Posted by Bridget Christie (4.54.201.226) on January 01, 2002 at 09:25:33:
In Reply to: Light therapy posted by Kim on December 31, 2001 at 23:23:02:
Kim,
My name is Bridget. I have had them for eight years now and I think I have found a way to manage my problem. Don't stop taking your medicine but try this in conjunction with it:
1. Purchase a 48" flourescent light fixture and (THIS IS IMPORTANT) a 48" FULL SPECTRUM BULB for the fixture. The fixture need not be fancy, if this therapy doesn't work for you, your not out any large amount of money. You will also need to purchase a timer for the light.
2. Mount the light near your bed, above the headboard or beside the bed. Plug the light into the timer.
3. This next part really involves your sleeping habits. I will explain mine and you can adapt it to fit your schedule:
My full spectrum light comes on at 7pm and shuts off at 9 pm. I try to spend at least 30 minutes prior to going to sleep in front of the light with 8:30pm being my bedtime. My light comes back on at 4 am as does the alarm clock. That's when I get up to start my day.
As I said, adjust the light to your personal needs but try to stay on a 7 to 8 hour sleep schedule and use the full spectrum light to signal the beginning and the end of each day. This has worked much better for me than anything else.
Good Luck
Bridget