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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by saturn on October 3, 2006, at 18:04:05
I already posted this question recently, but have not been able to find any solid info. Does anyone know if blue-light therapy affects serotonin (or dopamine or norepinephrine) or where I can find info regarding this? Thanks...Saturn.
Posted by saturn on October 3, 2006, at 19:10:42
In reply to Phototherapy and neurotransmitters, posted by saturn on October 3, 2006, at 18:04:05
> I already posted this question recently, but have not been able to find any solid info. Does anyone know if blue-light therapy affects serotonin (or dopamine or norepinephrine) or where I can find info regarding this? Thanks...Saturn.
I just reread my post and hope it didn't sound disrespectful or inpatient (I'm referring specifically the word 'already')...that was not my intention. I just haven't been able to find any scientific info in my searches. Peace...Sat
Posted by yxibow on October 4, 2006, at 1:39:47
In reply to Re: Phototherapy and neurotransmitters, posted by saturn on October 3, 2006, at 19:10:42
> > I already posted this question recently, but have not been able to find any solid info. Does anyone know if blue-light therapy affects serotonin (or dopamine or norepinephrine) or where I can find info regarding this? Thanks...Saturn.
>
> I just reread my post and hope it didn't sound disrespectful or inpatient (I'm referring specifically the word 'already')...that was not my intention. I just haven't been able to find any scientific info in my searches. Peace...Sat
If you're referring to SAD, here's one linkhttp://www.psychiatry.ubc.ca/mood/sad/sadfaq.htm
It notes that it isn't really known at this point yet but serotonin and dopamine may be at play in light therapy.
Posted by pseudoname on October 4, 2006, at 10:50:26
In reply to Phototherapy and neurotransmitters, posted by saturn on October 3, 2006, at 18:04:05
Hi, Saturn. I saw your earlier post, but I wasn't yet back on Babble from my break. I'm glad you asked again.
At the American Psychiatric Assn convention in Toronto a few months ago, there were several competing light-therapy vendors on the floor. All sold the boxes (which have decreased in size lately), and several sold goggles. One sold visors with GREEN light (http://www.feelbrightlight.com/). I don't remember any BLUE vendors. Anyway, the green salesman told me that it was the only spectrum that actually mattered, and that you only need the light in your peripheral vision, not to look into it. No scientific references are given on the sheet I kept or their web site. The visor was about $200.
The Google CACHE (not the current page!) of the Mayo Clinic page on light therapy for depression says:
“Exposure to the blue light spectrum should be minimal
since it may cause vision problems, such as glare or
macular degeneration.”But Mayo removed that warning! What the heck is going on?! http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:hXeFSulGp7AJ:www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/MH00023+%22seasonal+affective%22+blue-light&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=5
Sorry I can't point you to any scholarly research, Saturn. Can I ask why are you interested in blue light, especially?
Posted by saturn on October 4, 2006, at 12:37:16
In reply to blue- or green-light therapy » saturn, posted by pseudoname on October 4, 2006, at 10:50:26
> Hi, Saturn. I saw your earlier post, but I wasn't yet back on Babble from my break. I'm glad you asked again.
>
> At the American Psychiatric Assn convention in Toronto a few months ago, there were several competing light-therapy vendors on the floor. All sold the boxes (which have decreased in size lately), and several sold goggles. One sold visors with GREEN light (http://www.feelbrightlight.com/). I don't remember any BLUE vendors. Anyway, the green salesman told me that it was the only spectrum that actually mattered, and that you only need the light in your peripheral vision, not to look into it. No scientific references are given on the sheet I kept or their web site. The visor was about $200.
>
> The Google CACHE (not the current page!) of the Mayo Clinic page on light therapy for depression says:
>
> “Exposure to the blue light spectrum should be minimal
> since it may cause vision problems, such as glare or
> macular degeneration.”
>
> But Mayo removed that warning! What the heck is going on?! http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:hXeFSulGp7AJ:www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/MH00023+%22seasonal+affective%22+blue-light&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=5
>
> Sorry I can't point you to any scholarly research, Saturn. Can I ask why are you interested in blue light, especially?Hi pseudoname. A have delayed sleep phase syndrome and have been using a blue light for over a year with variable success. I've only been using it generally around 15 min/day. I don't think that's enough. Recently I noticed a significant improvement in mood when I briefly increased the duration to 20-25 minutes. I can't say for certain it was this increase that caused it, but I have a strong suspician this may be the case.
My understanding is you're correct, the green spectrum actually is what's important. Although my blue light does not emit UV, it does strain my eyes. So I decided to do a little more research before continuing at a higher duration and found this website:
http://www.sunnexbiotech.com/Now I'm not here to advertise and can't vouch for the validity of the info...but they allow for a 2 month rental which can then be applied toward purchase so you can try it out. The blue light does really strain my eyes and I don't want to mess with my eyesight so I'm going to try this thing out, at increased duration to 30-45 min/day. Hopefully I'll get the unit this week and it will improve my mood and sleep without the eye strain. Fingers crossed but guardedly optimistic...Saturn
Posted by saturn on October 4, 2006, at 13:20:47
In reply to Re: Phototherapy and neurotransmitters » saturn, posted by yxibow on October 4, 2006, at 1:39:47
Posted by gardenergirl on October 4, 2006, at 15:45:48
In reply to Re: blue- or green-light therapy » pseudoname, posted by saturn on October 4, 2006, at 12:37:16
Do you look into the light? Both light therapy units I have, one full-spectrum and one blue light say not to look into the light. Rather, the instructions say to place the lamp so that the light "bathes your face", usually off to the side a bit. The light still enters your eyes, but you're not looking at the unit or the light source itself.
I get a little giggle when I catch sight of my "floating" face glowing blue reflected in the dining room picture window. :)
Also, can you adjust the intensity? You might try a lower intensity for a longer period of time. Or sitting a bit further away?
gg
Posted by psychobot5000 on October 5, 2006, at 23:44:56
In reply to Re: blue- or green-light therapy » pseudoname, posted by saturn on October 4, 2006, at 12:37:16
I looked up the sunnex biotech site, and was pretty well sold on their research--it sounds like a great thing to try--
Then I saw the price tag. 650 US dollars--that's obscene for a machine that emits green light. Curses, because I want one like that, now.
Posted by saturn on October 6, 2006, at 6:01:48
In reply to Re: blue- or green-light therapy » saturn, posted by psychobot5000 on October 5, 2006, at 23:44:56
> I looked up the sunnex biotech site, and was pretty well sold on their research--it sounds like a great thing to try--
Yeah when I called up too I didn't just get some kid taking orders. The guy's physics knowledge etc was solid and he was real nice...probably one of the inventors or something.
> Then I saw the price tag. 650 US dollars--that's obscene for a machine that emits green light. Curses, because I want one like that, now.
I know what you mean--$650!!! That's why I'm trying the 2-month rental at a lower price to check it out (and can be applied to later purchases). But what's your eyesight worth? I'm getting antsy though as it's been over a week and I haven't received it yet.
Posted by psychobot5000 on October 6, 2006, at 22:09:34
In reply to Re: blue- or green-light therapy » psychobot5000, posted by saturn on October 6, 2006, at 6:01:48
The two month rental idea is actually very good--you ought to be able to tell whether it's working, at that point, and whether you want to bite the bullet on the price. ...Maybe I'll call and ask a few questions, too.
When you get it, I'd be interested to hear how it works out!
P-bot
Posted by saturn on October 7, 2006, at 7:06:34
In reply to Re: blue- or green-light therapy, posted by psychobot5000 on October 6, 2006, at 22:09:34
> The two month rental idea is actually very good--you ought to be able to tell whether it's working, at that point, and whether you want to bite the bullet on the price. ...Maybe I'll call and ask a few questions, too.
>
> When you get it, I'd be interested to hear how it works out!
>
> P-botSure. I'm sitting in front of it right now. Kinda wish I'd rented the smaller desklamp version so I could travel with it...but I'm not sure how convenient that would be to use with a computer. Anyhow, I'm digressing.
I prefer not to post anything too early, but will update...feel free to babblemail me in the meantime. Peace...Saturn
Posted by saturn on October 15, 2006, at 6:43:30
In reply to Re: blue- or green-light therapy, posted by psychobot5000 on October 6, 2006, at 22:09:34
> The two month rental idea is actually very good--you ought to be able to tell whether it's working, at that point, and whether you want to bite the bullet on the price. ...Maybe I'll call and ask a few questions, too.
>
> When you get it, I'd be interested to hear how it works out!
>
> P-botHi P-bot,
Well I've been using the green light for an hour each morning for about a week. So far I am satisfied. The light is MUCH less intense and more comfortable than the blue light I had previously been using.
I have noticed a modest yet significant improvement in mood and my sleep cycle is also improving--perhaps now because I have a definite reason to wake at the same time every morning--even on weekends.
At about the same time I started the light I had to stop my fish oil for a medical procedure, so I'll be interested to see my response once I return to the fish oil.
I've also recently had a significant stressor in my life removed, so that may also have a role on my mood and sleep, but so far I do believe I am receiving a fair amount of benefit from the light itself, though not drastic, that I will keep with it. I am hoping to eventually decrease my light time to 30-40 minutes eventually. Peace...Saturn.
Posted by psychobot5000 on October 15, 2006, at 20:42:32
In reply to Re: blue- or green-light therapy » psychobot5000, posted by saturn on October 15, 2006, at 6:43:30
That's very good to hear! Hope things continue to improve when you get back on the fish oil, and hope the medical procedure went well!
I'm waiting until I hopefully resolve other issues with medication and diet, before I try a light treatment--it's good to hear things about how others are doing.
Be well,
P-bot
This is the end of the thread.
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