Light Therapy Lamp advice

dukederek

All,

I've recently started trying to sort out my DSPS (Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome) before I finish my PhD and get a real job in the real world. I've managed to start my sleeping much earlier with Melatonin supplements but I'm still having trouble waking/getting up. My doctor recommended using Light Therapy to kick start the melatonin inhibitors but there appears to be a wealth of BS on the internet about light therapy and such like.

Anyone use a lamp for getting up purposes? I'm not looking for one of those silly sunrise simulator alarm clocks either, the accepted wisdom is a 10,000 lux lamp for 30-90 minutes in the morning does the trick, problem is, a great deal of lamps say "10,000 lux!" but don't mention at what distance that illuminance is measured, I'd rather not have to jam my face in a light box for an hour and a half every morning, maybe something I can put on my desk and just get some other stuff done while it's on.

Basically I'm just fishing for advice and experiences with this sort of thing and whether it's worthwhile...

NightDragon

To be honest, you might want to just try a regular ol' lamp with bright bulbs. I've started turning on the lamp next to my bed in the mornings...(I have two alarms...the first one wakes me out of deep sleep, the second tells me to get up. I turn it on after the first alarm). With the lamp on for 10-15 minutes, I've noticed it's much easier for me to get up, and I feel a bit more awake than without the lamp on.

You may want to try it the old-fashioned way, to see if that works before looking for fancier/more expensive methods?

ihmmy

I have one that my parents purchase from Hammacher Schlemmer, but I can't seem to see it in their catalogue anymore. It's worked well for me, I have it set up at my work computer and turn it on when I first get to work for about 30 minutes. I use it to help with my seasonal affective disorder (winter depression)

MegaMan001

The easiest way to get up in the morning is to get into motion and seek a bright light. At least that's how I get functional for emergency cases in the OR.

When you wake up turn on the light and get up. Or just one of those electronic timers to turn the light on 1 minute after your alarm is set.

I'd be wary of anything claiming to be a specific 'light therapy lamp' - that just screams scam and overcharging to me.