Nura is an innovative light therapy system that adjusts to your lifestyle, treating seasonal depression when and where you need it the most. Nura was developed in partnership with Lighting Science, whose patented blue-light spectrum technology was originally developed to help astronauts on the International Space Station regulate their circadian rhythms.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a recurring mood disorder that affects 1 in 5 adults, though as many as half of all adults experience some seasonal depression. As the daylight wanes in the winter, individuals with SAD experience episodes of depression, accompanied by anxiety, irritability, low energy, and weight gain. When spring returns, these episodes recede.
For those seeking an inexpensive non-pharmaceutical solution to SAD, light therapy is the perfect answer. Sunlight is a natural regulator of biological systems, stimulating the circadian rhythm to produce hormones that impact mood and alertness. By sitting in front of a special high-intensity light for an hour or two each day, individuals with SAD can lessen and even free themselves of symptoms within a matter of days. Light therapy uses timed lighting to regulate cortisol, which impacts wakefulness and mood during the day, and melatonin, which promotes restful sleep at night. To be most effective, light therapy should be used in the morning and early afternoon, positioned directly towards the user. However, most available light boxes use brute force, providing a blinding light that is over 10,000 lux in brightness but lacking in biological impact. Nura uses Light Therapy's patented blue-light technology to provide light at only 500 lux that does not overwhelm the user with brightness while providing optimal circadian impact to treat SAD.
Nura was created using principles of empathetic user-centered design, and developed in part by sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder. During the design process, 30+ individuals suffering from seasonal depression spoke up about what they needed from a light therapy device to create the most seamless and intuitive experience possible. Generative research tools were used to help define what best suits the busy lifestyles of light therapy users, and a co-design session let participants build their own ideal light therapy devices. This collaborative design research methodology helped to create an empathetic and user-centered product that provides stress-free therapy to those who suffer from seasonal depression.
Using Nura, you can discover the light therapy solution that works best for you. Each set comes with four devices, allowing you to place each unit where you need it when it comes time for your light session, freeing you from the tether of bulky stationary light boxes. And unlike traditional light therapy lamps, Nura's app allows you to set your light therapy sessions ahead of time, so you can sit back and let Nura do the hard work. The Nura app reminds you when it's time for therapy, and illuminates as your session begins. Once you've set up your system, no more user input is required. Seamless, empathetic light therapy? That's Nura.
