China
Africa
Explore chapters and articles related to this topic
Complementary and integrative therapies II
Published in Kathleen A. Kendall-Tackett, Depression in New Mothers, 2016
Because of the effectiveness of morning light exposure, a variant to standard light therapy has been added to the repertoire of possible treatments: dawn simulation. As the name implies, dawn simulation refers to a light that comes on before a patient is awake, and gradually increases in intensity over a period of 15–90 minutes (the length can be tailored to individual preference). The advantage to this treatment is that it does not require sitting in front of a light box for an extended time, making it a more practical alternative for new mothers or mothers of young children. Although a relatively new technique, it is showing promise as a treatment for seasonal depression (Golden et al., 2005). Some newer lighting devices are both light boxes and dawn simulators.
Behavioural effects of light intervention in people with Korsakoff Syndrome: A pilot study
Published in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 2022
Misha J. Oey, Albert Postma, Sarah Hoes, Erik Oudman
Dawn simulation therapy is a relatively easy to administer, non-invasive and cost-effective intervention for a clinical population known to be vulnerable for developing NPS influenced by cognitive and behavioural problems, as well as by psychosocial factors. It is beneficial to use a wall administered light system instead of a bright tabletop light in a population known for decreased disease awareness. This can make sitting in front of a bright light for a fixed amount of time challenging. In addition, dawn simulation has a benefit over bright light therapy because patients are still asleep when they start receiving extra light, which helps to maximize the amount of light exposure. In fact, the eyelids being translucent to light means that the brain is already receiving light while the eyes are still shut. More specifically the retina sensitivity is higher in the red spectrum and somewhat lower in the blue and green spectrum. Also, the retina is known to be more sensitive in the early morning (Avery et al., 2001). Also, the natural and gradual increase of light in simulation therapy does not cause eyestrain, which has been reported as a side-effect in bright light therapy. Except for a few single case reports of hypomania as a response to dawn simulation, no robust studies exist providing clear evidence for side-effects of dawn simulation. In our study, there were no reports of adverse side-effects from dawn simulation therapy. Lastly, the administration of dawn simulation in KS could prove beneficial in reducing the prescription for psychotropic medication. A longitudinal study focusing on the prescription of psychotropic medication for people residing in KS long-term care facilities in The Netherlands found that a high percentage – 71% – of patients received a prescription (Gerridzen & Goossensen, 2014).