bright light therapy


The use of the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum as a therapeutic modality. Light acts on the hypothalamus and releases neurotransmitters and factors after receiving neural impulses from the retina. Bright light therapy is the therapy of choice for SAD; modalities of light therapy include the use of full spectrum light—e.g., sunlight—bright light—10,000 lux—UV light, colored light, hemoirradiation

bright light therapy

Light therapy, phototherapy The use of the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum as a therapeutic modality; light acts on the hypothalamus and releases neurotransmitters and factors after receiving neural impulses from retina; BLT is the therapy of choice for SAD; modalities of LT include the use of full spectrum light–eg sunlight, bright light–10,000 lux, UV light, colored light, hemoirradiation. See Heliotherapy, Seasonal affective disorder, Spring fever.

bright light therapy

Treatment of sleep and/or mood disorders by exposure to bright fluorescent lights (typically 10,000 lux) for at least 2 hours a day. Bright light therapy has been used as an alternative to drug therapy for seasonal affective disorder and insomnia (e.g., in shift workers).