Patients

Our Bodies Need Light…

Clinical Sleep Solutions now offers a medically supervised program of light therapy to treat problems associated with SAD and with sleep-wake issues, such as Jet Lag and Shift Work.  These disorders are known as Circadian Rhythm Disorders.

Our Circadian Rhythm

The term circadian is from the Latin words circa (about) dies (a day) – “about a day”.

Our circadian rhythm is the natural biological cycle which controls how we are attuned to day and night, and partly dictates our sleep and wake cycle.  A key factor in the regulation of the human circadian rhythm is light. 

A circadian rhythm disorder can be diagnosed by your physician, and can be treated effectively with light therapy.   Clinical Sleep Solutions offers diagnostic testing on referral from your physician.   All information from testing is compiled into a comprehensive report and forwarded to your doctor’s office. 

Circadian rhythm disorders commonly treated with light therapy:

• Jet Lag
• SAD
• Shift Work
• Sleep-Wake Pattern Issues

Treatment with Light Therapy

Light affects the body in three major ways:

1. Light sets the body’s biological clock, allowing you to fall asleep and wake up at the right time of day
2. Light suppresses the hormone melatonin, which aids in the onset of sleep
3. Light enhances the production of serotonin, which helps the body wake-up and feel energized

Light therapy involves daily exposure to a bright light source of accepted therapeutic intensity for a set period of time and distance.  Light therapy has been 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.

Clinically effective light therapy is based on an individualized treatment plan.

One of our Sleep Therapists would be happy to develop a plan for you, based on your diagnosis and specific needs.   Using the light at the wrong time of day may be ineffective or further aggravate symptoms.  Our program also includes follow-up, sleep hygiene suggestions, and equipment maintenance.

We carry the Litebook Eliteä light box, and have carefully chosen this product based on its proven effectiveness and innovative design.  The Litebook Company is the preeminent producer of leading edge LED light therapy technology designed to provide light in the optimal wavelength range required by the retina in our eyes.  There are no harmful UV rays.  The Litebook Eliteä is portable, has a rechargeable battery, and can be easily incorporated into any daily routine.  You can rent or purchase a Litebook Eliteä from Clinical Sleep Solutions.  For more information on light therapy, and the Litebook Eliteä, please visit www.litebook.com