The upbeat feeling you get on a bright sunny day is no accident. This feeling is the result of light triggering our bodies to release "active" hormones and we feel great.
Winter can be a challenge for many because the shorter days and longer nights leave us simply "light-deprived". Without the normal light stimulation, we often feel down, lethargic and unhappy.
Light therapy provides a natural boost that helps you feel better, increases energy and even helps you sleep. Using the right wavelength of light, you can trigger your active hormones naturally, boosting your mood and overcoming those down feelings, whatever the season.
Blue light is the key
Programmable/Customized Operation -- Includes Clock, Unit timer, Intensity settings
Easy Control -- Backlit touch screen, digital LCD display
GoLite light therapy
Winter blues - Philips goLITE BLU
Philips - HF3330/01 goLite Blu
A WHOLE NEW LIFE !!!
Review Date: April 18, 2010
Reviewer: NattyDread,
I just got the Phillips Apollo GoLite Blu lightbox yesterday. I used it yesterday and this morning - this one little box will return me to the life I once knew.
I am so EXTREMELY happy to have this product. I have suffered with mood swings and lethargy for about a decade. Last summer, I was diagnosed with MS adding more fatigue. I have been in my living room for a year now. I was at my wits end, taking handfuls of pills every day and still did not have energy.
I would take 200mg provigil (used to keep narcoleptics awake), 40mg of Ritalin LA, 4 cups of coffee, 2 caffiene pills, and (2) 5 hour energy drinks every single morning. I could easily roll over and take a nap after all of that! I was exhausted most of the day. Nothing could really wake my brain up.
I've tried acupuncture, etc and was about to seek psychic intervention to release the earthbound spirits from my soul LOL. Seriously, I was willing to try anything!
A recent sleep study revealed I have a rare form of apnea called central sleep apnea, and my circadian clock thinks I live in Munich (I come alive around 4-5PM). It was the sleep Dr that recommended the light box.
My brain is awake, my eyes are focused... I woke up at 830AM today. I usually do not crack an eye open till after 1PM. If I get these sort of results this fast, I am so excited about how it will be in a month. Thank YOU Phillips! I cannot WAIT to start tapering down all the drugs I take to get up and then go to bed at night. Truly a life-changing blessing... I think I will have a ceremonious couch burning this spring =)
Totally Different Mood
Review Date: February 1, 2010
Reviewer: D. Bilic, saratoga ca
Before I started using this product, I was just tired my morning were really tough on me, I noticed a difference right away took only a few days, I have more energy and find my self getting more done through out the day also I cut back on my coffee, as for sleeping at night I go straight to sleep with out much tossing and turning. The device is pretty compact you can take it with you with out a problem. Easy to use and the alarm is great you have a couple of options to wake you with light or sound.
Highly recommend this light therapy, I went with philips because they have been making bulbs for years.
Not too shabby
Review Date: January 28, 2010
Reviewer: Laun Gnome, Germany
I am giving this a 4 because it does help Winter blues, and it is helping with my sleeping problems. I did not give it a 5 because it claims to fix your problems within a couple of days if used properly. While I did notice slight improvements after about 3 days it was about 2 weeks before I saw real results. I did not mind being patient as I understand my issues are more than just Winter Blues I have a more severe case of Seasonal Depression. Just because it didn't work for me right away doesn't mean it won't for someone else.
I am still very impressed with this little device because I live in an area where the sun rises around 8am and then sets around 5pm during the winter, and even when it is out its very cloudy, dull, and grey. When left to my own devices I wake up when the sun streams through my window. If it doesn't then I don't wake up, my internal clock is very much based around the sun. The instructions say that you have to have your eyes open for the therapy and this is true, however, that doesn't mean it isn't helpful when your eyes are shut. This isn't a dawn simulator, but I found that if I turn the light on when I just can't seem to wake up and snooze in front of it, I have an easier time waking up. Then I do the normal light therapy while I read or eat breakfast. I have been progressively waking up earlier and earlier on my own with this device.
Even though I gave it a 4 I still highly reccomend this for anyone looking for a non-medicated approach to dealing with sleeping problems or winter blues. Just keep in mind you might have to be more patient with it than others.
Is it safe for people who had cataract surgery?
Review Date: January 24, 2010
Reviewer: Alan Barhorst, Madison, WI
Philips warns against using this device for people who had cataract surgery. My ophthalmologist cannot explain why they would issue such a warning. Numerous contacts with various Philips departments could not explain why they have the warning. They simply repeated the owner's manual that also does not explain the reason.
Quality seems nice
Review Date: January 14, 2010
Reviewer: Smile and Teach,
I agree with other reviewers that this seems like a well made little device. It is quite bright, so put the case down over the top to block the lights while you are setting the controls, otherwise you might accidentally turn it on a get too much light in your face! I also keep a piece of cardboard nearby so that I can block the light quickly if need be. I also realize that I am used to looking around quite a bit, and needing to avoid looking at the light is rather hard to get used to.
I hope this light will improve my winter mood and energy. I live in North-Central Ohio and we have many cloudy days. I do know that my mood is better if I am able to spend time outside on the few sunny days we have in the winter. My office is windowless, so I plan to use this 15 min in the morning and 15 in the afternoon. Remember there are several intensity settings and you can use it for longer or shorter periods, so you will have to experiment to find what works for you. Some people complain that various light boxes trigger migraines, which I found out shortly after ordering this. Another reason to start slowly at lower intensities, shorter times, and to make sure not to look directly at it.
Researchers have learned that receptors in our eyes convert the blue light from the summer sky into the chemicals our bodies need to be active and energetic. We don't get this light in the winter, and indoor light doesn't replace this color, which is why our mood, energy and sleep patterns suffer.
Twice as effective
The goLITE is the newest breakthrough in light therapy that provides just the blue light our bodies need (we call it BLUEWAVE technology). Studies have shown that low-intensity blue light (470 nm, like that from the goLITE) is twice as effective at managing our body clocks compared to other sources of light.
As little as 15 minutes per day
Using light therapy fits easily into your normal daily routine. You can do it while eating breakfast, exercising or getting ready in the morning.
And most people notice a big improvement with only 15 minutes a day.
Backed by years of research
Over the last several decades, dozens of research and clinical studies have shown the effects and potential benefits of light therapy for helping those with mood, sleep and energy problems. We have worked with the National Institutes of Health, NASA, the Mayo Clinic and others to develop the best light therapy products possible.
The Philips Apollo Golite Blu SAD Light has been rated one of the best in it’s class. If you read the reviews from the people that have bought it you will see that almost everyone is more then satisfied with this product. Highly recommended!
Sad Lights are definitely life changing if you can find the right one to suit your lifestyle and budget. I recently tested the Golite and was really pleased with its performance. What is interesting is that you can be affected by lack of light in all seasons, not just winter.
A WHOLE NEW LIFE !!!
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The Philips Apollo Golite Blu SAD Light has been rated one of the best in it’s class. If you read the reviews from the people that have bought it you will see that almost everyone is more then satisfied with this product. Highly recommended!
Sad Lights are definitely life changing if you can find the right one to suit your lifestyle and budget. I recently tested the Golite and was really pleased with its performance. What is interesting is that you can be affected by lack of light in all seasons, not just winter.
Thanks for your article.