How to Make a Light Therapy Box for SAD

Light therapy is a recent introduction to the mental health community as a potential treatment for depression and SAD or seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy boxes are similar to industrial light fixtures you will see in an office building in the ceiling. The light emits light similar to that of sunlight. Therapy sessions usually last thirty minutes and can be done during the morning hours or evening. Light therapy boxes can run anywhere from $100.00 and up to nearly $400.00 so it is important to know you have an option to make your own light therapy box.

Things You'll Need

• 10 fluorescent light bulbs
• 10 bulb holders
• Plywood box
• Cable
• Plug
• Aluminum foil
• Drill
• Silicone or epoxy
• Glue

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Instructions

• 1

  Drill circular holes into the plywood that are the appropriate size for the light bulbs cradled in the light bulb holders to sit in. The box will be turned on the side so from the front you can look into the box. The light bulbs will sit facing the front. Drill the holes in a staggered formation.

• 2

  Cover the inside with aluminum foil. Cut holes for the holes you drilled in the plywood. You can set the aluminum foil in or use glue to secure it.

• 3

  Secure the inner lining of the holders with silicone or epoxy.

• 4

  Set the plywood box facing down so the aluminum foil is facing the ground and you see the drilled holes.

• 5

  Place the light bulbs with bulb holders in the holes and secure one more time with epoxy if necessary.

• 6

  Connect the bulbs in parallel with the cable using the bulb holders for a connection. Once all the bulb holders are connected via the cable you will connect the end of the connection to the plug.

• 7

  Set the box on a vinyl or hardwood floor and plug into an outlet.Sit no more than three feet away from the light therapy box during treatment.