Full Spectrum Light Therapy is used for Seasonal Affective Disorder and helps provide you with the natural full spectrum of sunlight that humans require.

Check the bottom of this page for information on insurance reimbursement. 

Full Spectrum Lights are specially made lights that mimic the full spectrum and intensity of sunlight.  It is well known that the human body requires the sun's light spectrum. Without this the body will degenerate over time.  Depression, Vitamin D deficiencies and other problems will result. When sunlight enters the eye, it stimulates the pituitary gland which then, it is believed, creates certain compounds that stimulate or balance the body via the brain. A full spectrum light will help or eliminate most if not all sunlight deficiency problems.
 

What is SAD?

SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Common symptoms of SAD are depression, anxiety, extreme fatigue, hypersomnia, carbohydrate cravings, and weight gain. Women through the ages of 20 to 40, their sexually reproductive years, are most susceptible (Rosenthal, 1993). The first controlled study using light therapy to treat SAD was published in 1984. SAD was officially accepted as a clinical malady in 1987 by the American Psychiatric Association and described in its then current diagnostic manual, the DSM-III-R. Since that time, a great number of studies on the topic have been completed.

Each year, 6% of northern populations are affected with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and another 14% have a milder form of SAD called the winter blues. Surprisingly, SAD may occur at any time of year and even in equatorial regions although the ratio of northerners with SAD as compared to those living in the tropics is about 10-1.
 

Treating SAD

Light boxes have been used to lessen Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms in 60-80% of SAD patients (Lam, 1999).  Exposure to light at a 10,000 lux intensity for a half hour were found to be better and more effective than several hours of exposure to a 2,500 lux intensity (Terman, et al, 1990).

All Full Spectrum lights Promolife sells emit approximately 1.5% of the UV spectrum. Only these lamps can say that. All other competitors' lights contain 0% UV. The UV spectrum is necessary for the bulb to be considered Full Spectrum. This small amount is not enough to present any harm.

Promolife also offers a Blue Lux bulb. This bulb produces the full spectrum at a much higher brightness and intensity. You will only need about 15 minutes of treatment compared to 45 minutes with a regular full spectrum light.  We have many different models.
 

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance companies now reimburse or authorise purchases of light therapy equipment for use in combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder. We can not guarantee what a company will do; we recommend checking with your individual carrier to see what they allow.  In order to file a claim and improve your chances, you will need to send the following to your insurance carrier:

• Your invoice from Promolife for the lamp.
• A letter of medical necessity from your physician.
• A cover letter of your own to the insurance carrier that includes all your policy information as well as the proper codes for light therapy:  HCPCS Code E0203; CPT Code 96900 or 90899.