5 replies to this topic

[Jono]

Has anyone tried light therapy? My doctor wants to try it to gain stimulation from the white light. It is the same box used for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

[greatbig47]

JONO!

That's awesome! Did you do it? What happened?
I'm uber-currious!
Do tell!

-Stu

[judycasper]

Hi Jono,

I recently started using light therapy in the morning to help me wake up and it seems to be helping! I use three alarm clocks and when the first one goes off I take my morning RXs, which I keep next to my bed, and then go back to sleep. 40 minutes later the second alarm goes off and I turn on my light box, which is also next to my bed. Then I slowly wake up as I listen to the radio. About 40 minutes after that my third alarm goes off, which I keep downstairs so I have to actually get up and walk downstairs to turn it off. Then hopefully I'm ready to start getting ready for work!

This sounds like a lot, but it is a much better experience with the light, and because I don't feel as stressed in the morning as I know I'm giving myself a lot of time for the "wake-up process".

You may be able to get reimbused for your light box from your insurance company, or you may be able to get partial reimbursement. The company I bought my light box from suggested how to go about doing it - they even gave me a sample letter for my doctor to send to my insurance company.

I bought my box at the recommendation of one of my doctors for depression, a few months before I was diagnosed with N. However, I was always too tired to even try to use it! Now, a year later, I have started to use it.

Good luck!

[caitlion]

I started using an Apollo GoLite in January and have noticed a huge difference. I wanted to stop taking stimulant medication as I have tried many and didn't like any of them. I have been able to do that by using the light every morning for 15-30 minutes right when I wake up. I still have to drink tons of energy drinks, but I notice that I wake up much easier than before and have a little more energy throughout the day. I am still very tired all the time, but things are a little bit easier... I definitely notice a significant drop in energy when I don't have time or forget to use it for a day or two. It is not a miracle but it does help to regulate your circadian rhythm. Their website has more information: http://apollohealth.com/.

[Toph4er]

I don't have any special light therapy, but when my mom comes in to wake me up in the mornings (alarm clocks don't work for me >.<) she turns on both my lights and opens the blinds so there is quite a bit of light in the room. It usually helps and it makes sense really.

Chris"Toph4er"

[Curiosity]

My mom bought me one of the Seasonal Affective Disorder-type light boxes before I was diagnosed with N. I just leave it on all day. I don't know how much good it does, but it makes a great lamp!