Are there any negative side effects from light therapy?

For most people, light therapy has no negative side effects (see the exceptions below). But it’s always best to talk with your doctor before starting a light therapy routine. If you feel like you’ve had too much caffeine or have trouble falling asleep, then you’ll want to cut back on the amount of time you use your HappyLight® Therapy Lamp and/or increase your distance from the light.

Mood Disorders - If you have a mood-related disorder, it is essential that you work with your mental health provider to decide if light therapy is the right course of action for you. Light therapy is not recommended for people with bipolar disorder unless under the strict care of a professional.

Eye Conditions - If you have a pre-existing eye condition, you should talk to your doctor before starting a light therapy routine. Some conditions, such as macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa may be made worse by exposure to bright light. When discussing this with your provider, make sure he or she is aware that Verilux products contain no UV light as this is a common misconception.

Photosensitive Medications or Pre-Existing Conditions - If you are taking medication or have a pre-existing condition that could be impacted by exposure to bright light, talk with your doctor before beginning light therapy.