Philips/Apollo Health Full Spectrum Lights

A Standard in Treatment

Currently, Philips/Apollo Health lights are regarded by medical professionals as the standard devices used for treating SAD and other conditions caused by a lack of sunlight. To achieve its trustworthy reputation, the company has worked closely with the National Institute of Health and leading universities in the field to research, develop, test, and approve all of its light therapy products.

Light Therapy and SAD

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also called the winter blues, is a mood disorder caused by a lack of sunlight. This disorder most often strikes people during the winter season, when the days are shorter and time spent outside is limited due to colder temperatures. In short, too little sunlight affects the body in 3 ways – it disrupts the body's circadian rhythm, which controls your natural sleep cycle; it decreases serotonin, which influences your mood; and it increases melatonin, which regulates your body's sleep/wake cycle. When combined, these effects can result in depression, anxiety, drowsiness during the day, and weight gain, among the other symptoms of SAD.

To treat SAD naturally, doctors often recommend using a broad-spectrum 10,000-lux light box or full spectrum light to simulate the natural rays of the sun. These lights can be used easily while doing other activities, such as getting ready for work in the morning, eating breakfast, or watching television. Light therapy is preferred by doctors because it addresses the core problem directly, without risky medication. To learn more about SAD and how it is treated, read our article See The Light Through Seasonal Affective Disorder.