Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a subtype of depression that can develop during the fall and winter months, particularly for those of us in the northern hemisphere. It is normal to have fluctuations in mood, however if you are noticing these changes are persisting or becoming more difficult to manage, please schedule a same-day appointment with UHCS or an appointment with TimelyCare to discuss your symptoms. Depression is a serious illness, and only a professional can evaluate all of the factors and symptoms you are experiencing to properly diagnose and recommend treatment for your symptoms.
Many individuals experience SAD each year, and there are treatment options that help. Options for treatment can include therapy, medication, and light therapy. A recent study completed in 2024 showed light therapy provided mild to moderate effects in alleviating depressive symptoms. For more information about the study, please click here.
UH&CS has light therapy lamps available for use at our clinic, as well as to borrow for a one month period of time. Please call 216-368-5872 if you have questions about the Light Therapy Program. These are available on a first come, first serve basis.
How to Rent A Happy Light
Make sure you have completed the requirements outlined above before progressing.
Step 1: Set up - Remove Stand
- The Stand is affixed to the back of the HappyLight Therapy Lamp
- To remove the stand, slide stand upward to remove from keyhole
Step 2: Setup - Affix Stand
- Affix stand by inserting tabs on stand into lots at base of lamp and pressing together
Step 3: Setup - Plug In
- Place the lamp on a flat surface
- Insert power adapter plug into the adapter socket - as shown on rear of the lamp
- Plug adapter into a standard 120 VAC electrical outlet
- Turn on the lamp with the power button located on the top of the lamp
Step 4: Take Device Pretest
- Before you begin using your HappyLight Therapy Lamp, please take the Device Pretest, directions found below. Read through for helpful information and safety precautions.
- Pretest:
To Help determine your degree of sensitivity to light we recommend that you perform this pretest upon first use of your HappyLight Therapy Lamp.
- Pretest:
- Step 1 - Turn on the lamp and position it about 18 inches away from your face. Do not look Directly into the lamp.)
- Step 2 - Operate the lamp for approximately 10 minutes and turn it off. If the light has caused any discomfort, stop using the lamp and consult a doctor. If you have no discomfort, you may consider gradually increasing the brightness of the light, decreasing your distance from the lamp and increasing your usage of time. When you first start using the lamp, you should monitor the degree of any discomfort and accordingly adjust the brightness, distance and time.
Warning: Certain medications (e.g., antidepressants) and diagnosed mental health conditions may induce light sensitivity, which may result in discomfort, hyperactivity and hypomania. Consult with your healthcare provider before using this product.
Warning: If you have a pre-existing eye condition or are at risk for developing Age Related Macular Degeneration or other eye conditions, consult with your healthcare provider before using this product.
Touch controls have been added to your HappyLight Therapy Lamp so that you can customize your light therapy experience for maximum comfort and results. For your convenience, your selections are automatically saved when you turn off your light.
- There are three controls:
- Happy Hue Color Sector:
- Use the left control to choose between three different hues of white light for your comfort. Each time you touch the control it will rotate to a different color of white light.
- Brightness:
- Touch the right control to choose between four different brightness levels and to find the level that is comfortable for you. If you find the brightness setting uncomfortable, you can start with a lower setting and work your way up to the full 10,000 lux over multiple sessions. Increasing the brightness will deliver your daily dose of healthy light more quickly, which results in shorter light therapy sessions.
- Timer:
- For your convenience, a timer helps you keep track of the length of your light therapy experience. You can set the timer while you engage in other activities (e.g., reading a book or emails), and your light will turn off on its own once your light therapy session is complete.
- One Hour Quick Set:
- To set the timer for a one-hour session, quickly touch the timer control. The illuminated ring will pulse once indicating that a one-hour session has been set.
- One Hour Quick Set:
- For your convenience, a timer helps you keep track of the length of your light therapy experience. You can set the timer while you engage in other activities (e.g., reading a book or emails), and your light will turn off on its own once your light therapy session is complete.
- Happy Hue Color Sector:
- Customizing the Length of Your Session:
You can customize the length of your light therapy session in 5 minute increments.
- Step 1 - Touch and hold your finger on the center control for 2 seconds. The illuminated ring will pulse twice indicating that programming mode has begun.
- Step 2 - Continue to hold your finger on the control and select the length of your light therapy session. Each bar of light represents five minutes.
- Step 3 - Remove your finger when the desired time has been illuminated. The illuminated ring will pulse three times to recognize the chosen session time and indicate that the programming mode has been completed.
- Note: If you touch the control again before the completion of the three pulses, you will be able to continue to modify the session time.
- Pausing the Timer:
Pause the timer by tapping the control once. The light will remain on and the illuminated ring turns off. If you would also like to turn off the light, press the on/off button at the top of the lamp to turn the power off completely.
Sit close to your HappyLight Therapy Lamp with your eyes open. While staying oriented toward the light, feel free to engage in other activities such as reading, writing, hobbies and crafts, sewing, needlepoint, applying make-up or working at your computer or desk. The lamp could be positioned as close as 6 inches but within 24 inches of your face. It is most effective when it is positioned slightly off-center. (See diagram.)
- Note: Do not look directly into the lamp. The light from the lamp must be directed at your eyes; therefore, your eyes must be open to achieve the full benefit. Note: Tinted glasses reduce the amount of light reaching your eyes.
How to Use - Customization
Generally speaking, the closer the HappyLight® Therapy Lamp is to you and the higher the brightness, the less time you will need to use the lamp each
day to experience results.
If you do not experience desired results or are feeling lethargic, you can:
- Use the high brightness level
- Sit closer to the lamp
- Spend more time with the lamp
If you experience edginess or are over-stimulated, you can:
- Use the low brightness level
- Sit farther from the lamp
- Spend less time with the lamp
- Take a break from using the lamp
Please note that each person's response to light will vary, so it is important to find the settings, distance and time that are most comfortable for you. For added customization, you can also adjust the color using the HappyHue. Color Selector as well as set the timer to your desired session time.
Tips for Best Practice with Therapy Lights
People receive the best results from light therapy by following the following recommendations:
- Start to use the lamp daily, and build it into your routine as a regular habit.
- Try to use the lamp in the morning, as soon as possible after waking, for optimum results
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule- waking and going to sleep at the same time of day, each day, regardless of weekends.
- The light must enter your eyes, not just be on your skin
- Start with 5 minutes a day, and you can work up to 30 minutes a day
- In selecting light boxes, we followed guidelines from the Mayo Clinic and based our decision on something that was compact enough for students to carry and relatively affordable.
- The light box models we use are the Verilux HappyLight Lucent and LumiPlus
Risk of Use
While light therapy is a useful tool, please make sure you are aware of the risks that may be associated with use.
- Light therapy is generally considered to be safe and does not require a prescription to use
- If you are taking medications that increase photosensitivity, speak with your prescriber about Light Therapy use prior to starting this treatment process.
- While studies have not indicated any long-term problems associated with using Light Therapy, if you have concerns about your eyes please consult with your provider.
- Some individuals experience headaches or dizziness that is often alleviated by reducing the length of time they are using light therapy, or with increased distance from the light.
- Some individuals may find they become “too high” or elevated in their mood. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar, or have a family history of bipolar, please consult with your PCP.
- Light therapy is only meant to treat depression brought upon by seasonal changes. Please consult with your PCP or mental health provider if you have any concerns.
This program has been made possible by the ODHE grant. UH&CS would like to thank the ODHE grant for funding this initiative.