For seasonal depression, low energy, and disrupted sleep patterns, light therapy lamps have been an increasingly popular choice. But what they actually do — and whether the science backing them is real — is another question.
We at Alaska Northern Lights have been crafting high-grade light therapy lights for over twenty years. Let’s talk about what they do to your brain, what scientists know about them, and why thousands rely on our products.
The Science Of Light Therapy
Light therapy isn’t sitting under a bright light — it’s about getting your biology to go through certain responses within your brain. Here’s what happens:
Light enters through your eyes, not your skin.
The light from our lamps follows your optic nerve to an area of your brain referred to as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) — the control center for your internal clock, or your circadian rhythm.
Hormonal balance is achieved.
The SCN relies on light signals to control the release of melatonin (for sleeping) and serotonin (for mood and energy). Without sufficient natural light, the hormones get out of balance — which can contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), lethargy, and sleep disturbances.
Your system has been reset.
Exposure to bright, broad-spectrum light every day can reset your internal clock and enhance mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters.
Tip: For optimal effects, place your light therapy lamp 24 to 30 inches from your face and use it at a downward angle in the morning.
Clinical Support: Does It Really Work?
Scientific research consistently demonstrates measurable benefits when light therapy is administered properly. A few highlights include:
- Light therapy was equally effective as medication for Seasonal Affective Disorder according to a large study, which was published in The American Journal of Psychiatry.
- A study published by JAMA Psychiatry found that elderly individuals who received bright light therapy experienced better sleep and alleviation of depression symptoms.
- Light therapy can also be helpful for individuals who experience non-seasonal depression, jet lag, and shift work sleep disorder, says the Mayo Clinic.
Yet, not all lamps are equal. In order for treatment to be safe and effective, a lamp needs to:
- Emit 10,000 lux or more broad-spectrum (not UV) light
- Be UV-free to guard your eyes
- Be employed at the correct distance and angle
Alaska Northern Lights lamps fulfill all the requirements.
Actual Feedback from Actual Individuals
We continuously receive feedback from users who notice an astonishing difference in their lives since using our lamps. We had one review that caught our attention:
“I have been dealing with seasonal depression for years. After using the ANL light every morning for only two weeks, my emotional state was transformed and my energy was back. I don’t know why I didn’t start using it sooner.”
From restoration during dark winter months to aiding the return to healthy sleeping habits, our lights really are having an impact.
Final Thoughts
Do light therapy lamps really work?
The answer is yes — if and when they’re built to medical-grade specifications and used regularly.
They are a drug-free, non-invasive, simple way to:
- Improve your mood
- Increase your energy levels
- Restore your sleep-wake cycle
Once you’re ready to give light therapy a try, be certain you’re using a high-grade, broad-spectrum device that has been trusted by thousands of users and health professionals.
Want to learn more or explore our products?
Stop by our store and discover why our customers have trusted Alaska Northern Lights for so long.