Light Therapy for Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has both psychological and physical affects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has a circadian pattern and symptoms such as fatigue, depressed mood, energy, and pain are significantly worse in the winter months. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has symptoms comparable to the symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The most successful therapy for SAD is light therapy.

Light Therapy

• The theory behind light therapy is that exposure to bright light will control your circadian rhythms as well as decrease the level of melatonin released by your body. These two actions result in biochemical changes and reduce the joint pain associated with CFS as well as decrease the effects of CFS. Light therapy consists of being near a light therapy box as often as possible. Many people will work next to their light therapy box. Oftentimes the individual will choose either morning or night to sit near the light therapy lamp for awhile. The light therapy box mimics the sun and natural outdoor light. A lamp used for light therapy is not a normal living room lamp. Light therapy lamps emit an intensity of light not found in normal lighting.

  Light therapy can be used in place of medications such as antidepressants, as an alternative to psychotherapy and when health insurance won't cover mental health services.

Side Effects

• When used for the treatment of CFS, side effects from light therapy are minimal. Some reported side effects have been headaches or nausea. Some patients undergoing light therapy for the treatment of CFS have experienced a complete change from fatigued to energetic and some have difficulties sleeping. Usually side effects only last the first few days of the light therapy treatment.