Need info on Light therapy light boxes for SAS

I want to get a light therapy light box for SAS (seasonal affect disorder).

I found tons of web sites that have them, but I am lost as to what to
buy and where to  get a deal on one.  Also, not sure what to look for
to get one that is effective.

Are they all the same?

Help! (links to any deals on a good effective and inexpensive unit
would be an ideal answer)

thanx in advnce

Hi Sherpaj!

The best person to get a recommendation from when it comes to what
sort of light box you should use is your therapist:

"Light therapy is usually administered (or recommended for home use)
by a physician, physical therapist, or psychologist. Look for a
well-trained, experienced clinician.

If the therapy is prescribed by a physician, insurers may reimburse
for the cost of the lighting systems used to treat seasonal affective
disorder and skin problems."

Light Therapy - How To Choose a Practioner
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,713_MO,00.html#How_To_Choose_a_Practitioner


Of course, that doesn't mean that we can't find information to help
you make a decision!

According to a 1997 article from the UK's National Institute for
Medical Research, one light box is just as effective as another:

"The colour of the light used in light therapy does not seem to matter
much. In the first trials in the early 1980's, full spectrum light was
used. This is light produced by special fluorescent lamps which
release light more similar to that of the sun than conventional
fluorescent lamps. The disadvantage of these lamps is their high cost
and the relatively large amount of ultra violet radiation they emit.
Since then, it has been found that for light therapy, conventional
fluorescent lamps are as effective, less expensive and produce much
less of the damaging ultra-violet radiation which over a long period
of time might be harmful to the eyes."

Seasonal Depression and Light Therapy
by Michael A. Ferenczi
http://www.nimr.mrc.ac.uk/MillHillEssays/1997/sad.htm

Dr. Ivan Goldberg says much the same thing:

"The important parameters for light therapy are the brightness of the
lightbox and the length of time one sits in front of it each day.
Regular bulbs are as effective as "full spectrum bulbs" and cost quite
a bit less. The keys to successful light therapy are brightness and
length of exposure, not the color temperature of the light."

Light Therapy for Depression
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.lighttherapy.html

That said, there are a number of reputable places to get good quality
lightboxes, if you want the "real thing".  Prices seem fairly
standard, so I've gone looking for places with a good selection and/or
good shipping options:


Full Spectrum Solutions guarantees the lowest price on any comparable product:

Price Guarantee
http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/PriceG.htm

You can find traditional light boxes here:

Light Therapy Products
http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/UltraLuxProducts.htm

...and less expensive, multipurpose bright light products here:

Task Lamps
http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/TaskLamps.htm

[ Full Spectrum seems to carry a better selection of less expensive
products than other shops I've come across. ]

Drugstore.com has a small selection of light therapy products,
including reasonably priced full spectrum bulbs that can be used in
any regular floor lamp or standard lighting fixture.

light therapy
http://www.drugstore.com/qxc33083_333181_sespider/light_therapy/light_therapy.htm

These may also be of interest:

Northern Lights Technologies
http://www.northernlighttechnologies.com/eng/products.htm

The Planet Shops - Natural Sunlight Lamps
http://www.wackyplanet.com/natsunlam.html

Light Therapy Products
http://www.lighttherapyproducts.com/products_lamps.html

I hope you find these helpful!  If you need further assistance or are
just looking for a few more options, please just ask!

--Missy

Search terms: [ "light therapy" ]

EXCELLEMT WORK.  THANKS!