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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bissie66 on January 14, 2008, at 10:55:54
hi. i'm bipolar and have been more depressed this winter. and am on meds but my pdoc has been wanting me to get a light box too and i've put it off but am considering buying one now bc i've feeling so bad. my question: is it a waste of money now bc the days are actually getting longer? thanks!
Posted by Racer on January 14, 2008, at 11:35:36
In reply to light box as adjunct to meds, posted by bissie66 on January 14, 2008, at 10:55:54
I use a light, and have recommended them. I use it every time I get up early enough to bother -- year round. (In the summer, it's usually already light out when I get up, and I am usually not as far gone as in the winter months, so it's not a daily thing.) My therapist uses one pretty much year round, too.
It's worth trying. Yes, they're expensive, but it does help, and that's worth a lot.
Hope that helps.
Posted by Phoenix1 on January 14, 2008, at 11:59:49
In reply to Re: light box as adjunct to meds, posted by Racer on January 14, 2008, at 11:35:36
> I use a light, and have recommended them. I use it every time I get up early enough to bother -- year round. (In the summer, it's usually already light out when I get up, and I am usually not as far gone as in the winter months, so it's not a daily thing.) My therapist uses one pretty much year round, too.
>
> It's worth trying. Yes, they're expensive, but it does help, and that's worth a lot.
>
> Hope that helps.Racer,
Sounds like you know light boxes pretty well. What is your daily exposure time?
Are any brands/models particularly good?
Are we looking for a certain wavelength? I heard that it was the intensity that was more important than the wavelength.
If anyone else has insight or experience, please chime in. I've been thinking of trying a lightbox. I've noticed that some pharmacies here rent them out, which would be a great way to give them a try before buying.
Phoenix1
Posted by Phillipa on January 14, 2008, at 12:31:12
In reply to Re: light box as adjunct to meds » Racer, posted by Phoenix1 on January 14, 2008, at 11:59:49
They rent them how great. A lot of old thread I think on lighboxes too maybe try the achieves? Phillipa
Posted by Larry Hoover on January 14, 2008, at 13:14:21
In reply to Re: light box as adjunct to meds » Racer, posted by Phoenix1 on January 14, 2008, at 11:59:49
> Are any brands/models particularly good?
>
> Are we looking for a certain wavelength? I heard that it was the intensity that was more important than the wavelength.I've always liked my Northern Lights Technologies Sadelite. I've had it going for ten years, still on the original bulbs. Intensity is the bigger issue, yes.
Lar
Posted by hugo on January 14, 2008, at 14:02:01
In reply to Re: light box as adjunct to meds » Racer, posted by Phoenix1 on January 14, 2008, at 11:59:49
Check out Apollohealth.com. The research they cite points to wavelength, not intensity, as most beneficial for mood. High intensity is higher risk for macular degeneration. The site also has a free circadian rhythm test. I use the M2 light twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes, at 6:30am and 7:30pm. It works for me. Don't buy the box from them, though. I found it elsewhere on line for $90 less.
Good luck,
Hugo
Posted by Larry Hoover on January 14, 2008, at 14:14:58
In reply to Re: light box as adjunct to meds » Phoenix1, posted by hugo on January 14, 2008, at 14:02:01
> Check out Apollohealth.com. The research they cite points to wavelength, not intensity, as most beneficial for mood. High intensity is higher risk for macular degeneration. The site also has a free circadian rhythm test. I use the M2 light twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes, at 6:30am and 7:30pm. It works for me. Don't buy the box from them, though. I found it elsewhere on line for $90 less.
>
> Good luck,
> HugoBoy howdy, a lot of new research done in the last three years or so. I had never before heard of melanopsin, the blue-light sensitive pigment underlying the circadian responsive elements in the eye.
That does explain the misconception about lux (light intensity) being the important criterion, though. The only lamps capable of producing high lux were also high in blue output.
Thanks for bringing this to the table, Hugo.
Lar
Posted by Justherself54 on January 14, 2008, at 15:34:11
In reply to Re: light box as adjunct to meds » hugo, posted by Larry Hoover on January 14, 2008, at 14:14:58
I love my lightbox..my doctor wrote a prescription for it so I was able to get reimbursed for most of it..mine is the Day Light brand..I use it every morning..it also has a separate setting for ambient lighting, which is nice..like a bright spring morning all day..
Posted by Phoenix1 on January 14, 2008, at 15:58:49
In reply to Re: light box as adjunct to meds » Phoenix1, posted by hugo on January 14, 2008, at 14:02:01
> Check out Apollohealth.com. The research they cite points to wavelength, not intensity, as most beneficial for mood. High intensity is higher risk for macular degeneration. The site also has a free circadian rhythm test. I use the M2 light twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes, at 6:30am and 7:30pm. It works for me. Don't buy the box from them, though. I found it elsewhere on line for $90 less.
>
> Good luck,
> Hugo
>
>Hi Hugo,
Thanks for the info. Apollo appears to be the leader in the marketplace. I would like to give one a try for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference. Based on your circadian rhythm do you just use it in the morning? I'm unclear as to when it can be of benefit to use it in the afternoon as well...
Phoenix1
Posted by CareBear04 on January 14, 2008, at 18:41:05
In reply to Re: light box as adjunct to meds, posted by Racer on January 14, 2008, at 11:35:36
hi racer-- in what ways has your light box helped you? my pdoc, too, recommended it, but i saw the prices and haven't been motivated to buy one. do you feel like your mood is really helped by it? my pdoc didn't really speak about its effect on mood. he mostly recommended it because i'm having sleep problems, and he said that light therapy can reset melatonin release or something like that. be intereted in hearing your thoughts.
cb
Posted by atmlady on January 14, 2008, at 20:52:00
In reply to light box as adjunct to meds, posted by bissie66 on January 14, 2008, at 10:55:54
Hello, Bissie - I bought an Apollo Blue Light Box last month for $140 from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000C1946S/?SubscriptionId=1TXG27NYV494KWCZ0E82
check out the reviews. Most people are happy with it. They now show it as $185. Maybe you could get it cheaper in the spring or summer?
I really like it - took about 3 weeks to notice an improvement in mood and sleep, but it did come. I use it for 30 minutes in the a.m. (while I read the paper and do the sudoku) at 100% intensity. The results are mild; what I mean is, you don't really notice it as quickly as you would with medications, but yes, if your depression is worse during the winter months, by all means it's worth a shot to see if light will help. If I sleep late on the weekends, I'll still use it - even at 11am! Even if it's sunny and lovely outside - I just do it religiously, with my coffee and paper, every day, no matter what time. I am now off Ambien!! Yay!
Posted by Hugo on January 14, 2008, at 23:08:49
In reply to Re: light box as adjunct to meds » hugo, posted by Phoenix1 on January 14, 2008, at 15:58:49
> Hi Hugo,
>
> Thanks for the info. Apollo appears to be the leader in the marketplace. I would like to give one a try for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference. Based on your circadian rhythm do you just use it in the morning? I'm unclear as to when it can be of benefit to use it in the afternoon as well...
>
> Phoenix1
Hey Phoenix1,My results on the Apollo site's circadian rhythm test recommended that I use the M2 twice a day, at 6:30am and 7:30pm. I blindly followed the assessment's advice. I started using the box last winter and, skeptic that I am, I was startled to notice a response in three days. No miraculous cure, but a noticeable buoyancy or resiliency that solidified as the days and weeks marched on. I stopped using the box in May and restarted this past October when I felt the darkness descend again. Same effect. Same rapid onset.
Onward,
Hugo
Posted by Phoenix1 on January 15, 2008, at 8:25:37
In reply to Re: light box as adjunct to meds, posted by Hugo on January 14, 2008, at 23:08:49
>
> > Hi Hugo,
> >
> > Thanks for the info. Apollo appears to be the leader in the marketplace. I would like to give one a try for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference. Based on your circadian rhythm do you just use it in the morning? I'm unclear as to when it can be of benefit to use it in the afternoon as well...
> >
> > Phoenix1
>
>
> Hey Phoenix1,
>
> My results on the Apollo site's circadian rhythm test recommended that I use the M2 twice a day, at 6:30am and 7:30pm. I blindly followed the assessment's advice. I started using the box last winter and, skeptic that I am, I was startled to notice a response in three days. No miraculous cure, but a noticeable buoyancy or resiliency that solidified as the days and weeks marched on. I stopped using the box in May and restarted this past October when I felt the darkness descend again. Same effect. Same rapid onset.
>
> Onward,
> Hugo
>Wow, I'm definitely getting one when the $ allow. I always wanted one and liked the theory, but hearing someone who has tried it successfully clinches it for me. Thanks for your responses!
Posted by bissie66 on January 15, 2008, at 9:34:04
In reply to Re: light box as adjunct to meds, posted by atmlady on January 14, 2008, at 20:52:00
> Hello, Bissie - I bought an Apollo Blue Light Box last month for $140 from Amazon
>
> http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000C1946S/?SubscriptionId=1TXG27NYV494KWCZ0E82
>
> check out the reviews. Most people are happy with it. They now show it as $185. Maybe you could get it cheaper in the spring or summer?
>
> I really like it - took about 3 weeks to notice an improvement in mood and sleep, but it did come. I use it for 30 minutes in the a.m. (while I read the paper and do the sudoku) at 100% intensity. The results are mild; what I mean is, you don't really notice it as quickly as you would with medications, but yes, if your depression is worse during the winter months, by all means it's worth a shot to see if light will help. If I sleep late on the weekends, I'll still use it - even at 11am! Even if it's sunny and lovely outside - I just do it religiously, with my coffee and paper, every day, no matter what time. I am now off Ambien!! Yay!
>
>Thank you!!
This is the end of the thread.
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