DayLight
The Caremaxx DayLight eliminates the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (winter blues) in a matter of days
For many of us, changes in the amount and quality of light during the winter months can have a profound affect on our physical and mental well being. Insufficient exposure to light can lead to a clinically recognised condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the 'Winter Blues'.
Human beings are influenced by light. Light determines our sleep/wake cycle. In most animals and humans, the desire to sleep is brought on by the secretion of a hormone called melatonin. In the evening the pineal gland reacts to the diminishing levels of daylight and begins producing melatonin. melatonin is then released into the blood and flows through the body making us drowsy. Its secretion peaks in the middle of the night during our heaviest hours of sleep. In the morning, bright light shining into the eye reaches the pineal gland, which reacts by switching off the production of melatonin, thus removing the desire to sleep.
What intensity and duration is most effective?
Light therapy involves exposure to intense levels of light under controlled conditions. Our technologically advanced DayLight (33cm wide by 47cm high) is set up on a table or desktop at which one can sit comfortably for the treatment session. Treatment consists simply of sitting close to this light. Looking at the light is not necessary or recommended; rather people are free to engage in such activities as reading, writing, relaxing, using the computer, watching television, or eating meals. What is important is to orient your head and body toward the light, concentrating on activities illuminated by the lights, and not on the lights themselves. Treatment sessions can last from fifteen minutes to two hours, once or twice a day, depending on individual needs. The light intensity of the DayLight is 10,000 lux which research shows is the most affective intensity for treating SAD.
At a distance of 20cm, a session will last approximately 30 minutes
At a distance of 40cm, a session will last approximately 1 hour
At a distance of 60cm, a session will last approximately 2 hours
There is no need to complete the entire treatment in a single session. If it suits you better, you can split your treatment into 2 sessions during the course of the day. We recommend using at least 3 days a week however; is fine to use daily if you want to achieve maximum benefit. The time of day for light therapy is an important factor. Many people with winter depression respond best to treatment early in the morning. However, people who wish to stay up later will want to use the DayLight early in the evening.
To use DayLight, simply place on a solid surface by using the foldable stand. Push the plug into the socket and turn on by using the main switch.
What has research shown?
Researchers at medical centers and clinics in the USA, Canada, and other countries around the world have had much success with light therapy in many hundreds of patients with clear histories of SAD for at least several years. Marked improvement is usually observed within four of five days, if not sooner. Symptoms usually return in about the same amount of time when the lights are withdrawn. Most users maintain a consistent daily schedule beginning, as needed, in Autumn or winter and usually continuing until spring, when outdoor light becomes sufficient to maintain good mood and high energy. Some people can skip treatment for between one to three days, but most notice the effects almost immediately if treatment is interrupted.