Ever have the winter time blues? There have been many studies over the years showing a direct link between sunlight and moods. A team of scientists in Finland have been studying this phenomena to test and prove that the human brain itself is photosensitive. They have developed a device called Valkee, which almost resembles an iPod, but instead of music the earplugs emit light through the ear canals directly to the brain.
In clinical studies (in Finland) 350 study subjects were tested over the span of about four years and the results found that there is brain activity when the Valkee is sending light through the ear canal (published study available here) and 9 out of 10 subjects did feel a reduction in stress, seasonal depression, and anxiety while using the Valkee. 92% of those studied with severe “winter blues” felt total symptom relief within 4 weeks when using Valkee 8-12 minutes per day.
Valkee is being marketed not only for winter blues, but for PMS symptoms, jet-lag, job stress, migraines, anxiety, etc making it a device just about everyone would have use for at one time or another. The Valkee headset system is currently available for pre-order (no date for first shipments is currently on the site) in either white or black and includes the Valkee, USB cable, program CD, and instructions for about $300.
Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
Whoo hoo — why is my voodoo detector going off big time? I suspect that the only folks whose moods will be significantly enhanced by the use of this device will be the manufacturers selling it at $300 a pop. I would recommend instead a website called monstersmokeshop.com, where natural, legal, and effective mood enhancers are available for pennies on the dollar compared to this dubious doohickey…
some kind of marketing miracle 🙂
I am far from an expert in study analysis, but I have listened to a few hours of Dr. Edell on the radio. Just in case anyone is wondering about the study …
– Randomized: No – subject assignment to test and control group was not detailed
– Double blind: No
– Control: Yes (but see randomization)
– Peer reviewed: No
– Disclosures: None stated
I’m no expert in study analysis either, but the study furnished sure reads like mumbo-jumbo as well, and the results graph seems to show only minor distinction between the study and control subjects. $300 seems like a lot to gamble on this pseudo-science IMO. I also get suspicious when I hear a product touted as a cure for such a wide variety of conditions. Caveat emptor — and pass the snake oil, please!
WOW! Bright light is known to heal across many conditions.