>
> > Anybody having success with light therapy?
>
>
A qualified No.I got a lightbox for my sleep disorder (sometimes known as "delayed sleep phase syndrome"). With the help of that, and a few drugs, I have been fairly successful in keeping my circadian rhythm close to normal, and I don't suffer from insomnia and sleep deprivation as much as I used to.
I'm a serious night owl. I like to go to bed very late and get up very late. My entire circadian cycle wants to creep clockwise. It wouldn't be a problem if I was a hermit, but I need to do things when the rest of the world is awake. In fact, I sometimes feel better when I listen to the different (circadian) drummer and stay up till 3 AM.
I had the bright idea (yes, I said that on purpose) of keeping the light on longer, but even at 4 hours a day it didn't help my depression.
I'm not sure if all light boxes are created equal. You might need certain wavelenghts or intensities for light therapy to be effective.
poster:Ilene
thread:203624
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030224/msgs/204415.html