Press Release – Fact Sheet

What: Sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of clinical depression. Up to 25 percent of those living in northern latitudes experience varying degrees of SAD during winter months when there is less natural light. Night shift workers are also susceptible to depression, and those who experience insomnia, which affects over 1/3 of the population.

Who: Approximately 10.8 million Americans.

Why: Exposure to intense light, which enters the eye, hits the retina and is transmitted by nerve impulses to the pineal gland which controls melatonin secretion, and thereby sets the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm. Depending on when the light is presented, the circadian rhythm, which controls sleep timing and daytime alertness, is shifted ahead or delayed. Bright light therapy rapidly reduces daytime melatonin levels and may enhance the effectiveness of serotonin and other neurotransmitters.

The Solution: Alaska Northern Lights’ Bright Light Therapy Box. Studies show that Bright Light Therapy affects the pineal gland’s production of melatonin, a hormone that is believed to help prevent and relieve symptoms of depression.

The Format: Alaska Northern Lights’ Bright Light Therapy Box is available in table-top or floor-stand models with 10,000 Lux bulbs. Lux is a unit of illumination, equivalent to 0.0929 foot-candle and equal to the illumination produced by luminous flux of one lumen falling perpendicularly on a surface one meter square. Symbol: lx also called meter-candle.

Safety Standards: Alaska Northern Light products do not contain harmful UV-A or UV-C ray bulbs and no measurable amount of UV-B rays. Any remaining UV rays are blocked with a diffuser. The light does not cause tanning, but in sensitive people who might experience slight skin reddening, a sunscreen should be worn.

How it works: Bright light therapy consists of sitting close to the light box with eyes open so the light shines on the user’s face. Sitting within the 10,000 lux range, 20 to 24 inches, for a 30-minute session soon after awakening is enough time and equals sitting in the 2,500 lux range or at about 40 inches for a 2 hour session. Intensity levels are changed by moving towards or away from the light. Treatment can last between 15 minutes to three hours. Alaska Northern Light products have been demonstrated to treat SAD, depression, sleep disorder, bipolar disorder, and Circadian Rhythm disorder.