Light Therapy

In the 20 years since the discovery of light therapy, hundreds of studies have demonstrated the validity of light therapy for the treatment of circadian rhythm disorders.  Bright light therapy involves daily exposure to a bright light source of accepted therapeutic intensity with exposure duration of a set period of time and distance.  Light therapy has proven safe and highly effective when used under the supervision of a trained clinician or physician.  The time of day one uses the light is as critical as the quality of the light device. 

Risks of Unsupervised Light therapy

Light therapy should not be initiated before a proper sleep assessment and medical diagnosis of circadian rhythm disorder.  Clinically effective light therapy is based on an individualized treatment plan based on lifestyle and sleep-wake needs.  Using the light at the wrong time of day will cause a non-response, and may aggravate symptoms.

Steps of Light Therapy

1.  Sleep Assessment

Diagnostic testing for circadian rhythm disorders

• Activity and Sleep diary
• Sleep Hygiene Questionnaire
• Actigraphy with Actiwatch®
• Overnight Oximetry

Consultation with a Clinical Specialist
Interpretation of diagnostic tests by a Mood and Sleep Disorders Physician

2.  Light Therapy Treatment Plan:

Once your sleep assessment is completed we will develop an individualized treatment plan for you.  We offer a treatment schedule, sleep hygiene suggestions, and instructions for the use of the Litebook. 

Litebook is the first personal light therapy device designed to provide specific beneficial rays of the sun without the harmful UV’s.  The Litebook is ultra portable and can be incorporated into any daily routine. 

Rentals:  rent a Litebook light box for a weekly fee
Sale:  purchase a Litebook light box

Therapy:  Treatment times are typically 15 minutes to 60 minutes daily, at a specific time of day, with increasing or decreasing doses.  The treatment will be tailored to your lifestyle and desired sleep patterns.

3.  Results:

We will monitor your treatment and compliance with an activity and sleep diary, and with a follow-up sleep assessment.  This will help the Clinical Specialist to adjust your light dosage and schedule based on your response to therapy.  We will be availiable to answer any questions you may have, and will provide equipment warranties and support.

Clinical Sleep Solutions is one of the leaders in sleep therapy.  Our unique light therapy program is the first of its kind in Canada.  We are the only clinic to offer a combination of therapeutic service and medial equipment to treat circadian rhythm disorders.  Our Medical Directors are forefront in the practice of mood and sleep disorders.