What is bright light therapy?

Bright light therapy is a simple treatment that involves sitting in front of a special light box for a set amount of time each day. The light is much brighter than a standard household bulb and mimics natural daylight. It’s often used to help with seasonal affective disorder, but some research suggests it may also support people with dementia by improving sleep, mood and overall wellbeing.

Can bright light therapy help with dementia?

If you or a loved one with dementia struggles with sleep, bright light therapy might be worth exploring. While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that exposure to bright light during the day can help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle - also known as the biological body clock.

How does it work?

Our body clock controls when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy, and it’s influenced by things like daylight. In dementia, changes in the brain can disrupt this rhythm, leading to poor sleep at night and excessive daytime napping.

Bright light therapy works by exposing the eyes to a strong light source for a set time each day, usually in the morning. This light is much stronger than a standard household bulb and is similar to natural daylight. By using a light box in the morning, many people find they feel more awake during the day and sleep better at night.

Can it help other dementia symptoms?

Some studies suggest that bright light therapy may also help with mood and cognitive function, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Where can you get a light box?

Bright light therapy isn’t typically available on the NHS, but you can buy light boxes designed for seasonal affective disorder, which work in the same way. If you're thinking about trying it, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional to see if it’s right for you or your loved one.

Have you tried bright light therapy?

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