Sun Touch Plus

Sun Touch Plus ®
Light Therapy For Seasonal Affective Disorder
Educational Kit
Table of Contents
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)…………………1-2
LIGHT THERAPY …………………………………………………3
LIGHT THERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF SAD………………3-6
BETTER THAN FLUOXETINE (PROZAC)……………………7-8
ABOUT NATUREBRIGHT COMPANY …………………………9
SKYEFFECTTM TECHNOLOGY ……………………………10-12
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, MEDICAL BRANCH STUDY…13-14
SUN TOUCH PLUS® LIGHT AND ION THERAPY ………15-16
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK………………………………………17
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ………………………18
INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT……………………………19
Preface
Dear Friends,
People with winter depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder suffer not only from low mood but may also sleep a lot
more, overeat and crave carbohydrates. The disorder was first described in the States in 1984. It became apparent
the further North or South people lived in the world the higher the incidence of the disorder. Long winter nights
increase the prevalence of the disorder and that observation also provided the clue that lead to the treatment: light!
It was found that light in the morning helped treat the disorder although the reason for this was not clear. Certainly
body temperature which has a 24 hour cycle is at a minimum around dawn. Body temperature and levels of stressrelated hormones then start to increase.
Since the discovery that light in the morning can treat Seasonal Affective Disorder a lot of work has gone into
understanding why. It has been found that the brain has a biological clock that orchestrates our 24 hour rhythms.
It consists of only 60,000-80,000 nerve cells but has tremendous effects on our biology. The clock has an effect on
shift-work, jet-lag, alertness, muscle efficiency and sleep. It has been discovered that cells in our eyes that had not
hitherto been thought to be involved in light detection, they are called the retinal ganglion cells, are light-sensitive,
particularly to blue light, and that the output of these cells goes directly to the brain's biological clock. These cells lie
in front of those that are used for visual perception, so the brain knows whether it is light or dark before we perceive
whether it is light or dark! These cells coupled with the others impact directly on the clock. The clock normally runs
slowly and mainly adjusts to the new day and season etc by speeding up a little with exposure to dawn light. In the
winter there is less light available to speed the clock up so it starts to drift and run the wrong time. In vulnerable
individuals a cascade of problems then develop resulting in SAD.
With our increased understanding of how SAD is caused and the underlying biology of the internal clock it has been
possible to refine light technology so as to optimize exposure times and light intensity. A device such as the Sun
Touch Plus incorporates these advances in one useful product.
Yours in good health,
Dr. Chris Idzikowski, PhD
Chris is the Director at Edinburgh Sleep Centre and the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service. Chris helped found
and then served as Chairman of the British Sleep Society. He has also sat on the boards of the Sleep Medicine
Research Foundation, the European Sleep Research Society, and the US Sleep Research Society. He has held
many honorary appointments and has published numerous papers and books on sleep. Chris has served as
NatureBright's senior adviser since 2007.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
What is SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during particular seasons of the year, but most
commonly during the fall and winter. Many people suffering from SAD can’t function normally, while others are mildly
affected by this condition, which causes them some discomfort. For the latter group, we call it sub-syndromal SAD or
“Winter Blues.”
Causes of SAD
Melatonin is a sleep-related hormone naturally secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. Increased levels of melatonin
can cause symptoms of depression. Interestingly, the link between melatonin and SAD is that melatonin is produced in
greater quantities in the dark. When days are shorter—and darker—the production of melatonin increases; therefore,
causing symptoms of depression.
Rather than treating the symptoms of depression, we can treat its cause. Light therapy has been shown to suppress the
production of melatonin, thus reducing one of the causes of the blues. As light therapy products become more attractive
and easier to use, those suffering from SAD can eliminate their symptoms, and finally dispel the winter blues.
How Common is SAD?
● It is estimated that as many as half a million people in the United States have SAD and another 10%-20% may
experience mild SAD.
● SAD is more common in women than men, 3 out of 4 people who suffer from SAD are women.
● SAD is less common in children and teenagers, and it usually doesn’t start in people younger than 20 years of age.
● As adults get older, the risk of SAD decreases.
● SAD is more common in northern geographic regions.
● One study found a 10 percent occurrence in New Hampshire and only a 2 percent rate in Florida.
1
Signs and Symptoms of SAD
● The symptoms of SAD usually recur year after year (usually winter), and they tend to come and go about the same
time every year (usually spring). Not everyone has the same symptoms. The most common symptoms for SAD
include the following:
–A change in appetite: overeating, craving for sweet or starchy foods, usually resulting in weight gain
–Drop in energy level: fatigue and inability to carry out usual routine
–Sleep problems: tendency to oversleep and difficulty staying awake, but in some cases, disturbed sleep and early
morning wakening
–Depression: negative feelings, feelings of misery, guilt and loss of self-esteem, sometimes hopelessness and
despair, sometimes apathy and loss of feelings
–Mood changes: irritability, anxiety, tension and inability to tolerate stress, difficulty concentrating,
–Headaches
–A heavy feeling in the arms or legs
–Social problems: self-imposed isolation by avoidance of social situations, and increased sensitivity to social
rejection
–Sexual problems: loss of libido, decreased interest in sex and physical contact
● Most people suffering from SAD show signs of weakened immune systems during the winter, and thus are more
vulnerable to infections and other illnesses.
● Symptoms for people who suffer from sub-syndromal SAD or winter blues include tiredness, fatigue, sleep and
appetite problems.
● Depending on the intensity of sunlight in the spring or early summer, SAD symptoms disappear either suddenly
with a short period of hypomania or hyperactivity, or gradually.
● SAD may begin at any age but the main age of onset is between 18 and 30 years.
● The symptoms and severity of SAD are determined by an individual’s susceptibility and by geographical location.
SAD tends to be more common in the northern or polar region. It is most rare in those living within 30 degrees
latitude of the equator, where daylight hours are long, constant and bright.
2
Light Therapy
What is Light Therapy?
Light therapy is a way to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) by exposure to artificial light. During light
therapy, you sit or work near a device called a light therapy box. The box gives off bright light that mimics natural
outdoor light. Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood, easing SAD symptoms. Using a
light therapy box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders and some other conditions. Light
therapy is also known as bright light therapy or phototherapy.
Background and History of Light Therapy
Many people will be surprised to learn that light therapy has been used in clinical settings for almost 60 years.
Since the 1950s, medical practitioners have used light panels to treat patients with depression, sleeplessness,
and other mood disorders.
In the early days, to receive the healing properties of bright light, patients had to go into hospitals, doctors’
offices, or convalescent spas and stand in front of a wall length panel of light. Treatments were generally
long, up to several hours. The results were good but use was limited. There was innovation in the field in the
1980s, light therapy devices were smaller boxes, but they were not attractive and not widely available. Besides,
treatment sessions lasted for up to two long hours.
Through new technology and updated design, light therapy can now be administered at home or at the office.
It is possible to gain the benefit of the soothing and uplifting properties of light in brief sessions of just 15 to 30
minutes using an attractive table lamp designed to emit the appropriate light frequencies.
Light Therapy for Treatment of SAD
Light Therapy for SAD
Physicians have long been advising their patients to seek adequate light as a necessary component of health.
It was only in the most recent years that scientific research has been able to show how important bright light
exposure can be to our physical and mental health.
Over 20 years ago, Dr. Norman Rosenthal and colleagues published their seminal theories describing the use of
artificial bright light to alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Their work hypothesized that by
lengthening the daily exposure to light in Northern latitudes--in essence recreating summer length days—would
bring about the reduction of depression symptoms in the darker winter months. Dr. Norman Rosenthal was
the first to describe SAD; he also established the use of light therapy for treatment during his long career with
National Institute of Mental Health. He has written various books and is currently medical director of Capital
Clinical Research Associates.
While they may have pioneered the way, subsequent studies around the world have continued to experiment
with bright light as a treatment for winter depression and mood disorders. As studies became more refined,
researchers discovered that it is not essential to replicate the precise length of summer daylight. They found that
if a patient received light therapy for as little as 30 minutes that would emit the necessary signal to the nervous
system and boost spirits.
Generally this treatment is highly safe although patients with eye abnormalities or conditions should always
consult with their physicians and regularly repeat eye examinations to ensure safe exposure conditions are met.
A breakthrough for light therapy occurred in 2005 when an American Psychiatric Association work group
concluded that light could be used as a “first-line” treatment for both seasonal and non-seasonal depression.
This was significant, marking light’s emergence as a viable alternative or addition to drug therapy for depression.
3
Who Needs Light Therapy
You may want to try light therapy for a number of reasons:
● It's a proven seasonal affective disorder treatment.
● You have another condition, such as non-seasonal depression or insomnia, and your doctor recommends it.
● You want to try treatment that is safe and has few side effects.
● You want to increase the effectiveness of antidepressant medication or mental health counseling
(psychotherapy).
● You can't take antidepressant medications during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.
● It may allow you to take a lower dose of antidepressant medication.
When to Start Light Therapy
For most people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the general recommendation is to begin light therapy
treatment in the early fall, as soon as the earliest symptoms begin. Treatment usually continues until early
spring when sufficient outdoor light is able sustain a good mood and high energy .
4
How to Effectively Use Light Therapy
First of all, it is important for patients to consult with their physicians before using a light box. Light therapy will be
ineffective and may be harmful if done improperly.
Information for Patients on Using Light Therapy:
–
Avert your eyes
● Don’t look directly at the light box; this may cause damage to the eyes.
Light therapy proves to be most effective when using the proper combination of these three elements: Intensity,
Duration and Timing
–
Intensity
● Intensity of light boxes are recorded in lux (a measure of the amount of light you receive at a specific distance
from a light source).
● Light boxes for light therapy produce between 2,500 lux to 10,000 lux. Most commonly they produce 10,000 lux.
● The intensity of the light box determines how far to sit from it as well as the length of time needed to use it.
● For example, 10,000 lux light boxes usually require only 30 minutes per session, whereas 2,500 lux light boxes
may require up to 2 hours per session.
–
Duration
● Light therapy on average involves daily sessions ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
● When first using light therapy it is wise to start at small increments of time such as 15 minutes, and then to
gradually work up to longer periods.
–
Timing
● For most people, light therapy is most effective if used in the morning, soon after waking up, rather than in the
evening.
● Using light therapy at night may disrupt sleep.
Finding Time
– Light therapy requires time and consistency
– Light therapy doesn’t have to be boring
● You can read, use a computer, eat, write, watch television, etc. while using light therapy.
– Light therapy works best in the morning
● You may need to wake up earlier than usual to match treatment with biological rhythms.
● Your doctor may help find a schedule that works best for you, if waking early is hard to do.
Continuing Light Therapy
● You may start to feel better within several days of light therapy, if used appropriately. (Though it usually takes
two or more weeks.)
● Persisting with a daily routine can help to maintain those benefits over time.
● Interrupting light therapy during the winter months, or stopping too soon in the spring—when you think you are
getting better, your symptoms could return.
● You and your doctor can adjust your light therapy treatments based on the timing and duration of your symptoms.
Drawbacks and Side-Effects
Light therapy has a good record of safety. It does not seem to produce any major side effects. Light therapy should
always be used within the proper limits for intensity and time. Minor side effects may include the following:
● Eye irritation and dryness
● Headache
● Nausea
● Dryness of skin
To reduce these side effects, begin the light therapy very slowly. Give your body time to get used to it. The use of a
humidifier can also help with irritations caused by dryness. Talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist before beginning
use.
5
Light therapy for conditions other than SAD
In addition to seasonal affective disorder, light therapy is being studied as a treatment for other conditions, including:
● Types of depression that don't occur seasonally
● Obsessive-compulsive disorders
● Jet lag
● Sleep disorders
● Adjusting to a nighttime work schedule
● Parkinson's disease
● Dementia
● Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD
Light Therapy is Officially Recommended by
● American Academy of Sleep Medicine
● American Psychiatric Association
● Mayo Clinic
● Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms (SLTBR)
● U.S. Public Health Service Agency for Health Care Policy and Research
Which Renowned Universities are Studying Light Therapy and SAD?
● Columbia University
● Duke University
● Harvard University
● Yale University
Supporting Light Therapy for SAD
LIFE (Oct 15) 2007 “Is your mood taking a tumble?”:
“There are a number of effective treatments…The most well established is light therapy, in which patients sit
under a special lamp called a light box … for a prescribed period of time.” -Marcus, Mary Brophy
USA Today (Jan 12) 2006, “In these SAD times of the year, follow the sun”:
“Antidepressants such as Prozac work in 50% to 60% of people, and light therapy is effective in as many as
70% of patients, says Alireza Amirsadri, a psychiatrist and SAD specialist at Wayne State University School of
Medicine.”-Anstett, Patricia
American Family Physician (Nov 1) 2006, “Seasonal Affective Disorder:
“A recent meta-analysis of 23 studies of light therapy found that the odds ratio for remission was 2.9 (95%
confidence interval, 1.6 to 5.4); this ratio is similar to those of many pharmaceutical treatments for depression.”
–Lurie, Stephen J.
Harvard Women’s Health Watch Feb 2005 “Light Therapy for Winter Depression”:
“Nonetheless, light therapy is uniquely (though not universally) effective in treating winter depression. For people
with well-documented winter depression who aren't suicidal and for whom antidepressants may not be an option,
it's usually the first treatment to be considered.”
6
Better Than Fluoxetine
(Prozac)
The Can-SAD Study
Canadian researchers compared Light Therapy to Fluoxetine in 96 adults in a double-blind, randomized, and
controlled trial. The trial was over the course of 3 winter seasons.
All participants had moderate to severe depression and had never previously used either treatment.
The researchers randomly assigned 48 eligible subjects to receive 10,000 lux active light therapy plus placebo
capsules, and 48 to receive 100 lux placebo light therapy plus 20 mg of fluoxetine.
0
Fluoxetine(N=48)
Mean Change in Score on
24-ltem Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
Light treatment(N=48)
-4
-8
-12
-16
-20
0
1
2
4
8
Week of Treatment
The study concluded that light treatment showed earlier response onset and lower rate of some adverse events
relative to fluoxetine.
There were no other significant differences in outcome between light therapy and antidepressant medication.
Fluoxetine, however, potentially has more harmful side effects.
7
Side Effects of Prozac
● Dry mouth
● Tremor or muscle spasms
● Nervousness
● Trouble sleeping
● Nausea
● Drowsiness
● Insomnia
● Headache
● Increased sweating
● Dizziness, lightheadedness
● Changes in sexual function
● Hyponatremia may occur as a result of treatment with SSRIs and SNRIs, including Prozac. Signs and
symptoms of hyponatremia include headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion,
weakness, and unsteadiness, which may lead to falls. More severe and/or acute cases have been
associated with hallucination, syncope, seizure, coma, respiratory arrest, and death.
● Altered Appetite and Weight
● Significant weight loss, especially in underweight depressed or bulimic patients
● In patients with diabetes, Prozac may alter glycemic control
● Hypoglycemia has occurred during therapy with Prozac, and hyperglycemia has developed following
discontinuation of the drug
● Abnormal Bleeding
● Anxiety and Insomnia
● Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance
● Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk
● Prozac may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults
(ages 18–24) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders
● Discontinuation of Treatment with Prozac
● This may cause symptoms like dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g.,
paresthesias such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, rapid and drastic
changes in emotional state, insomnia, and hypomania
Side Effects of Using Prozac During Pregnancy
● Minor Fetal Structural abnormality: Significant Association (15.5% vs. 6.5% for Placebo)
● Preterm Labor
● NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) admissions
● Low birth weight
8
About Nature Bright Company
Company Mission and Vision
NatureBright, founded in 2001, and based in Irvine, California, is dedicated to
improving people’s sense of well-being by delivering products that harness the healing
power of light.
Our motto Bright Light, Brighter Future carries our stamp and promise that all our
products are designed to promote wellness, an easeful lifestyle, innovative technology,
and energy-efficiency to conserve our earth’s natural resources.
Memberships:
● National Association of Chain Drug Stores
● Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms
Technological Innovation
Our goal is to bring you the best technology has to offer. As a recognized leader in light
therapy and dawn simulation therapy products, NatureBright is continually innovating
to incorporate the latest scientific discoveries in all we offer.
Over the past six years, we’ve registered seven patents worldwide. SkyEffect™, our
trademarked light therapy technology, brings you the benefit of new research findings
on the way our bodies “feel” and absorb the signals in light.
9
SkyEffectTM Technology
What is SkyEffectTM Technology?
SkyEffect capitalizes on a revolutionary scientific discovery of a third receptor in the human eye. This retinal
receptor, found in 2002, is sensitive to light frequencies. It doesn’t necessarily “see” color or light but it responds
to different wavelengths in light particularly to the wavelengths of “blue light.”
What’s most significant about the way the body “reads” light with this receptor is how it can recalibrate our body
clock based on the information it receives.
Colour Temperatures in Degrees Kelvin
10,000
North Light (Blue Sky)
9,000
8,000
7,000
Overcast Daylight
6,000
5,000
4,000
Noon Daylight,Direct Sun
Electronic Flash Bulbs
3,000
2,000
1,000
Household Light Bulbs
Early Sunrise
Tungsten Light
Candlelight
Color Temperatures in Degrees Kelvin: Description of the amount of light emitted in terms of lux for each light
source
10
How Does SkyEffectTM Technology Work?
The receptor in the eye’s retina picks up blue light and sends signals to the hypothalamus, the area of the brain where
sleep, hormonal, and emotive functions are regulated. It stimulates an area of cells, the physical locus of our body clock,
or Circadian rhythm.
The more in sync our body clock is, the better it will work to stimulate our overall wellness. We will sleep well, eat
regularly, and experience emotional stability and better spirits. If our clock is out of sync, which can happen from illness,
shift work, jet lag, or light deprivation, we can experience disturbing symptoms such as insomnia, and other problems
that can range from daytime drowsiness to depression.
This recently discovered receptor also affects the secretion of the hormone, melatonin. Melatonin helps our bodies know
when it is time to sleep and to wake. It also helps us match our appetite patterns with times of day.
11
New Frontiers in Health
SkyEffect technology was developed when NatureBright designers began experimenting with light’s therapeutic
applications. NatureBright collaborated in a study at the renowned Duke University to measure how light therapy could
alleviate symptoms of chronic fatigue.
This research led to the introduction of the SkyEffect light range, which contains an optimized amount of blue light
that emits a high color temperature. The SkyEffect lamps' range of light has the exact same blue quality as in a clear
daylight sky.
SkyEffect lamps can be used in two ways. First, these can be used in conventional light fixtures to create a peaceful
and energizing environment. Second, they can be used to simulate natural daylight to improve overall health.
12
University of Texas,
Medical Branch Study
FINAL REPORT - 05/21/2007
Effect of the NatureBright® SkyEffect™ light on Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Viability
Compiled by:
Professor Michael E Boulton and Dr Raj Rudrabhatla, Age-related Macular Degeneration Center, University of
Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
Aim:
To test the safety of the NatureBright® SkyEffect™ light on retinal cells.
Methodology:
Cell culture: Human RPE cells (ARPE-19) were cultured in 12-well plates in Ham`s F10 complete medium. At
100% confluency, the medium was replaced by 2% serum containing Ham`s F10 medium.
Light exposure protocol:
For each experiment, cultures were divided into three sets labeled as control (kept in incubator during the
experiment), dark-maintained (plate wrapped in Aluminum foil and then exposed to bright light) and bright light
(exposed). Before the experimentation, the medium in the plates was replaced with 20mM HEPES buffered
2% serum-containing Ham`s F10 medium. The plates were kept at 12 inches distance from the NatureBright®
SkyEffect™ light and exposed for 30 min/day for 7 days. At the end of the 7th day, the plates were washed
with phosphate buffered saline (three times) and assessed for cell viability by MTT (tetrazolium) assay and
crystal violet assays. Experiment was repeated twice in triplicates and the results are the average of the three
independent experiments. Error bars represent standard error of mean (SEM). Data are presented as the mean
of triplicates ± SEM.
Cell Viability assays:
The cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT)
assay and Crystal Violet assays.
MTT assay - After light exposure MTT was added to each well and the plates were incubated for 3 hrs at 37oC
in 5% CO2. MTT was aspirated and acidified isopropanol was added to solubilize the reduced blue formazan
crystals and the absorbance was measured at 590nm.
Crystal violet assay - The cells were fixed with 70% ethanol for 10 minutes and then incubated in 0.5% crystal
violet solution for 1 minute. The cells were washed and the stain was solubilized with 33% acetic acid. The
absorbance was read at 540 nm.
Statistics:
Statistical analysis was undertaken using the student t-test with Bonferroni correction.
Results:
Neither the MTT assay nor the crystal violet assay demonstrated any significant difference in cell viability
between the control, dark maintained and NatureBright® SkyEffect™ light exposed RPE cells (p>0.1) (see Fig 1
and appendix).
13
Figure 1. Cell viability as % of control for RPE cells maintained in the dark or exposed to the
NatureBright® SkyEffect™ light.
Conclusions:
The study did not identify any cumulative toxicity to retinal cells following exposure to the NatureBright®
SkyEffect™ light. Based on these studies it would appear highly unlikely that the NatureBright ®
SkyEffect™ light would cause any light damage to retinal cells in vivo when used according to the
manufacturers instructions.
14
Sun Touch Plus®
Light and Ion Therapy
Product Overview
The Sun Touch Plus® Vital Light bathes you in SkyEffect™ light while simultaneously releasing healthy negative
ions into the atmosphere. This combination balances your body clock leaving you feeling rested, refreshed, and
nourished all over.
15
Product Specifications
Negative Ion Therapy
The Sun Touch Plus couples light therapy with negative ion therapy. Negative ions are found in higher
concentrations at the seashore and after spring thunderstorms, and at lower concentrations in indoor and heated
rooms during the winter
Media Report
FOX Channel 5 News 2009
BBC News 2009
Chicago Tribune 2008
16
Customer Feedback
Personal Customer Testimonials
“I use 2 [light boxes] every morning. I eat my breakfast and browse on the internet with
the lights on each side of me. I pretend that I am in Florida. These actually have made
a difference in my mood. It makes me more optimistic and motivated for the day ahead.
Some how it sparks some energy. The holidays are always stressful and tiresome. I
always want to take naps to escape everything. I feel that these lights have improved my
outlook and attitude - especially during the holidays when the sun doesn’t shine as much.
I highly recommend the Sun touch lights to anyone having the winter blues or just feeling
low every day. I also set them above my bed on a glass shelf facing down, and with
some fans, and an ocean noise maker...it was my which was my virtual-beach get-away.
Thanks again for the help with your sunlight in a box!”
-Scott M., Birmingham Michigan
“With hopes of battling SAD, I took a chance in buying your Sun Touch Plus. I use it
almost every morning when sitting by the computer, and I can feel the difference on days
that I miss my treatment. My doctor agreed that this device could help me and not hurt
me, and my therapist believes there is merit to this type treatment. The product is so
easy to use at my desk and the timer and ion features are perfect. I've been looking for
something like this, and I'm really happy I bought it. The light is soft, and does not blind
me the way I was afraid of. Keep up the good work, and I'm sure you will help bring
others back to life!”
-Lex J. M. Brookhaven, NY
“I recently purchased the Sun Touch Plus Light Therapy Box upon recommendation from
my psychiatrist in order to help relieve the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder. I spent
some time researching various light boxes available and found Sun Touch to be the most
economical purchase for me. The added feature of Ion therapy made the purchase more
attractive. I have been using the light box for the past 3 months approximately 4 days a
week for 30 minutes a day. I definitely felt more energetic and alert after each use. Upon a
recent visit with my psychiatrist, we plan to extend the usage next winter by increasing the
time spent, and be more consistent with the days that I use it. I am definitely pleased with my
purchase. ”
17
- Shelly S., Longmont, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ about Sun Touch Plus®
● Do I have to take off my glasses when I use the unit?
Not usually, but if you have transitional lenses that darken when you go outside, you have to remove them during your
session.
● Can I get sunburn from using Sun Touch Plus®?
No. While typical fluorescent bulbs produce UV light, Sun Touch Plus® eliminates almost all measurable UV light.
● Shall I keep my eyes open for optimal results?
Yes. The Sun Touch Plus light works through the retina of the eyes, not the skin. This is not a tanning light. In Fact,
Sun Touch Plus emits specific wavelengths, which produce effective results while eliminating UV hazards and reducing
eyestrain. Keep in mind that you do not have to stare at the light. As long as you are close to the light and glance at it
on occasion.
● Can the lights be combined with antidepressant pills?
Yes. Studies have shown that the most effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder is the combination of light
therapy with antidepressant pills. Please contact your doctor for the correct dosage.
● Does insurance cover light therapy cost?
The American Psychiatric Association, the U.S. Public Health Service Agency for Health Care Policy and Research,
a Canadian Consensus Group of clinician-researchers, and our Society of Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms
have published clinical guidelines and endorsed the use of light treatment for circadian rhythm disorders. Most major
insurance companies now authorize or reimburse the purchase of light therapy equipment. Please contact your
insurance company to see if they cover the purchase of a unit. Procedure codes: HCPC: E0203 | CPT: 96900.
18
Insurance Reimbursement
Instructions
Most major insurance companies now authorize or reimburse the purchase of light therapy equipment. Please follow
the steps below to improve your chances of receiving reimbursement for your light therapy device:
Step 1
● Contact your insurance company to see if they cover the purchase of a unit. Some insurance companies specify the
type of units they will reimburse (some will only reimburse purchases for 10,000 lux light boxes, like our NatureBright
Sun Touch Plus.® )
Step 2
Most insurance companies require the following:
● Your insurance company has a form you need to fill out. You can get it by calling member services, or going online to
your insurance company's website.
● A doctor's prescription-including a "diagnosis code" from your doctor.
● An itemized bill of services rendered or products purchased along with date of service/purchase.
● Procedure codes: HCPC: E0203 | CPT: 96900
● Letter of medical necessity (See below.)
● Your own cover letter to the insurance company (See below.)
Example of Letter of Necessity
Below is an example of a letter of medical necessity that might be sent (taken from Rosenthal, Norman E. Winter Blues;
Seasonal Affective Disorder What It Is and How to Overcome It. New York: The Gillard Press, 1993). This letter is for
the doctor/medical professional to fill out. It describes the symptoms and proper diagnosis for SAD. It also describes
the cost effectiveness over conventional antidepressant medication.
To whom it may concern,
This is to certify that __________________________________________ has been a patient of mine
since_________________, 20____. I have treated him/her for recurrent major depressions (DSM-IV 296.3), with a
seasonal pattern. This condition, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), has been shown in many studies
in the United States and elsewhere in the world to respond to treatment with bright environmental light (light therapy).
Light therapy is no longer considered experimental, but is a mainstream type of psychiatric treatment, described in the
Task Force Report of the American Psychiatric Association: Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders, Vol. 3, pages 18901896, APA Press, 1989. In order to administer light therapy adequately, a quality light box, such as the NatureBright®
Sun Touch Plus® is required (see attached invoice).
Although a light box is an expensive piece of equipment, the experience of clinicians who have used it for many
patients indicates that it saves a great deal of money in the long run, by reducing the number of doctors' visits and
laboratory investigations of persistent symptoms, as well as the indirect costs of lost productivity. I contend that in
_____________________________’s case the use of the NatureBright® Sun Touch Plus® should be regarded not only
as a medical necessity, to be used in preference to (or in addition to) other forms of treatment, but also as a means of
reducing his/her overall medical costs.
Sincerely,
(Physician’s name)
This information is provided to help you better understand the steps necessary for insurance reimbursement but it is not
a guarantee. We encourage you to contact your insurance company to find out more about their policies in regard to
light therapy reimbursement.
19
Bright Light. Brighter Future. ®
20
Nature Bright Company
19200 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 600
Irvine, CA 92612, USA
www.naturebright.com
© 2011 Nature Bright Company
All rights reserved