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I. Introduction
Congratulations! You've just bought a Luminette®. Welcome to the world of
portable light therapy.
Before using your Luminette®, please read this notice carefully and keep it
somewhere safe. Also, please take the time to familiarise yourself with your new
appliance using Figure 1.
A. The role of light
The human brain uses the light/dark cycle to synchronise internal functions
including mood, appetite, digestion, sleep, libido, etc. These circadian rhythms
oscillate over a period of 24 hours, forming your biological clock.
Melatonin is what is often called the sleep hormone. The brain starts producing it
when the sun sets, in order to encourage us to sleep. But as the sun rises and
the light increases, the brain stops producing it. We get up easily, full of energy.
As well as regulating our body clock, light also greatly affects mood, increases
vigilance and improves physical and intellectual performance.
B. Light therapy
In certain situations, our body clock is no longer in phase with the external
environment. The circadian rhythms are out of sync.
This is particularly true in winter when there is insufficient light; some people
develop winter blues. It can also happen to people who go to sleep too early
or too late. Jet lag is another form of a disrupted body clock. Finally, shift work
(which concerns more than 10% of employees in Europe) is now recognised as
causing serious health problems by interfering with circadian rhythms.
All these problems can be relieved; indeed, completely cured with the correct use
of light and dark. When light is not naturally available, light therapy is the solution
which offers the most advantages for the least unwanted side effects.
C. Applications
•
Winter blues
•
Fatigue - lack of energy
•
Circadian rhythm sleep disorder
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