What is light therapy for winter symptoms, and how is it delivered?
Light therapy involves exposure to intense light under specified conditions. The recommended light therapy system consists of a set of fluorescent bulbs installed in a box with a plastic diffusing screen, and set up on a table or desk top at which one can sit comfortably for the treatment session. Treatment consists simply of sitting close to the light box, with lights on and eyes open. Looking at the lights is not necessary or recommended; rather, one is free to engage in such activities as reading and writing, or eating meals. What is important is to orient the head and body toward the lights, concentrating on activities on the surfaces illuminated by the lights, and not on the lights themselves. Treatment sessions can last from 15 minutes to 2 hours, usually once a day, but sometimes split into separate sessions, depending on individual needs and equipment used. The amount of light reaching the eyes and the duration of light treatments may need to be adjusted to achieve the best pos
