NatureBright ™

1. What is Light Therapy?
2. For what is Light Therapy used?
3. What is the difference between Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) and the Winter Blues?
4. How prevalent is S.A.D.?
5. How do I know if I could benefit from using a Light Therapy system?
6. Have Light Therapy systems been proven to work?
7. How do Light Therapy Systems work?
8. What is Sky Effect™ Technology?
9. What is Negative Ion Therapy?
10. How long does it take to experience the benefits of using Light Therapy?
11. Could I get the same benefits by increasing the lighting in my home and office?
12. What about spending more time outdoors – would that work?
13. Are there any side-effects from using Light Therapy systems?
14. What if I’m on antidepressants, can I use Light Therapy systems?
15. When is the use of a Light Therapy system not recommended?
16. Are Light Therapy systems medically approved?
17. Are lights covered under my medical insurance and do I require a prescription?
18. What light therapy devices are offered by Nature Bright® and what are their benefits?
19. What is the correct way to use Nature Bright® Lamps for therapy sessions?
20. Why do I need 10,000 lux?
21. Can Nature Bright® Lamps be used in other ways?
22. Do Nature Bright® Lamps cause tanning?

1. What is Light Therapy?
Light Therapy involves daily, scheduled exposure to intense levels of artificial light in order to regulate seasonal mood swings, improve sleeping patterns, and produce a general sense of well-being. According to medical researchers, 10,000 lux for 30 minutes per day is the recommended starting dose. (Lux is the unit of measurement used to determine the illumination intensity of light.)
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2. For what is Light Therapy used?
Light Therapy was originally tested and developed by medical experts in the early 1980’s for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), a type of recurrent, major depression regularly experienced by some people during the fall and winter months. Those with S.A.D. are often quite incapacitated by depressive episodes and require medical treatment. However, during the spring and summer, their symptoms usually disappear.

More recently, researchers have explored the benefits of using Light Therapy on people with the “Winter Blues”, and studies indicate a good response rate. Other conditions for which Light Therapy looks promising include non-seasonal depression, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Doctors who use lights with pregnant women to avoid pre- and post-natal depression have reported encouraging results. Other studies show Light Therapy useful in certain disorders of the circadian system (i.e. the internal biological clock) including circadian sleep phase disorders, shift work and jet lag.
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3. What is the difference between Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) and the Winter Blues?
Many people, especially in northern latitudes where winter hours of daylight are fewer, complain of feeling down, having less energy, putting on weight and having a hard time getting up in the morning. This is what we refer to as “having the Winter Blues”.

Although there are variations among individuals, most people with S.A.D. experience all of these symptoms, but to a much greater degree. They are often chronically depressed and fatigued, and want to withdraw from the world. They may increase their sleep by as much as four or more hours per day, or have greatly increased appetites sometimes accompanied by extreme cravings for sweet and starchy foods. Women frequently report worsening of premenstrual symptoms. In short, people with S.A.D. suffer in the extreme the kinds of changes most of us experience in wintertime, and require medical treatment- either Light Therapy or antidepressants.
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4. How prevalent is S.A.D.?
According to a report published by the Canadian Consensus Group for the Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder, S.A.D. is conservatively estimated to occur in up to 3% of the Canadian population, and 1% of the US. For recent population figures, which mean as many as 3 million Americans and 900,000 Canadians suffer from S.A.D.

The number of people, however, who experience the Winter Blues is much greater. A recent estimate suggests eleven times as many people suffer from the Winter Blues as are diagnosed with S.A.D., and some studies indicate as much as 25% of the Canadian population experience some degree of winter doldrums. Women are at least twice as likely to have S.A.D. as men.
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5. How do I know if I could benefit from using a Light Therapy system?
You could benefit from using a Light Therapy system if you experience any combination of the following symptoms during the winter months: feel down, moodiness, loss of energy, fatigue, lethargy, difficulty getting up in the morning, excessive sleeping, loss of sex drive, social withdrawal, cravings for carbohydrates, weight gain. You may also benefit from using a light if you are a shift worker, frequent flyer, hard of hearing or if you suffer from insomnia.

If you suspect you have S.A.D., consult your physician for treatment guidelines. Individuals respond differently to various treatments and need to be supervised by a medical professional.
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6. Have Light Therapy systems been proven to work?
Yes. Since the first controlled Light Therapy study in 1984, there have been more than 60 controlled studies published by researchers around the world. Experts are now confident that Light Therapy works for the majority of people with S.A.D. (Response rates of 60% to 90% have been shown). Accordingly, a report called the Canadian Consensus Guidelines for the Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (published in 1999 and partially funded by Pfizer) recommends Light Therapy as an effective first-line treatment for S.A.D.

A more recent study published in 2004 in the Arches of General Psychiatry found that exposure to very bright light for 30 minutes as we wake can help reset our “biological clock”.
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7. How do Light Therapy systems work?
Light Therapy has been statistically proven effective in the treatment of S.A.D., which puts the role that daylight plays in regulating our daily body rhythms at the forefront of research.

• Light Therapy works because it resets the daily body clock (i.e. circadian rhythms) which, for people with S.A.D., tends to get out of balance during the winter. Health problems can develop when our circadian rhythms (biological clock) are thrown off by spending too much time indoors, working odd shifts, flying across time zones, or being exposed to less daylight in the fall and winter. Bright light therapy helps the body restore its natural circadian rhythms.
• Light Therapy works because it helps increase the level of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that positively affects moods) which would otherwise decrease in the fall and winter. Studies show that the eye turns light into electrical impulses, which travel along the optic nerve to the brain, triggering the release of the mood-altering chemical, seratonin, and other chemical messengers. Healthy levels of seratonin and other neurotransmitters are central factors for our emotional well-being.

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8. What is Sky Effect™ Technology?
Nature Bright’s SunTouch Plus Lamp is powered by Sky Effect™ Technology.

Nature Bright developed Sky Effect, a new light therapy modality, to leverage a recent breakthrough discovery of a third light receptor in the human eye. This retinal receptor is sensitive to light frequencies. It monitors wavelengths, particularly of blue light, sending signals to the brain’s hypothalamus, the area of the brain where sleep, hormonal, and emotive functions are regulated. As this receptor sends signals to the hypothalamus, it regulates our body clock and keeps us in tune with the earth’s natural time and seasonal cycles.

Sky Effect™ Technology is entirely safe, gentle and soothing. It can be used, according to directions, without any negative side effects to produce a sense of long term health and emotional and physical well being.
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9. What is negative ion therapy?
Nature Bright’s SunTouch Plus lamp offers negative ion therapy.

Odorless, tasteless, microscopic negative ions are found in the air naturally. Research shows negatively charged ions can lift your spirits. A recent scientific study on depression, mood and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) found that 58% of patients studied experienced a significant improvement when they were exposed to streams of high-density ions.

Flowing negative ions into the air also helps asthmatics and those with allergies. It eliminates tiny irritative particles such as pollen, mold spores, and other irritants from the air.

Negative ions are safe to use in the home or office. As easy to operate as an air purifier or home humidifier, simply running the SunTouch Plus can lift your spirits, mental alertness, energy levels, and mood – safely and gently with no negative side effects.
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10. How long does it take to experience the benefits of using Light Therapy?
Response to Light Therapy is usually very quick, and most people will notice a marked improvement within one week. Similarly, a rapid recurrence of symptoms is experienced by most if they stop using their Light Therapy system.

Longer trials have also shown increasing response to Light Therapy after two weeks, with still more incremental improvements after three or four weeks. Therefore, it is recommended that you continue to use a Light Therapy system for at least a month before concluding it will not help you.
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11. Could I get the same benefits by increasing the lighting in my home and office?
If you are particularly light-sensitive, you may feel more uplifted with increased exposure to normal room lighting. However, research studies show that much higher light intensities (at least 2,000 lux) are required in order to produce the desired therapeutic effects, and it is just not possible using regular fixtures to get ambient lighting above 600 lux.

Note also that medical experts caution against constructing your own Light Therapy apparatus because of possible electrical hazards, as well as the difficulty in determining adequate light intensity and ensuring ultraviolet (UV) light rays are properly filtered.
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12. What about spending more time outdoors—would that work?
You should be able to satisfy your need for light by spending more time outdoors during the fall and winter days, as long as you can be outdoors regularly and for extended periods of time if conditions are cloudy. Most people find that difficult to do if they work indoors and have to keep an office schedule. The use of a 10,000 lux Light Therapy system is therefore the most convenient way to get the light you need.
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13. Are there any side-effects from using Light Therapy systems?
Using a properly constructed Light Therapy system as recommended is considered very safe, and few people have to stop use because of side effects. A few temporary side effects, such as slight nausea, tend to pass quickly as you get used to the high intensity of light. The majority of side effects, such as headache, eye strain, agitation, insomnia or difficulty getting to sleep, are caused by overdoing Light Therapy sessions.

(In this case, it is possible to get “too much of a good thing”). Such symptoms usually disappear when you decrease the “dosage” of light to your optimal level (usually in the 20 to 30 minute range).

If you have clinically diagnosed S.A.D., you may experience other personal variances, which should be assessed and monitored by your doctor.
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14. What if I’m on antidepressants, can I use Light Therapy?
That depends. If your depressive episodes are not seasonally triggered, it is unlikely that a Light Therapy system alone will alleviate your symptoms. However, a Light Therapy system might help uplift your mood, and, if your doctor recommends it, can be used in conjunction with your medication.

For treating S.A.D., Light Therapy systems are recommended as the first-line treatment. Many people enjoy remission of symptoms simply by using Light Therapy. Others may not respond at all, though they are in the minority. Still others may be prescribed antidepressants in conjunction with light treatment. Because individual needs can vary widely, your treatment regime should be supervised by your doctor.
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15. When is the use of a Light Therapy system not recommended?
There are no absolute contraindications to Light Therapy. However, if you have any eye problems (e.g. glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, retinopathy) or have predisposing factors for eye complications (e.g. diabetes, lupus), or if you are taking medications that have photosensitizing effects in humans (e.g. lithium, melatonin), you should not use a Light Therapy system without first consulting your physician. Your doctor will need to assess your individual risk-benefit ratio of using Light Therapy.
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16. Are Light Therapy systems medically approved?
At this point in time, Light Therapy systems have not been approved as “medical devices” by government regulatory agencies in either the US or Canada. However, in so far as researchers have proven the effectiveness of Light Therapy and recommend it as a first-line treatment for S.A.D., Light Therapy systems have gained the approval of the respected medical community. It will take time for regulatory bodies to catch up with research.
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17. Are lights covered under my medical insurance and do I require a prescription?
Many private insurance companies recognize the benefits of Light Therapy and its cost advantages over antidepressant medication, and will cover the purchase of a light system with a prescription from your doctor. You should phone your insurance company before making the purchase to discuss coverage and specific documentation requirements.

Light Therapy systems are widely available for purchase without a prescription.
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18. What light therapy devices are offered by Nature Bright® and what are their benefits?
Nature Bright currently offers 3 models. The PER3, the BioClock and the SunTouch Plus.

The Nature Bright PER3 is named after the human PER3 gene, a component of the circadian system (the biological clock). Like the PER3 gene, the Nature Bright PER3 lamp serves to restore the body’s natural circadian rhythms through light therapy. The PER3 lamp features a programmable dawn simulator, a sunset simulator, and 72 adjustable LED bulbs.

The Nature Bright BioClock is named for its ability to affect the human biological clock (circadian rhythms). It features a programmable dawn simulator, 72 adjustable LED bulbs, an international adaptor and travel bag.

The Nature Bright SunTouch Plus is named for its simulation of natural sunlight. It features 4 T5 light tubes and an ionizer, which energizes and purifies the air.
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19. What is the correct way to use Nature Bright® Lamps for therapy sessions?
PER3 – We recommend using the dawn simulator to wake-up in the morning plus a light therapy session in the morning or evening depending on the individual’s needs. Those having trouble falling asleep or who just need to regulate their sleep patterns may benefit from the sunset simulator.

For the dawn simulator, position the lamp so the light will bathe over your pillow. Set the dawn simulator to start 30 minutes before your wake-up time. The light will come on at its lowest intensity level 30 minutes before your wake-up time and gradually increase in intensity until it is at full intensity. After 30 minutes, the light will pulse, or you can set the back-up alarm to chime and awaken you.

For the light therapy session, sit 30 inches from the lamp and aim the lamp head so the light will bathe your face. Your eyes must be open for full effectiveness, but DO NOT look directly at the light. Use the timer to set the desired session length. You can also select the desired intensity. We recommend 30 minutes at full intensity.

For the sunset simulator, set the desired length of sunset and position the lamp close to you. We recommend a 20-30 minute sunset just before or at bedtime.

BIOCLOCK - We recommend using the dawn simulator to wake-up in the morning plus a light therapy session in the morning or evening depending on the individual’s needs.

For the dawn simulator, position the lamp so the light will bathe over your pillow. Set the dawn simulator to start 30 minutes before your wake-up time. The light will come on at its lowest intensity level 30 minutes before your wake-up time and gradually increase in intensity until it is at full intensity. After 30 minutes, the light will pulse, or you can set the back-up alarm to chime and awaken you.

For the light therapy session, sit 20 inches from the lamp and aim the lamp head so the light will bathe your face. Your eyes must be open for full effectiveness, but DO NOT look directly at the light. Use the timer to set the desired session length. You can also select the desired intensity. We recommend 30 minutes at full intensity.

SUNTOUCH PLUS – Position the lamp at eye level about 12-16 inches from you. DO NOT stare at the light, only an occasional glance is necessary. If you use the ionizer simultaneously with the light, you can sit as far as 20 inches from the lamp and experience the same effect. We recommend a 30 minute session daily.
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20. Why do I need 10,000 lux?

10,000 lux for 30 minutes in the morning is what the experts recommend as an ideal starting dosage for Light Therapy. Individuals may need to adjust the duration up or down from the 30 minute starting time, or use the light at a different time of day, depending on personal response to treatment.
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21. Can Nature Bright® Lamps be used in other ways?
The Nature Bright® PER3 Lamp can be used as a reading lamp by focusing the light onto your reading material. The PER3 uses LED bulbs that do not strain eyes for long periods of extensive reading or studying. LED light is much more comfortable to use than soft incandescent light or flickering fluorescent light.

The Nature Bright BioClock’s compact size, included travel bag and international adaptor allows it to be used as a portable, travel-friendly light therapy device and is therefore ideal for frequent travellers who may suffer from jet lag.

The SunTouch Plus’ can be used as an air purifier because the ionizer function can be used independently from the light therapy function. This allows for air purification with streaming negative ions at anytime, even outside regular light therapy sessions.
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22. Do Nature Bright® Lamps cause tanning?
The Nature Bright® PER3 Lamp and BioClock use LED lights, which do not cause tanning because they do not emit UV rays and generate almost no heat. Unlike typical fluorescent bulbs, which produce some UV light, SunTouch Plus eliminates almost all measurable UV light.
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