Philips HF3305, User Manual

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Introduction
The appliance is suitable for both light baths and for normal lighting
(you can use the dimmer switch to set the preferred light intensity).
Light baths will help counteract the tiredness, low spirits and the lack of
energy that many people experience in autumn and winter, when the
days are darker and shorter.These symptoms, which are thought to be
caused by a disruption of our biological clock, are often referred to as
the winter blues.
The winter blues are characterised by a combination of symptoms:
tiredness, a lack of energy and needing more sleep, unexpected mood
changes, having difficulty getting out of bed in the morning and having
trouble concentrating. Sometimes the winter blues can also cause you
to gain weight, as your body craves food that is rich in sugar and
carbohydrates, such as pasta and chocolate.The winter blues occur
during the darker period of the year, i.e. from September until March.
More than 60% of the population is troubled by one or more
symptoms of the winter blues. Many health experts agree that the
winter blues can be counteracted by exposure to bright light. 'Bright
light' means daylight with a certain intensity. In winter, the light intensity
is often much lower than in summer: on a gloomy winter day the light
intensity will vary between 2,500 and 10,000 lux, whereas this may be
as much as 100,000 lux on a bright summer day. Moreover, in winter
most people spend a lot of time indoors, either at home or at work,
where artificial light often has an intensity of as little as 500 lux and
sometimes even less.Together with scientists and medical specialists in
the field of treating the winter blues, Philips has developed this special
lighting appliance.This appliance allows you to safely get the amount of
light you need to make the winter blues disappear. Clinical tests have
shown that bright light works. In approx. 90% of all cases, the winter
blues disappear when the Bright Light is used regularly.Taking light baths
is generally accepted as one of the safest and most effective ways of
fighting the winter blues.
Important
◗
Check if the voltage indicated on the appliance corresponds to the
mains voltage in your home before you connect the appliance.
◗
Keep this appliance away from water! Do not use this appliance in
damp environments (e.g. in a bathroom or near a swimming pool).
◗
Always unplug the appliance after use.
◗
Make sure that children cannot play with the appliance.
◗
The duration of the light bath depends on the distance at which
the appliance is used. See section 'Taking a lightbath' for the
appropriate distance and duration. Repeat the light bath on at least
five successive days (take them at a time that suits you and make
this a daily habit during the course).You can start a new light bath
course (5 or more successive days) whenever you feel like you
need it.
ENGLISH
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