light therapy. does it help? - Mental Health Sup...

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light therapy. does it help?

Kainan profile image
7 Replies

just purchased a light therapy box and started using it. Been having trouble sleeping for months and I would really like to get some rest at night. Has anyone used one before and does it help? thanks

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Kainan
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7 Replies
gardengnome profile image
gardengnome

Hello I've used mine the last couple of winters, if using it to help you sleep be careful not to use it too late in the evening,

The science guys say its best to use in the morning to help set your internal clock.

I also use mine when I get back from work as it stops the hibernation instinct kicking in when it is is dark so early

Kainan profile image
Kainan in reply togardengnome

Hello. the light therapy is for combating the symptoms of severe depression I seem to get every fall and regulating my sleep cycle. This is entirely new for me so I decided to give it a try. thanks for the reply

Hello

I have heard they do work for some people. Aldi was selling them not so long ago if I remember, they were not that expensive. I understand you are not supposed to have them on through the night to morning as it will put your body clock out of sync.

Good Luck with it I hope it helps

BOB

Kainan profile image
Kainan in reply to

thanks. Yeah that would be a BIG no no. The light is so intense; it lights up the whole room

...read a little about light therapy last year and so and bought a light box - genuinely not entirely sure if it helps, it was quite a novelty last year - maybe this year is the better test (?) - this will sound ridiculous, but for me going to bed early (super early) and having some slow down / reading whatever time helps...had a few unintentional late nights last week and deffo changed my moods/energy-levels/irratiability... ((But realise not possible for all to achieve early bedtime!))

Anyhoo might help..

~ I'm interested I. @gardengnomes suggestion of using the light box when home in an evening - I'll deffo try this, thanks!

:)

Lin1944 profile image
Lin1944

Hi I have a light box and use it every morning for about 40 mins won't know if it's helping as I am well at moment. Don't use it at night as affects your sleep. While it's on I listen to hypno therapy tape. I have tried every holistic therapy you can think of and best one so far is free on Utube. When I can't sleep I put my iPad on and go on Utube Mindfulness tapes. I like the 15 min Patreon videos as he has such a relaxing voice.

Luckily I am retired so have plenty of time. Therapist told me she had heard a lot of good reports about light box so it won't do any harm especially as we never see the sun much in this country. Good luck Lin x

Kainan profile image
Kainan in reply toLin1944

Hi. yeah from what I've read and what my doctor has told me, it's best to use it in the morning. The mindfulness tapes sound like a good idea. I'll try it! Thanks for the suggestion :)

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