Light box therapy, a substitute for daylight that can restore balance, mood and energy, is currently being offered on campus. These energy lamps, which are known as “Happy Lights,” are available for use in Isham, Graham House, the Office of Community and Multicultural Development and the Academic Skills Center during regular office hours in each location. Instructions for use and feedback cards are provided in all light box areas.
Light box therapy is used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), according to the website of the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit medical practice and research group.
“Researchers believe this type of light causes a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms of SAD. Most people use light boxes for a minimum of 30 minutes each morning,” wrote the Mayo Clinic Staff.
Light boxes are typically used for anywhere between 15 minutes to two hours, according to research published by Columbia University. For the best results, light boxes should be used early in the morning.
“Depending on when bright light is presented, the body’s internal clock—which controls daily rhythms of body temperature, hormone secretion and sleep patterns—shifts ahead or is delayed when stimulated by light,” according to the research conducted by Columbia University.
The light boxes were funded by the Abbot Academy Association.
