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Alternative Medicine Magazine's Definitive Guide to Sleep Disorders: 7 Smart Ways to Help You Get a Good Night's Rest Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac. See book keywords and concepts

In the second week, they used the light boxes at progressively earlier times. The third week, they woke at 6 a.m. and used the light boxes immediately upon awakening. By the fourth day of that regimen, Sherrie and her mother were no longer depressed and were full of energy. Blood test results success story revealed that the positive changes were occurring because the morning light had normalized their melatonin production cycle. "I tend to be skeptical of things until I see proof," says Sherrie, now 43. "But we were able to see this was a physical thing happening, and that was useful to me.

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For now, the research supports manufacturers of light boxes that use blue light, Lockley says. People use the boxes to combat sleepiness and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can cause depression in the darker days of winter. However, just like ultraviolet wavelengths, blue light could be dangerous to the eyes in heavy doses, Lockley warns, so it should be used with caution. .f- Learn more about SAD at the National — Mental Health Association Web site at www.nmba.org.

Alternative Medicine Magazine's Definitive Guide to Sleep Disorders: 7 Smart Ways to Help You Get a Good Night's Rest Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac. See book keywords and concepts

Other therapies require special purchases, such as light boxes or magnets, and are best administered under the guidance of a health-care practitioner. Melatonin supplements are effective and widely available. However, most alternative medicine practitioners recommend integrating lifestyle changes (such as dietary changes and light therapy) before turning to melatonin supplementation; with proper nourishment and light-dark cycles, the body can naturally produce sufficient amounts of this hormone. Lifestyle Modifications Making a few adjustments to your daily routine can get you snoozing again.

Additionally, you may consider using a light box; these specially designed devices use full-spectrum fluorescent lights to simulate early-morning sunlight. light boxes typically cost $100 to $450 and are widely available in various sizes and styles, from wall units to desk lamps to visors. They usually come in values of 5,000 to 10,000 lux.

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Several different companies make bright light boxes. The most important thing to look for is a brightness rating of at least 10,000 lux. (In comparison, at a distance of two feet a standard 60-watt light bulb gives off only 300 lux.) Make sure the light box is equipped with a UV filter to protect the skin and the eyes. Also, use full-spectrum fluorescent lights in your home and workplace. • Exercise is a proven mood-booster, and exercise in the sunlight does double duty for SAD sufferers.

Interview: Larry Pederson and the LiteBook portable phototherapy device Mike Adams, the Health Ranger See article keywords and concepts

It was these big fluorescent light boxes that, for many years, took up half your desk -- and yes, they work. But, they were very inconvenient and a lot of people wouldn't use them very practically. So what we did is we came up with a way to harness the white light emitting diode -- or LED technology -- that was invented in Japan five or six years ago -- and what we found is that that LED actually keeps at a very specific wavelength that's identical to sunlight.

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Most insurance companies now honor claims for these special light boxes. Q Atypical depression is a common but often undiagnosed disorder affecting up to 40 million Americans. Although classification is still ongoing, it could arguably be thought of as a subset of bipolar depression. Symptoms include mood swings, carbohydrate cravings, weight gain, sensitivity to rejection, and lethargy. In a recent study, daily supplementation with chromium picolinate reduced the symptoms significantly, especially the carbohydrate cravings. No side effects were observed that were different from placebo.

Alternative Medicine Magazine's Definitive Guide to Sleep Disorders: 7 Smart Ways to Help You Get a Good Night's Rest Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac. See book keywords and concepts

By the fourth day of that regimen, Sherrie and her mother were no longer depressed and were full of energy. Blood test results success story revealed that the positive changes were occurring because the morning light had normalized their melatonin production cycle. "I tend to be skeptical of things until I see proof," says Sherrie, now 43. "But we were able to see this was a physical thing happening, and that was useful to me." After the study, Sherrie made a light box for herself, and, several years later, started her own business, Enviro-Med (see Resources), to sell them.

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One treatment for this disorder involves the use of "light boxes" to articifically increase exposure to light. One theory is that this works by stimulating, via the eye's retina, the brain's pineal gland. It may also promote vitamin D production. A study by Lansdowne et al. (1998) supports the vitamin D theory. During the Australian winter, researchers gave 44 healthy students either 400 IU, 800 IU, or no vitamin D3 for 5 days. Both dosages of vitamin D3 significantly enhanced mood. Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it can accumulate in tissues and become toxic.

The use of "light boxes" to artificially inctease exposure to light may stimulate, via the eye's retina, the brain's pineal gland. It may also promote vitamin D production. A 1998 study supports the vitamin D theory. During the Australian winter, researchers gave 44 healthy students either 400 IU, 800 IU, or no vitamin D3 for 5 days. Both dosages of vitamin D3 significantly enhanced mood (Lansdowne et al. 1998). Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it can accumulate in tissues and become toxic. Only 400 IU are recommended for most adults.

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The latter are dangerous because they can cause skin cancer and premature wrinkling due to the release of large amounts of UV radiation, whereas light boxes have too little UV radiation to produce a tan.) light boxes for SAD are not considered alternative medicine; they represent an accepted, proven mainstream treatment. Many claims are made for light therapy as an alternative healing method for conditions other than SAD. In alternative light therapy, various types of light from different sources are prescribed inappropriately to treat many diagnoses.

Alternative Medicine the Definitive Guide, Second Edition Larry Trivieri, Jr. See book keywords and concepts

In the second week, the technicians began setting up the light boxes progressively earlier. The third week, the researchers woke the women at 6 a.m. to use the light boxes immediately upon awakening. By the fourth day of that regimen, Sherrie and her mother were no longer depressed and were full of energy. When they got the blood test results, they realized that the positive changes were occurring because the morning light had normalized their melatonin production cycle. "I tend to be skeptical of things until I see proof," says Sherrie, now 43.

The Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to Alternative and Complementary Therapies Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

The latter are dangerous because they can cause skin cancer and premature wrinkling due to the release of large amounts of UV radiation, whereas light boxes have too little UV radiation to produce a tan.) light boxes for SAD are not considered alternative medicine; they represent an accepted, proven mainstream treatment. Many claims are made for light therapy as an alternative healing method for conditions other than SAD. In alternative light therapy, various types of light from different sources are prescribed inappropriately to treat many diagnoses.

Adding artificial light in the form of light boxes helps reduce the depression that often accompanies inadequate exposure to natural sunlight. light boxes may also help treat jaundice in infants and some skin conditions. It is what light therapy cannot do for you that must be carefully examined. There is no acceptable evidence that light therapy in any of its manifestations will cure cancer, arthritis, menstrual difficulties, tooth decay, hair loss, Alzheimer's disease, or any of the remaining diseases and conditions it promises to dispel. Where to Get It ?

Alternative Medicine the Definitive Guide, Second Edition Larry Trivieri, Jr. See book keywords and concepts

Full-Spectrum Light Therapy Light therapy often involves using light boxes, specially designed devices consisting of full-spectrum fluorescent lights that simulate early-morning sunlight. light boxes typically cost $300-$l,000 and are widely available in a various sizes and styles (wall units, desk lamps, light visors).They usually come in values of 2,500 lux and 10,000 lux. Most standard therapy protocols recommend two hours of exposure to 2,500 lux daily; some doctors recommend using 10,000-lux boxes for only 30 minutes daily.

The Serotonin Solution Judith J. Wurtman and Susan Suffes See book keywords and concepts

There are at least a dozen companies in this country that manufacture these light boxes. Many psychiatrists know about their employment against depression. The light boxes must be used daily for at least thirty minutes or longer in the early morning. If more than two or three days are skipped, SAD symptoms will return. SPRING-SUMMER SLIM-DOWN PLAN At last, the clocks have been pushed forward, the buds are on the trees, and it's time to slim down. As the days grow longer your mental and physical energy will begin to return to normal.

The Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to Alternative and Complementary Therapies Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

What It Is Light therapy, in the form of light boxes that shine bright light into the room during darker winter days, is used by psychiatrists to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during seasons when days have many dark and few sunlit hours. Research substantiates the ability of this treatment to reduce depression. (Light boxes prescribed to treat depression should not be confused with tanning booths.

Adding artificial light in the form of light boxes helps reduce the depression that often accompanies inadequate exposure to natural sunlight. light boxes may also help treat jaundice in infants and some skin conditions. It is what light therapy cannot do for you that must be carefully examined. There is no acceptable evidence that light therapy in any of its manifestations will cure cancer, arthritis, menstrual difficulties, tooth decay, hair loss, Alzheimer's disease, or any of the remaining diseases and conditions it promises to dispel. Where to Get It ?

Alternative Medicine the Definitive Guide, Second Edition Larry Trivieri, Jr. See book keywords and concepts

In the second week, the technicians began setting up the light boxes progressively earlier. The third week, the researchers woke the women at 6 a.m. to use the light boxes immediately upon awakening. By the fourth day of that regimen, Sherrie and her mother were no longer depressed and were full of energy. When they got the blood test results, they realized that the positive changes were occurring because the morning light had normalized their melatonin production cycle. "I tend to be skeptical of things until I see proof," says Sherrie, now 43.

In one study, SAD patients who took morning walks and received a minimum of one hour of sunlight showed positive results.19 light boxes are used in the majority of SAD cases. Most studies find that early morning sessions, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours using varying intensities of light, bring improvement within a week.20 Jaundice: Light therapy is used to treat jaundice in newborn babies. In 1956, Sister Ward of Rochford General Hospital, in England, discovered the treatment by accident. On warm summer days, she would wheel the premature infants into the courtyard.

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One caveat: If you have certain vision problems or are taking medications that make you more light-sensitive, light boxes may not be for you. Talk to your doctor before buying one.) Once you have the light box set up, put your treadmill, ski machine, indoor trampoline, exercise mat, or stationary bike in front of the thing and work up a sweat. A half-hour in front of a light box does the mood-boosting trick for most people, says Dr. Byrne. Wrinkles llillMMWllUlllll......

Alternative Cures: The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for 160 Health Problems Bill Gottlieb See book keywords and concepts

Classic PMS symptoms can be reduced by increasing exposure to full-spectrum light by going outdoors, opening shades, and buying full-spectrum light boxes or bulbs," says Hahn. Vitamins and Minerals for PMS Every woman with PMS should take a daily multivitamin /mineral supplement, says Dr. Hanley. "All the vitamins and minerals work together to help resolve PMS symptoms," she says. Choose a high-potency multiple supplement with a minimum of 600 milligrams of calcium, 600 milligrams of magnesium, and 50 milligrams of most of the B vitamins.

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Early light boxes emitted 2,500 lux, which sounds like a lot but really isn't. "That's the brightness of outdoor light shortly after dawn," Dr. Terman explains. "At noon on a summer day, you can have 120,000 lux." When Dr. Terman constructed a 10,000-lux light, he found that people with SAD obtained effective relief with daily exposure of just 30 minutes. "You put the unit on your kitchen table," he explains, "and by the time you've finished your morning coffee, you're protected for the day." SAD symptoms typically begin to lift about a week after the start of phototherapy.

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Sources for light boxes include: The Sunbox Company, (301) 762-1786; Apollo Light Systems, Inc., (801) 226-2370; and MedicLight Inc., (201) 663-1214. Other tips for people with SAD include: Avoid sugar and caffeine, which exacerbate depression. Take a walk at lunch. Exercise regularly. Take a winter vacation in a sunny place. IN ADDITION TO YOUR DAILY SUPPLEMENTS, PACE xxiv, TAKE • Melatonin: 2 mg. at bedtime during the dark months, if you notice your symptoms are seasonal. • Amino acid tyrosine: 500 mg. one or two capsules three times daily. • Amino acid D-phenylalanine: 500 mg.

Alternative Medicine the Definitive Guide, Second Edition Larry Trivieri, Jr. See book keywords and concepts

By the fourth day of that regimen, Sherrie and her mother were no longer depressed and were full of energy. When they got the blood test results, they realized that the positive changes were occurring because the morning light had normalized their melatonin production cycle. "I tend to be skeptical of things until I see proof," says Sherrie, now 43. "But we were able to see this was a physical thing happening and that was useful to me." After the study, Sherrie starting making light boxes herself and, several years later, started her own business to sell them.

The Serotonin Solution Judith J. Wurtman and Susan Suffes See book keywords and concepts

Information about suppliers of light boxes and their use in shifting sleep-wake cycles can be obtained from: Society of Light Treatment 10200 West 44th Avenue, Suite 304 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-2840 Phone: 303-424-3697 Part of our information on whether light therapy can shift our body's rhythms comes from research on volunteers who were exposed to light or darkness for varying lengths of time to see how their internal body clocks were affected. Shift workers agreed to try exposure to phototheraphy boxes at different times to see how much light was needed to shift their daily rhythms.

Often prescribed as therapy for people who suffer from the mood changes of seasonal affective disorder and winter weight gain (see Chapter Eight), phototherapy light boxes are widely available and may range in price from around $250 to $500, which may even be covered by your health plan.

Many psychiatrists know about their employment against depression. The light boxes must be used daily for at least thirty minutes or longer in the early morning. If more than two or three days are skipped, SAD symptoms will return. SPRING-SUMMER SLIM-DOWN PLAN At last, the clocks have been pushed forward, the buds are on the trees, and it's time to slim down. As the days grow longer your mental and physical energy will begin to return to normal.

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