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The fall and winter months in Canada can lack sunshine, which can affect the way we feel. Seasonal mood changes can include lower energy levels, irritability, and trouble sleeping.
Light therapy lamps can help reduce these effects by mimicking the natural, outdoor sunlight we get during the spring and summer months.
The Canadian Mental Health Association says this kind of light can cause a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases winter blues.
Our light therapy lamp provides 10,000 lux of diffuse, UV-blocked, full spectrum light at a distance of up to 12 inches. To compare, our average indoor lighting provides about 300-500 lux, and the outdoor sunlight on a sunny summer's day is about 100,000 lux!
1. Sit about two feet away from the lamp.
2. Turn on the lamp; do not stare directly into the light.
3. Move the lamp to suit your position.
4. Read or work in front of the lamp for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Turn off the lamp when done.
Light therapy is generally safe, but it is not for everyone. The Halton Hills Public Library is not liable for health issues related to use of the light therapy lamp. Please talk to your doctor before starting light therapy, particularly if:
• You have a condition that makes your skin especially sensitive to light
• You take medications that increase your sensitivity to sunlight, such as certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or the herbal supplement St. John's Wort
• You have an eye condition that makes your eyes vulnerable to light damage
• You have bipolar disorder or another mood disorder
Light therapy is generally safe, but it is not for everyone. The Halton Hills Public Library is not liable for health issues related to use of the light therapy lamp. Please talk to your doctor before starting light therapy, particularly if:
• You have a condition that makes your skin especially sensitive to light
• You take medications that increase your sensitivity to sunlight, such as certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or the herbal supplement St. John's Wort
• You have an eye condition that makes your eyes vulnerable to light damage
• You have bipolar disorder or another mood disorder
The Halton Hills Public Library offers two light therapy lamps, located at our Acton and Georgetown branches. They are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. You can turn on the lamp and enjoy the benefits of light therapy for 20-30 minutes while you read a book, a magazine, or use your computer.
Light Therapy Lamp
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