What is 'light therapy'?

Light therapy boxes are designed to mimic outdoor light or direct exposure to the sun in outdoor conditions. Light therapy boxes may be utilized to help minimize the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder during the darker months of the year.

Does 'light therapy' work?

There is evidence that suggests that light therapy has a statistically significant treatment effect in reducing depressive symptoms, but there is also evidence that shows no significant effect or recommending further study.

How do I know if I should use 'light therapy'?

If you're concerned about your mental health and wondering if light therapy could be an effective option for you in the long-term, contact Counseling and Wellness Services or your primary care provider to discuss the best solutions for you.

We encourage you to learn more about light therapy at the NIH's website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6746555/.

Why is BSG making 'light therapy' available in Smith Union?

We believe that light therapy should be accessible for those interested in learning more about it and its potential benefits during the gloomier months of the year. According to the National Institute of Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder (or 'SAD') affects adults in the population from 9.7% of adults in New Hampshire to 1.4% of adults in Florida. We hope that anyone who feels a little dark can benefit from a session of sunshine whilst studying or working in Smith Union.

Utilizing our light therapy boxes...

There are three portable, light therapy units available for check out at the Smith Union info desk. You can check them out for a maximum of 35 minutes so that they can be recharged in between uses and be available to other students that may want to use them. The light therapy units we selected are battery powered, allowing you to freely chose any spot in the Union, close or far from an outlet, without the hinderance of having to plug the unit it. In order to ensure that the light therapy units are well cared for, they are only available for use while you study in Smith Union.

If you decide to use the unit for less than 35 minutes, feel free to return the unit to the desk. There is no requirement that you check the unit out for the full 35 minutes. If you would like to use the unit for longer, consult the information desk and if other units are available, you may check out a second use for up to 35 minutes once. It is not recommended by the manufacturer to use the unit for excessively long periods of time.

For the recommended and maximum 10,000 lux, the manufacturer recommends a distance of four inches from your face. However, we suggest a distance that is most comfortable for you and without interrupting those around you. Additionally, the units are dimmable and have color temperature settings (i.e. warm, orangey light and cool, bluer light) to adjust to your needs and preference.

If you encounter an issue with any of the light therapy boxes, please let the info desk know so that the unit can be removed from circulation. If you have any questions or concerns about the unit, please contact BSG Sustainability Representative, Brandon Lozano, at blozanog@bowdoin.edu .