Niel,
This can be unwise to do without proper medical information and without a correct specification from MIL's clinician.
I personally know a number of people in the Nordic countries with this problem. There the incidence of Seasonal Affective Disorder is quite common because of the low light levels and short days during the winter months.
There are a number of issues:
- While lightbox therapy is well known and effective for some patients, it isn't for all.
- The light levels, times and spectrum required are important. The high light levels often required could cause eye damage if the equipment is not built correctly or the right number and type of lamps used, and the correct distances observed.
- Unfortunately this market seems to attract a large number of snake oil manufacturers offering all kinds of products and making all sorts of claims for them. This includes items to put in your own box.
So.... I wouldn't trust anything that you find on the web with a search, but would start with getting a product recommendation from the medically qualified person treating MIL. Then if it makes economic sense, consider replicating that exactly.
Otherwise, it is possible that you will make something ineffective or possibly dangerous.
.andy
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