Is Bright Light Therapy Effective As An Insomnia Cure?

The precise way in which bright light therapy affects your body remains something of a mystery. Therapy certainly causes an adjustment in the timing of your body clock and effects levels of the light-sensitive hormone melatonin in your bloodstream.

Whatever the exact mechanism, studies have clearly shown the effectiveness of this particular treatment.

In one study of people suffering from initial insomnia (an inability to get to sleep, often accompanied by difficulty in getting up and going in the morning), those taking part in the study were subjected to two hours of light therapy each morning over several days and were also kept away from bright lights during the evening period.

In all cases the body clock was shifted back and those taking part reported that they found it much easier to get to sleep. In addition, the study found that the overall quality of sleep improved, as did morning alertness.

In a second study in South Australia involving people suffering from late insomnia (waking too early in the morning), light therapy treatment was again given for a period of two hours – this time during the course of the evening. In all cases those taking part went to bed at their usual time but reported that they slept for between one and two hours longer than normal.

In yet another study, twenty four people suffering from late insomnia were treated with just two evenings of light therapy at the relatively low level of 2,500 lux and were then followed up over a period of four weeks.

In every single case those taking part reported that they slept longer and woke later in the morning. They also reported fewer daytime symptoms and felt considerably less depressed when questioned at the four week follow-up point.

Bright light therapy does of course present difficulties for some people whose lifestyle makes it difficult for them to find the time to sit in front of a light box for a reasonable period of time and on a regular basis. However, if you can fit this particular therapy into your daily routine you may well reap considerable benefit from it in a relatively short period of time.