Dark therapy

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Dark Therapy

Dark Therapy (pronounced: dahrk ther-uh-pee) is a therapeutic intervention that involves reducing exposure to artificial light sources after sunset to treat various health conditions. The term is derived from the English words "dark," meaning the absence of light, and "therapy," meaning treatment.

Etymology

The term "Dark Therapy" is a compound word. "Dark" comes from the Old English "deorc," meaning "without light," and "therapy" comes from the Greek "therapeia," meaning "healing."

Definition

Dark Therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention that involves reducing exposure to artificial light, particularly blue light emitted by electronic devices, after sunset. This therapy is used to treat conditions such as Insomnia, Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome, and Bipolar Disorder. It is based on the principle that exposure to light after sunset can disrupt the body's natural Circadian Rhythm, leading to sleep disorders and other health problems.

Application

Dark Therapy can be applied by avoiding exposure to artificial light after sunset, using dim red lights for night lights, and avoiding electronic devices for at least two hours before bedtime. It can also involve the use of special glasses that block blue light.

Related Terms

  • Light Therapy: A treatment that involves exposure to daylight or to specific wavelengths of light using polychromatic polarised light, lasers, light-emitting diodes, fluorescent lamps, dichroic lamps or very bright, full-spectrum light, usually controlled with various devices.
  • Circadian Rhythm: The natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours.
  • Melatonin: A hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It is primarily released by the Pineal Gland and its production is influenced by the detection of light and dark by the retina of the eye.

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