Dawn simulation

This is just some of the research into dawn simulation and its beneficial effects on sleep, waking, mood and energy.

Controlled trial of naturalistic dawn simulation and negative air ionisation for seasonal affective disorder
Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Dec;163(12):2126-33.
This trial looked at the effect of awakening with light or ionisation on winter depression. There were five different treatment groups: all improved depression scores with bright light producing the best results and low density ionisation having only a modest effect. Dawn simulation and high density ionisation got a special mention as they were not only very effective, they had the added advantage of not requiring any extra time or effort!  Read the full abstract >>

The effect of dawn simulation on the cortisol response to awakening in healthy participants
Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2004 Aug;29(7):925-30.
Twelve healthy volunteers used an early version of Lumie Bodyclock to wake them up. Samples were taken after waking and tested for cortisol, a hormone that helps to give the body a quick burst of energy and improve alertness. People waking up with our dawn simulators had significantly higher levels of cortisol and felt more awake.  Read the full abstract >>

Effect of dawn simulation on quality of sleep - a community based trial
BMC Psychiatry. 2003 Oct 27;3:14.
Dawn simulation was useful in treating SAD and winter depression but would it benefit people in general? 100 volunteers used a dawn simulator at home and rated their quality of sleep each morning. After six days there were definite improvements but the effects didn't last once they'd stopped using their dawn simulator. For best results, use your Bodyclock every day.  Read the full abstract >>

Is dawn simulation effective in ameliorating the difficulty awakening in seasonal affective disorder associated with hypersomnia?
J Affect Disord. 2002 May;69(1-3):231-6.
People with SAD often find it really hard to wake up and this study showed that dawn simulation could be of particular benefit. After one week of waking with dawn simulation, SAD sufferers were assessed and had considerably lower scores in respect of difficulty awakening and sleepiness.  Read the full abstract >>

The human circadian pacemaker can see by the dawn's early light
J Biol Rhythms. 2000 Oct;15(5):437-46.
Subjects were exposed to a controlled 24-hr cycle of very low light/darkness in which half the group started their 'day' with dawn simulation. After 6 days, hormone levels showed that those without dawn simulation were out of sync with their environment. Those that woke up with dawn simulation maintained their internal body clock suggesting that gradual change in light is a strong circadian signal.  Read the full abstract >>

Dawn simulation vs. lightbox treatment in winter depression: a comparative study
Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1998 Jul;98(1):73-80.
61 people with winter depression were involved in this study. They received either 2hrs of morning bright light therapy at a clinic or tried dawn simulation at home. Patients in both groups felt better and this was reflected in their reduced depression scores, on average 57% lower in those using bright light and 40% lower with dawn simulation.  Read the full abstract >>

A controlled study of dawn simulation in subsyndromal winter depression
Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1993 July;88(1):67-71
Dawn simulation resulted in marked improvement in a group of people with subsyndromal SAD (winter blues, rather than full SAD). A slow, gradual sunrise taking 45 minutes was much more effective than one lasting just a few seconds and subjects had better scores for energy, mood, social interest, productivity, quality of sleep and quality of awakening.  Read the full abstract >>

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Comments on this article

joyce91703
joined 6 Dec 2007
1 posts

Posted by joyce91703, 03:52 6 December 2007

I don't know what kind of light to buy, or where to buy it. I bought a growing light, I'm not sure if this is the right light or not.
I have bi-polar and seasonal depression. Any suggestions would be apprietated!
admin
admin
joined 17 Oct 2002
47 posts

Posted by admin, 11:06 7 December 2007

Please phone the Lumie Careline on 01954 780500 and they'll be able to advise you.
Jade
joined 22 Jul 2008
1 posts

Posted by Jade, 15:13 22 July 2008

I have recently graduated from a BA Sculpture course, my work is specifically concerned with the influence of light and colour on the viewers’ mood. It is my ultimate ambition to work as an artist making light instillations for use in therapy. I am writing to find out whether you know of any possible avenues worth perusing, and any advice you may have on how to get involved with this type of research. I am based in the North of Scotland. I would be extremely grateful for any help or advice you may have. Thank you.

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