Comments on: Light Therapy http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/ Fresh hacks every day Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:38:50 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: limpinlou http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-2/#comment-60580 limpinlou Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:42:30 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-60580 What you need are UVA bulbs including the visible spectrum. These are similar to those used in tanning booths. They do NOT produce (nor should you use bulbs that do) UVB. This link address, http://www.topbulb.com/find/prod_list.asp_Q_intSubCategory_E_796, shows a company offering bulbs that provide this. I have been going to the doctor for UV treatments 3x per week for over 9 years. It works. LOU What you need are UVA bulbs including the visible spectrum. These are similar to those used in tanning booths. They do NOT produce (nor should you use bulbs that do) UVB. This link address, http://www.topbulb.com/find/prod_list.asp_Q_intSubCategory_E_796, shows a company offering bulbs that provide this. I have been going to the doctor for UV treatments 3x per week for over 9 years. It works.

LOU

]]> By: Andar http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-2/#comment-60189 Andar Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:56:48 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-60189 Bullshit, I don't have tiny invisible creatures inside me, making me sick. It was that old lady in the woods, she must be a witch! Burn her! Its funny how people will comment negatively on things when they choose to ignore the facts. It is a fact that some people are genetically determined to favor mornings, others evenings. Sure, not getting enough sunlight can definitely mess with your internal regulation. Remember, we're not far removed from hunter-gatherer lives. Our bodies are designed to conserve energy during the winter (cause food was likely to be less plentiful) and be more active during summer. Where do you think it got its stimuli from? The amount of sunlight? Bullshit, I don’t have tiny invisible creatures inside me, making me sick. It was that old lady in the woods, she must be a witch! Burn her!

Its funny how people will comment negatively on things when they choose to ignore the facts. It is a fact that some people are genetically determined to favor mornings, others evenings. Sure, not getting enough sunlight can definitely mess with your internal regulation.

Remember, we’re not far removed from hunter-gatherer lives. Our bodies are designed to conserve energy during the winter (cause food was likely to be less plentiful) and be more active during summer. Where do you think it got its stimuli from? The amount of sunlight?

]]> By: Wwhat http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-2/#comment-57491 Wwhat Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:22:12 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57491 The thing though is Matt that a cynic would know that much of the stuff that is 'well established' and 'known' is complete BS, science just isn't as scientific and flawless as it should be, and whole groups of scientist support obvious nonsensical theories (which they sometimes not even acknowledge as being theories but herald as truths), either because they feel a psychological need or because it maximises financial gain or to fit in the group. Also a cynic starts from a basis of 'what I just heard is possibly not true and therefore probably nonsense' then have the facts convince him/her. Of course going around shouting and posting comments something is absolutely not true (without even researching) is a whole different kind of psychology. The thing though is Matt that a cynic would know that much of the stuff that is ‘well established’ and ‘known’ is complete BS, science just isn’t as scientific and flawless as it should be, and whole groups of scientist support obvious nonsensical theories (which they sometimes not even acknowledge as being theories but herald as truths), either because they feel a psychological need or because it maximises financial gain or to fit in the group.
Also a cynic starts from a basis of ‘what I just heard is possibly not true and therefore probably nonsense’ then have the facts convince him/her.
Of course going around shouting and posting comments something is absolutely not true (without even researching) is a whole different kind of psychology.

]]> By: octelcogopod http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-2/#comment-57368 octelcogopod Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:06:12 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57368 Light therapy is NOT homeopathy. Not even close. Do a little reading and educate yourself: http://tinyurl.com/9uscmr http://tinyurl.com/72fb7m This page is particularly useful: http://tinyurl.com/6ujsdx These kinds of light boxes can be also used for treating rapid cycling bipolar disorder: http://tinyurl.com/9j84rt Also, Boris, the color of the light IS pretty important. It should be around 470nm for optimum effect. Fluorescent lamps have a peak around ~430nm, which is helpful provided the intensity is high enough. Blue LEDs are the best way to go, IMHO. Light therapy is NOT homeopathy. Not even close.
Do a little reading and educate yourself:

http://tinyurl.com/9uscmr
http://tinyurl.com/72fb7m

This page is particularly useful:
http://tinyurl.com/6ujsdx

These kinds of light boxes can be also used for treating rapid cycling bipolar disorder:
http://tinyurl.com/9j84rt

Also, Boris, the color of the light IS pretty important. It should be around 470nm for optimum effect. Fluorescent lamps have a peak around ~430nm, which is helpful provided the intensity is high enough. Blue LEDs are the best way to go, IMHO.

]]> By: Jules http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-2/#comment-57264 Jules Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:53:47 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57264 Did this light therapy really works ? Jules http://www.openprox.info Did this light therapy really works ?

Jules
http://www.openprox.info

]]> By: BlokefromOhio http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-2/#comment-57262 BlokefromOhio Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:22:29 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57262 My blind pal does just fine in the winter... bologna My blind pal does just fine in the winter… bologna

]]> By: Boris Legradic http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-2/#comment-57259 Boris Legradic Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:01:11 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57259 Hey guys, thanks for featuring my lightbox! I naturally did some research before building it, and this is what I found: *) Light therapy is effective against s.a.d., which has been proven in various studies, see for example http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11328240 and the references therein. *) The colour of the light is actually not that important (humans are not plants), you just have to avoid UV light, or else you might give yourself skin cancer to replace your depression - or at least develop a weird tan in your face. *) Recommended intensities are between 2500 to 10000 Lumens, I figured with 10 1500 Lumen light bulbs I should be on the safe side. The inverse square law does of course hold - you should sit as close as comfortably possible. *) I actually considered having some kind of diffusor in front, but in the end decided against it. For one, it would mean a drop in luminance, and the box is meant as a medical device and not as a pretty lamp. furthermore, with an open box a I don't have a problem with heat build-up, so no need for fans. Hey guys, thanks for featuring my lightbox!

I naturally did some research before building it, and this is what I found:

*) Light therapy is effective against s.a.d., which has been proven in various studies, see for example http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11328240 and the references therein.

*) The colour of the light is actually not that important (humans are not plants), you just have to avoid UV light, or else you might give yourself skin cancer to replace your depression – or at least develop a weird tan in your face.

*) Recommended intensities are between 2500 to 10000 Lumens, I figured with 10 1500 Lumen light bulbs I should be on the safe side. The inverse square law does of course hold – you should sit as close as comfortably possible.

*) I actually considered having some kind of diffusor in front, but in the end decided against it. For one, it would mean a drop in luminance, and the box is meant as a medical device and not as a pretty lamp. furthermore, with an open box a I don’t have a problem with heat build-up, so no need for fans.

]]> By: Larry http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-1/#comment-57256 Larry Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:45:32 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57256 I live in southern California and the only time I lay in the sun is in the winter. The warm sun on my skin on a cool day sure makes me feel better. I question the use of CFLs used on this project but if it works then that's good enough. I live in southern California and the only time I lay in the sun is in the winter. The warm sun on my skin on a cool day sure makes me feel better. I question the use of CFLs used on this project but if it works then that’s good enough.

]]> By: fartface http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-1/#comment-57236 fartface Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:13:52 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57236 Beh. More homeopathic crap that has zero basis in science. Plus, when is a bunch of lightbulbs in a cardboard box a hack? Can I throw a bunch of CD's in a cardboard box and call it a new data storage system and get a article on hack a day?? It seems there's more technical stuff going on over at ikeahacker compared to this place lately. Beh. More homeopathic crap that has zero basis in science.

Plus, when is a bunch of lightbulbs in a cardboard box a hack? Can I throw a bunch of CD’s in a cardboard box and call it a new data storage system and get a article on hack a day??

It seems there’s more technical stuff going on over at ikeahacker compared to this place lately.

]]> By: Matt http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-1/#comment-57235 Matt Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:12:48 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57235 Being a skeptic does not mean you shout "bullshit" at every thing you think sounds like bullshit. It involves actual critical thinking, and if some of you did that, you'd know that SAD is a well-documented, not well understood phenomenon. I was under the impression, however, that full spectrum bulbs were needed to have any kind of efficacy. Being a skeptic does not mean you shout “bullshit” at every thing you think sounds like bullshit. It involves actual critical thinking, and if some of you did that, you’d know that SAD is a well-documented, not well understood phenomenon.

I was under the impression, however, that full spectrum bulbs were needed to have any kind of efficacy.

]]> By: Wwhat http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-1/#comment-57232 Wwhat Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:48:48 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57232 I used to be sceptical about the concept of winter depression and light treatment, but frankly if you are in a more vulnerable state you start to notice there is a huge shift, and that exposure to light does actually help your mood. (and that it's too damn cold outside :) To the cynics: have you ever seen a poorly illuminated place? Or lighted with bad fluorescent lighting? And didn't you then say 'damn this is depressing'? Now if as is stated opening a curtain and being at the window at daytime is just as effective I'm willing to believe. Lastly, even if it was a placebo, if it helps why not? I used to be sceptical about the concept of winter depression and light treatment, but frankly if you are in a more vulnerable state you start to notice there is a huge shift, and that exposure to light does actually help your mood. (and that it’s too damn cold outside :)
To the cynics: have you ever seen a poorly illuminated place? Or lighted with bad fluorescent lighting? And didn’t you then say ‘damn this is depressing’?
Now if as is stated opening a curtain and being at the window at daytime is just as effective I’m willing to believe.
Lastly, even if it was a placebo, if it helps why not?

]]> By: ragnar http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-1/#comment-57224 ragnar Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:20:56 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57224 @epicelite, why so offensive, when you obviously have no clue? @epicelite, why so offensive, when you obviously have no clue?

]]> By: swiitboard http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-1/#comment-57221 swiitboard Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:54:24 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57221 It is not the strength of the light, but its color spectrum that counts. Solar spectrum lamps are quite expensive. So if this does not heva the desired effect, try to find the right lamps. It is not the strength of the light, but its color spectrum that counts. Solar spectrum lamps are quite expensive. So if this does not heva the desired effect, try to find the right lamps.

]]> By: hockeytree http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-1/#comment-57206 hockeytree Tue, 30 Dec 2008 07:45:04 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57206 skitchen well of course you mean a quarter pound of "Basil".... its some pretty damn expensive basil, about 500 bucks... err haha about the leds they need to be about an inch away (max) from the skin for any useful effect skitchen well of course you mean a quarter pound of “Basil”…. its some pretty damn expensive basil, about 500 bucks… err haha

about the leds they need to be about an inch away (max) from the skin for any useful effect

]]> By: Wolf http://hackaday.com/2008/12/29/light-therapy/comment-page-1/#comment-57199 Wolf Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:13:18 +0000 http://hackaday.com/?p=7346#comment-57199 @mike, Next you'll be suggesting that we turn our lights on and off with switches, and cool our computers with regular fanned heatsinks. @mike, Next you’ll be suggesting that we turn our lights on and off with switches, and cool our computers with regular fanned heatsinks.

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