Your Luminette
Travelling to a new destination is a great way to explore different cultures, create unforgettable memories and discover yourself. But lurking within all this excitement is an unexpected challenge many travellers face—the notorious travel blues.Travel blues can leave you feeling fatigued, irritable and sad. The situation worsens if you travel during the summer months when your routine is more likely to be disrupted. And the worst part? It can affect even the most seasoned travellers among us. But you don’t need to let travel blues dampen your spirits, thanks to travel light therapy. Travel light therapy uses the power of light to keep your energy, mood, and overall well-being in check, no matter where your travels take you. Using specially designed light therapy devices, you can regulate your body’s internal clock, combat jet lag, and make the most of your trip. In this blog, we will discuss this innovative portable solution in more detail and see how it can enhance your travel experience.
Overview of travel blues
For adults, the recommended sleep duration falls between 7 to 9 hours per night. However, individual differences exist, and some adults may find that they function optimally with slightly less or more sleep. It is important to pay attention to personal sleep needs and adjust accordingly. Consistently getting less sleep than needed can lead to sleep deprivation, which can have detrimental effects on cognitive function, mood, and overall health. Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining optimal physical and mental well-being, supporting immune function, and enhancing productivity and focus throughout the day. Creating a relaxing sleep environment and practicing good sleep hygiene can help adults achieve the recommended amount of sleep for their individual needs.
What are the common causes of travel blues?
Jet lag : This is perhaps the most well-known culprit for giving you the travel blues. You experience jet lag when you travel across several time zones, and there is a mismatch between your body’s internal clock and the new local time. It can make you feel tired and irritable, and you might find it difficult to fall asleep at night. The severity of your jet lag will depend on the direction of your travel and the number of time zones you have crossed.
Disruption of routine : When you travel, you step away from your regular routine. Almost every aspect of your schedule, like bedtime, meal times, and exercise, is significantly altered. This routine disruption might make you uneasy and uncomfortable as your body adapts to the new environment. Changes in your schedule might also lead to poor or inconsistent sleep patterns, which can affect your mental health.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) : SAD, or winter depression, affects as many as 33% of people in the UK during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. A change in your environment can trigger or worsen SAD-related mood disorders, especially if you travel to a location with less natural sunlight or are deficient in vitamin D. Sunlight deficiency can disrupt your body’s internal clock, making you feel low and depressed and sapping your energy levels.
Overview of travel light therapy
Travel light therapy is an innovative approach to combating the adverse effects of travel on mental and physical health. It uses artificial light that mimics natural sunlight to help the body regulate its internal clock.
The basic principle of travel light therapy is to expose you to blue-enriched white light. This light triggers your body’s response to natural sunlight and resets your internal clock. As your body gradually aligns with the local time at your destination, you will see an improvement in symptoms of jet lag and sleeping patterns.
Managing travel blues with light therapy will help you stay energetic and improve your mood so that you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Also read: Blue Light Therapy: What Is It and How Does It Work?
How does light therapy work for travel blues?
Light therapy influences the production of melatonin , a hormone in your brain. Commonly called the sleep hormone, melatonin regulates your sleep-wake cycles. The level of this hormone increases in your body as the day transitions into the night and decreases in the morning. When exposed to bright light at the right time, the hormone is properly regulated, making you feel sleepy at night and awake and alert during the day.
When you use a light therapy device like the Luminette 3, the light from the compact light therapy glasses stimulates the photoreceptors in your eyes. The receptors then signal to your brain’s suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) , a region that controls your body’s internal clock.
It helps reset your internal clock to match with the local time at your travel destination. When your body aligns your sleep-wake cycle to your new time zone, you experience improvement in the effects of jet lag, such as daytime fatigue and mood swings.
What are the benefits of light therapy for travel blues?
Modifies sleep patterns : Light exposure using bright light therapy can modify and regulate your sleep patterns. When you expose yourself to bright light from light therapy glasses at the appropriate times, you can reset your internal clock. It helps regulate your melatonin, significantly reducing the symptoms of jet lag, like difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up at odd hours.
Improves mood : Blue light therapy has a profound impact on your mood regulation. Daylight simulation with light therapy devices increases the serotonin levels in your brain, improving your mood. Using light therapy, you can maintain a positive outlook and emotional stability throughout your travels.
Boosts energy : Travelling can physically and mentally drain you, leading to lethargy and low energy levels. The increase in serotonin after a light therapy session with the right light intensity will increase your vitality and alertness , filling you with all the energy you need for your travels.
Travel-friendly light therapy devices
Portable light therapy lamps
The best light therapy lamps typically emit a blue-enriched white light that mimics natural sunlight to help you realign your circadian rhythm. A portable light therapy lamp like the Luminette Drive is compact and lightweight, so you can easily carry it in your luggage. The device provides effective light therapy for travel blues so you are fresh, well rested and ready to explore your destination. Unlike other light therapy lamps, these devices are super portable.
Compact light therapy glasses
If you need a more convenient alternative to a light therapy box, light therapy glasses like the Luminette 3 can be a great option. You can wear these glasses like regular eyewear to get the benefits of light therapy. These glasses emit blue-enriched white light, providing the same benefit as a SAD lamp, with added convenience.
The Luminette 3 is free from infrared and ultraviolet light (UV light) and does not emit wavelengths below 450nm, making it one of the best light therapy glasses for travel blues.
How do I use light therapy while travelling?
Here are a few travel light therapy tips that will help you to maximise its benefits:
Determine the best time for your sessions : The timing of your session is essential for getting the best results with light therapy. If you travel east, use your device around noon and move your sessions two hours forward each following day. If you travel west and need to delay your internal clock, stay awake when the sun is rising and use the device at the beginning of the afternoon. It is also important to go to sleep as soon as the sun sets if you travel west.
Use the device consistently : Use your therapy light consistently, ideally 20 minutes each day. Ensure the light is directed toward your eyes without looking directly at it. Understanding how to use light therapy for travel will improve its impact on the quality of your sleep, making you feel energetic throughout the trip.
Takeaway: Say goodbye to travel blues with Luminette light therapy glasses
Travel light therapy is a great way to boost energy, get your sleep on track and fill your days with energy. Incorporating light therapy into your routine will help you minimise the effects of jet lag, disrupted routines and changes in light exposure.
With portable and easy-to-use devices, maintaining your well-being on the go has never been easier. Embrace the benefits of light therapy and make the most of your adventures without the burden of travel blues.
Explore our best light therapy devices like the Luminette 3 today and start your journey with a brighter, more vibrant outlook!
Luminette 3 light therapy glasses are innovative eyeglasses designed to allow you to enjoy a light therapy session while engaging in your regular activities. Unlike traditional therapy lamps, Luminette 3 eyeglasses feature an artificial light source that directs a safe light beam into your eyes without causing any dazzling effect or obstructing your clear vision.
To use them, simply wear the eyeglasses and press a button to activate the light, and your phototherapy session begins. These glasses are user-friendly and compatible with those who wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, ensuring no disruption to vision or comfort.
With the convenience of Luminette 3, there is no longer a need to sit beside a stationary light therapy lamp for 30 minutes each day. The freedom to move around means you can prepare breakfast, dive into a captivating book, catch up on your favorite TV shows, work on your computer tasks, or even engage in light exercises, all while receiving your therapeutic light exposure. Whether you're at home or on the go, Luminette 3 offers a flexible and efficient solution to incorporate light therapy into your daily life.
FAQs
How often should I use light therapy while travelling?
You should use light therapy devices (like SAD lamps) that produce an equivalent of 10,000 lux light intensity for 20-30 minutes while travelling. Also, make sure that you use it at the same time each day.
Are there any side effects of using light therapy on the go?
Light therapy is safe; typically, there should be no significant side effects. Some people might experience mild eye strain, which is temporary.
Can I use light therapy devices on aeroplanes or in hotels?
You can safely use portable light therapy devices like Luminette in aeroplanes and hotels.
What are the best portable light therapy devices for travel?
The Luminette 3 light therapy glasses are the best devices for travel. These are super convenient and lightweight, and you can use them while performing your daily activities, making them easy to use when travelling.
How quickly can I expect to see results from travel light therapy?
You will instantly experience light therapy's “boosting” effect, with the full benefits kicking in within 4-6 days of regular use.
