Name: Migraine lamp
SKU: migrane-lamp
Availability: InStock

prototype Migraine lamps to alleviate pain and photophobia

Recent research suggests that a specific type of narrow band green light reduces the frequency and severity of migraine attacks (NPR story). Green light has also been show to reduce the pain and discomfort when exposed to light during a migraine attack (this phenomenon is called photophobia). Narrow-band green light shows promise as a drug-free approach to alleviating pain.

The links between green light and pain is being explored by several different research groups. Research conducted at the University of Arizona found that green light can provide relief from chronic pain caused by migraines and fibromyalgia (link). More recent work in this group suggests that green light can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks (NPR story). In a landmark 2010 study, researchers showed that a specific type of ‘narrow-band green’ light can reduce migraine photophobia – reducing the pain caused by light-sensitivity during a migraine attack (link). By comparison, even relatively low levels of indoor light can be unbearable, and these studies show that fluorescent and LED lights, computer screens and even sunlight, can increase both the intensity and spread of headache pain. The preliminary research on underlying pathways suggests that our brains and nervous systems respond differently to narrow-band green light.

In an effort to help alleviate the misery of migraine sufferers, we’re offering two different prototype lamps which deliver the specific narrow band green light discussed in these ground breaking research studies. Our bottled sunshine table lamps and mySun desk lamps provide green light where you need it most. Our lamps come with a manual dimmer that allows you to adjust the intensity over a range of 1 to 100%. Dr. Ibrahim’s research suggests that regular exposure to green light can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Other research suggests you can minimize photophobia (pain caused by light – after the onset of a migraine) by moving to a dark or dim space, using a narrow band green light, and adjusting the intensity of the light to minimize discomfort. Please keep in mind that this body of research is new and still evolving!

prototype bottled sunshine and and mySun Migraine lamps

Note that our Migraine lamps provide ONLY narrow-band green light = VERY unlike the other products we make (which deliver the daily and seasonal cycles of natural light)!

we need your feedback

please help us better understand how narrow-band green light works:

does using narrow band green light reduce the frequency and severity of migraines?
does using narrow band green light help alleviate pain from photophobia?
how and when do you use narrow band green light?
likes/dislikes / suggestions for our prototype Migraine lamps

not all green light alleviates pain

Research suggests that only a very specific range of green light (narrow range of wavelengths) alleviates photophobia. Unfortunately you can’t just run to your local hardware store and buy a generic green light bulb. Specialty green LED bulbs provide a broad-spectrum green (via phosphor down conversion) that may look similar to our eyes, but doesn’t match the spectral characteristics defined by the researchers. We’ve carefully designed our light source to closely match the experiments reported in the literature. Research has identified the underlying pathways but we still have more to learn about how light, chronic pain and photophobia relate … but in the meantime we’re making these prototypes available so that those suffering from migraines and chronic pain can have access to this technology (please share your feedback)!

further reading:
– A Drug-Free Idea To Relieve Chronic Pain: Green Light (NPR story)
– migraine headaches and light sensitivity (photophobia)
– green light therapy: a stop sign for pain? (chronic pain including migraine and fibromyalgia)
– summary of Dr. Burstein’s research on green light and migraine pain
– ABC News video discussing how green light relieves migraine pain
– Dr. Mohab Ibrahim’s Interview ‘Green Light to Stop Pain’
– New York Times article on a new class of drugs for migraines
– for more on how we see green light

Green Light for Migraine relief – deep science links:
– Photophobia in Primary Headaches
– Dr Ibrahim’s initial study on the effects of green light in acute and chronic pain in rats
– Dr Burstein and Dr Noseda report their findings that narrow band green light reduces photophobia
– follow-up study by Burstein and Noseda suggesting that Photophobia goes beyond an aversion to light and color sensitivity
– next phase of study on green light and pain at the University of Arizona

science disclaimer #1: the research on green light, photophobia, and pain is still an emerging science — see the links (above) for more details!

science disclaimer #2: as biologists and color-theorists will tell you, wavelengths of light are not the same as color – color is the human perception of wavelength – but for the sake of this discussion we’re use this oversimplification.

I have SAD and for a number of years I have used blue light therapy from August when the sky is a different shade of blue to approximately Feb or March when the sky is the right shade of blue. Bottled Sunshine helps with my feeling of depression. Recently I worked in my office for a longer period of time than usual and I noticed how good I felt. I can only speak for myself but I actually feel calmer and less stressful when I am bathed in ‘the light’. Bottled Sunshine is now in my box of tricks to help with my depression.

Margaret I., retiree in Pennsylvania

We have a Bottled Sunshine lamp in our bedroom. When I am getting ready to go to bed, the warm evening light is so inviting and comforting. And in the morning, I love how energizing the natural morning light is - makes me feel ready to go tackle the day (even before coffee!)

Krista B. in Albany CA

One or two nights each week I have late evening conference calls with China-based coworkers and using bottled sunshine has made all the difference. Instead of feeling ‘wired’, bottled sunshine casts a soft candle-light glow making it easier to relax and fall asleep after my calls end.

Hamlin M. in Minneapolis Minnesota

I live in Michigan which has long winter with grey sky on most days. Bottled Sunshine sits at the center of our kitchen island and lets us forget the outside. Its changing light from warm to cool gets my kids active and going out the door in the morning and then the shift from cool to warm calms them down as we finish dinner and get ready for bed. It is really setting the rhythm of our house.

Sonali V. in Ann Arbor Michigan

The Bottled Sunshine lamp is at home in our combination kitchen/family room. It is on an alcove by the windows. I live in a foggy, cool area with mostly cool weather and marine layers in the morning and sometimes all day. Having the warmth of the lamp changes the entire feeling of the kitchen. I learned early on from my mother the power of lighting in a room. I never use overhead lights (at home or at the office). Lighting is the most important stylistic element when it comes to interior design. Any room looks better with high quality lighting. Overhead lighting provides a harsh glare. A lamp like this turn a room into a cozy retreat.

bottled sunshine fan, in Monterey CA

We have been using the lamp extensively for two months and we LOVE it. Our house gets plenty of natural sunlight during the day so mostly we use the lamp at night to set the tone for our infant daughter (and ourselves). The soft, amber glow is beautiful and really helps as a cue for our household to start winding down once the sun sets. It’s basically the only light we use after 9pm to make sure our baby isn’t getting mixed messages during late night or early morning feedings.

Todd J. in Charleston South Carolina