Harvard Confirms New Light Technology

Thomas Jefferson University and Apollo have pioneered BLUEWAVE® technology, and now research from Harvard University helps explains why this specialized light is much more effective than full spectrum light therapy.

In August 2001, Dr. George Brainard at Thomas Jefferson University published the groundbreaking discovery that circadian rhythms are most effectively regulated by a very specific wavelength of light. The news was significant because it meant that cutting out the other light waves could also dramatically cut overall intensity. Lower intensity meant reduced glare, eyestrain, headaches and other side effects.

Fewer side effects

Apollo developed the light therapy devices to produce this specific bandwidth, and their subsequent research with TJU confirmed that this new 'BLUEWAVE®' technology was much easier on the eyes and produced fewer side effects. One study observed the following:

"In terms of potential light safety, not only did a formal hazard analysis confirm there to be no danger to human eyes, but also there were no complaints of headache, eye or vision problems and insomnia,"

Dr. Gena Glickman
April 2004, Chronobiology International

Is full spectrum unnecessary?

What Harvard researchers discovered though, may help make full spectrum a thing of the past. Dr. Steven Lockley and Charles Czeisler at Harvard's medical school report that these special melanopsin photoreceptors only respond to 446-477nm light, and not to full spectrum light as originally believed. This means that full spectrum light is not necessary. It also means that BLUEWAVE® light may yield a quicker and stronger response than standard full spectrum light.

"Our results imply that shorter wavelengths may be more effective and energy-efficient compared to higher energy polychromatic white light for phase-shifting the human circadian pacemaker...Exposure to the optimum balance of light wavelengths may also reduce the undesirable side-effects associated with therapeutic use of light exposure such as glare, visual discomfort, headaches and nausea."

Steven W. Lockely, MD
June 2003, J. of Endocrinology & Metabolism

Why BLUEWAVE® is more effective

This quicker response is because BLUEWAVE® stimulates the melanopsin photoreceptors faster than other light can. Since full spectrum light only contains a small portion of this specific bandwidth, it takes longer to saturate melanopsin photoreceptors. It turns out that these cells are responsible for relaying light signals to the body clock. The rod and cone cells that respond to full spectrum light don't appear to play a role, as previously thought. Not only is BLUEWAVE® easier to use, it now appears that it may be more effective and require less time than traditional light therapy.

Why some prefer full spectrum

Still, researchers admit that bright sunshine creates a powerful psychological effect. Basking in bright full spectrum light reminds people of being in the sun, and people associate sunshine with wellness and energy. In addition, many doctors have not yet read about new bandwidth technology, and many customers still request standard, full spectrum light.

Advantages of BLUEWAVE®

The main advantage of BLUEWAVE® technology is that it is much easier on eyes. But because BLUEWAVE® only produces the effective bandwidth, handheld units produce more of this special light than large, full spectrum lightboxes, making light therapy more convenient and more effective. In addition, because BLUEWAVE® light saturates the melanopsin photoreceptors more efficiently, it requires less time for effective response. And since BLUEWAVE® incorporates specific wavelength LED's, it eliminates any concerns about UV hazard.

Where is BLUEWAVE Available?

Because this technology is patented, it is only available through Apollo's new, hand held goLITE™ . The goLITE™ produces the optimal intensity of BLUEWAVE® light at 20-30 inches. The goLITE's compact design also allows it to be used anywhere.

Learn more about the goLITE™