Bright Light Therapy Lamp Program
The Faculty of Engineering has three tablet-sized light therapy lamps (2 for the Waterloo campus and 1 for the Cambridge campus) available for use by any member of the Faculty of Engineering community.
Light therapy lamps are available for sign-out from Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm for 1 hour (I hour is the recommended usage per day).
To sign-out a lamp, please visit the following:
- Waterloo campus: Undergraduate Office(E2 1772)
- Cambridge campus: Main Office
Please read about Safe Usage and Potential Side Effects prior to booking your lamp.
What is bright light therapy?
Bright light therapy is a non-pharmaceutical approach that utilizes special full-spectrum wavelengths of light to mimic exposure to natural day light for a prescribed period of time per day (usually 1 hour). Light therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and winter blues by 35% or more. It is the primary approach to treating seasonal related mood concerns (Campbell, Miller, Woesner, 2017). Bright light therapy has also been shown increase energy levels and improve sleep (Sleep Foundation), as well as improve acne and a variety of other medical conditions.
Why is bright light therapy important?
The short answer is that many people feel better (more energetic, sleep better, improved mood) with daily exposure to light therapy lamps.
The longer answer is that over the past 5 years the number of post-secondary students in Canada with identified mental health disabilities has doubled (Ontario Universities, n.d.). According to the National College Health Assessment II (NCHA ll), 51.6% of Canadian students surveyed reported feeling so depressed they could not function, and 68.9% reported feeling overwhelming anxiety. 65% of UWaterloo students surveyed said they felt tired and dragged out most days.
Sleep is a crucial component of academic success, mental health, and overall well-being. Inadequate sleep can result in lower grades as well as poor memory, attention and concentration, In addition, poor sleep is known to impact immune system functioning, increase risks of accidents, and impair decision making. Young adults need between 8.5-9.5 hours of sleep each night to function best. Only 11% of young adults receive 8.5 hours of sleep per night (Homewood Health, Sleep Foundation).
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the Winter Blues are mood disorders that occur primarily in the Fall and Winter months due to reduced exposure to sunlight. Those who spend long periods of time indoors during the summer months can also experience. Reduced exposure to natural light can result in low mood, sleep problems, fatigue, trouble concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, irritability, and more (CAMH). Young adults are more at risk of experiencing symptoms of SAD than older adults. Engineering students spend long hours indoors studying and attending classes.
Bright light therapy lamps, when combined with other self-care and wellness activities, can help to improve well-being.