Supplement Facts

Over forty years ago, doctors in Scandinavia started using special light bulbs to help detect skin abnormalities among their patients. Each hand-blown bulb used a rare earth mineral called Neodymium, which reduces much of the yellow emission of the spectrum, resulting in brighter and more vibrant colors. The full spectrum light emitted from these special bulbs simulated natural sunlight -- an added bonus in countries where people endure darkness for a few months of the year.

An innovator at heart and an engineer by background, Jacques Ram developed and patented an adaptation of these very special lamps, known as Chromalux, for commercial and home uses. These full spectrum light bulbs have several qualities that are strikingly different from the common light bulb. Colors appear balanced and true to life; food looks more appetizing; artwork appears as the artist intends; and people look less sallow indoors. These remarkable lights also reduce eye strain, thus creating an easier environment for work and play.

In 1978, Lumiram Electric Corporation was established in the United States. The company’s mission was, and continues to be, to promote health and well-being by proliferating the use of premium quality full-spectrum lighting sources in businesses and homes.

In the past quarter century, it has become widely understood that natural lighting sources have significant healthful effects. Full spectrum bright light therapy is used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, which occurs frequently in light-starved regions in the northern hemisphere during winter months. Many scientific studies have demonstrated the healthful effects of full spectrum lights for a broad range of conditions. As we have become more conscious of the ways in which our environments affect our health, full spectrum lighting has become increasingly a part of our daily lives. Lumiram helps to bring the benefits of natural sunlight into our artificially created worlds.

For over three decades, Lumiram has been in the business of bringing natural and healthy lighting into peoples’ lives. With Lumiram’s broad range of full spectrum incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent bulbs to light homes, offices, stores, and recreational facilities, life can be as natural and beautiful indoors as it is outside.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a specific type of major depression which re-occurs at certain times of the year. The most common pattern is the onset of major depression in the fall (September through November) and abating of the symptoms in late winter to early spring (March through May). The frequency of Seasonal Affective Disorder seems to vary with geographic location. It may approach 10% of the general population in northern New England, 5% of the population in the Baltimore/Washington area, and less than 2% of the population of Southern California or Florida.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Change in appetite or weight
• Sleep problems
• Lack of energy
• Diminished sex drive
• Body aches or pains
• Memory loss
• Inability to make decisions
• Problems concentrating
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of interest in or enjoyment of activities
• Suicidal thoughts

As in the case of major depression, the diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder is a clinical one, based on the presence of specific symptoms. To meet the criteria for a seasonal relationship, there should be at least three episodes of mood disturbance in three separate seasons, at least two of which are consecutive. There should be no association between the disturbance and situation stresses, such as being unemployed with each winter.

In many ways the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder is similar to that of other major depressive episodes, utilizing antidepressant or mood stabilizing medication and/or psychotherapy. In addition, exposure to bright light has been found to be an effective means of treatment. The individual sits in front of a bright light unit, a specialized portable box which houses balanced spectrum fluorescent tubes. An individual's needs for light therapy specifies the duration of exposure and the optimal time of day. An individual should meet periodically with their health care professional. The dose of light therapy should be adjusted as needed.

About 75% of Seasonal Affective Disorder sufferers are women, but Seasonal Affective Disorder affects men and children as well. The most typical age of onset is in the twenties, but other onsets are common, such as during puberty, middle age, and old age. After women pass through menopause, the numbers in men and women become equal. Susceptibility for Seasonal Affective Disorder appears to be inherited.

Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The primary cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder is change in sunlight exposure. The reduction in daylight hours in the fall and winter can affect sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder. The most commonly accepted hypothesis for the underlying cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder is that reduced natural sunlight exposure affects the body’s natural daily rhythms, which are not fully precise and rely on the intensity of sunlight to provide adjusting cues. These cues originate in the retina at the back of the eye, creating signals which pass through the optic nerve to the mid-brain, setting in motion a number of chemical changes including:

• Increase in the neurotransmitter serotonin, necessary for a sense of well being
• Regulation of the hormone melatonin, which is a factor in normal sleep patterns

Seasonal Affective Disorder can be experienced as an isolated disorder or may be experienced in conjunction with an existing mood disorder or chronic illness. The tendency toward Seasonal Affective Disorder or severity of the symptoms can be influenced by many factors, such as living in a northern latitude, recent cloudy weather patterns, family history of Seasonal Affective Disorder, working in a windowless office, recent illness, or general life stresses.

Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder

The most successful treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder involve identifying how the change in daylight shifts the person's daily circadian rhythms, especially their sleep cycle. Most people with Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms show changes in their sleep/wake patterns and melatonin levels. Bright light is known to be a powerful regulator of melatonin and the sleep/wake cycle. Seasonal Affective Disorder and "Winter Blues" sufferers tend to show two common patterns in their sleep phase: Delayed or Advanced.

The most common device used for bright light therapy is a fluorescent light box, which produces a light intensity of 2,500 to 10,000 lux at a comfortable distance. Light box intensity ratings are always at a given distance. Fewer headaches and eyestrain are associated with using balanced spectrum light.

The light box is placed in front of the user at the recommended distance for the desired intensity. One should be directly in front of the unit as the light shines into the user's eyes. The eyes need be open and sunglasses should not be worn. Some may be instructed to look at the light box briefly at regular intervals. The light box intensity of 10,000 lux is much brighter than normal indoor light which is usually 300-500 lux, but not as bright as summer sunlight which can be as bright as 100,000 lux.

It is possible to overuse a light box. Overuse can result in irritability and agitation, which is often followed by fatigue. Irritability, agitation, and initial eyestrain for 1-3 days appear to be the main side effects. Inducing mania is seen in about 1% of light box users and mild hypomania may occur from persistent overuse. Some drugs make patients photosensitive, as can contact lenses, and those patients may need to be conservative when using staring light therapy. Those on antidepressants can often reduce their dosage with their doctor's consent once light therapy becomes effective. For most patients, light therapy is the most natural and safe treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder, as well as the most cost-effective.

Display Lighting
Chromalux full-spectrum incandescent, halogen, and PAR lamps provide an exceptionally pure white light that offers an ideal alternative to quartz and fluorescent illumination, which provide a much "cooler" ambiance. Chromalux full spectrum lighting products are especially suited to merchandising of products where business is driven by visual appearance, such as jewelry stores, gourmet food shops, health and fitness centers, hair salons, spray booths, etc.* 

Home Lighting
Use Chromalux Full Spectrum Incandescent lights to create a warm and friendly living space and atmosphere in your home. Colors and textures of home décor, artwork, and home appointments will “come to life.” In the kitchen and dining areas, Chromalux lighting will make food look appealing and pleasing to the eye. Colors will be vibrant, crisp, true to life, and attractive. For bathrooms, Chromalux full spectrum incandescent vanity bulbs help to assure that skin looks beautiful by brightening and bringing out one’s natural complexion. They are perfect for bathrooms and bedrooms, making the complexion appear healthier and more natural.*

Restaurant & Hospitality Lighting
Lumiram’s Full Spectrum lighting products will enhance the mood and ambiance of any restaurant and hotel decor. Chromalux Full Spectrum lights make any setting feel and look more appealing. This effect is due to the color accuracy and crispness of the lighting line. Another great quality is the enhancement of the textural appearance of food and floral arrangements. Interior designs and decorations look more natural and true to life. Chromalux color-correctedlights are ideal for lobbies and other public places. They are perfect for bathrooms, making complexions appear healthier and more natural.* 

Supermarket Lighting
Supermarket and Deli displays will benefit from the pure, crisp, and vibrant light from Chromalux Incandescent or Lumichrome Fluorescent Lighting. Produce, salad bar displays, fresh meat displays, and floral displays will also benefit from the pure white light provided by full spectrum lighting.*

Office Lighting
The Chromalux exclusive line of natural and healthy lighting creates a pleasing, colorful, and color-balanced atmosphere shown to enhance people’s sense of comfort and well-being in any work or office environment. As we know, accuracy and efficiency at work are crucial and therefore the visual comfort provided by overhead lighting plays quite an important role. Chromalux lighting promotes a colorful, glare free surrounding that has been shown to help people work efficiently and with no eye strain.