No. Full spectrum lights contain larger amounts of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light does not enhance the effectiveness of the unit, and many people worry about the possible health risks resulting from overexposure to UV rays. For these reasons, we use balanced spectrum bulbs in our light boxes. These replicate the qualities of light found in sunlight without the ultraviolet. We also use a blue block lens on the front of the box designed to filter out any small amount of ultraviolet that may remain in the bulbs.

Because there is no ultraviolet light in our boxes, these light units will not cause harm to either your eyes or your skin. We have had much success with customers who have various types of sun sensitivities—including people with cataracts and those who are required to take photosensitizing medications.

No. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is what causes a tan. Since you are not exposing yourself to ultraviolet light while using your light box, you will not get a tan. In fact, the light box should not adversely affect your skin at all. So, even if you have particularly sensitive skin, you should be able to use a light box with no difficulty.

Yes, you can. Generally when people overuse the light box, they will start to feel very tired and sluggish sometime during the midafternoon—as if they had way too much coffee that morning and now they’re crashing from the caffeine. Some people also experience some agitation right after their session along with the afternoon period of sluggishness. These are both signs that the session time is too long for you, but these symptoms will quickly disappear as long as you decrease your session time the next day.

No. Even though it will not harm your eyes to look directly into the box as you use it, it may tire them out—particularly if you use your light box first thing in the morning. And, since the reflector is designed to optimize the field of intensity, it is simply not necessary. Often, people find it more comfortable to distract themselves by doing something during their session, such as reading the morning newspaper. If your eyes are particularly sensitive, you may even find it more comfortable to position the box slightly to one side. There is no reason for your light box sessions to be uncomfortable, so do whatever feels best to you.

Simply having the light box on in a room is not going to be enough for most people. You do need to be within a certain distance in order to gain the necessary intensity of light. Generally, as long as you can reach out and touch the lens on the front of the unit, you are within the distance necessary for your sessions to be effective.

Most people end up using the box for between 20 and 30 minutes every morning. Since this does vary from person to person based on the physiology and sensitivity of each individual, you may want to start out with a shorter session. When you get your light box, start with a 10 minute session and work up slowly by adding a couple of minutes every day until you feel that your session time is effective, or until you are within that 20-30 minute range. For most people, morning sessions are most effective, particularly if they are within an hour of waking. There are exceptions, however. If you are experience certain problems with a sleep disorder or with a more atypical type of seasonal disorder, an afternoon session between the hours of 3pm and 6pm may be more effective for you. If you have any questions about this, please contact us and we will be happy to tell you what other customers in similar situations have found beneficial. And, obviously, if you are working with a doctor, follow his advise. He is likely to be better informed about your particular needs.

Again, this varies from person to person. Some people will notice a change in how they feel after their first session. For most people, however, it takes a little longer—a week to ten days. If you do not notice any difference after a couple weeks of usage, please call us and we will discuss with you ways to make your sessions more effective.