Nordic
BUS I NESS
PROMOTION PRODUCED BY CALCUS GROUP
epression and the affects of long
dark winters are well known in the
Nordics, but this is actually a global
phenomena. As Mr.
Pekka Somer-
to
,
CEO of VALKEE explains, “The lack of
light has a negative impact on some 40% of
people in theNordics and asmany as 20%of
all Europeans.” According to research find-
ings, any population north of 30 degree lat-
itude - and opposite in the southern hem-
isphere - has seasonal symptoms. These
symptoms of SAD include over-eating, feel-
ings of low energy, mood swings, irritability
and low self-esteem. SAD can cause people
to feel lethargic, less active as well as in-
crease stress levels.The impact of SADvaries
fromone person to the next, and for some it
can be very debilitating.
Regular light has forever been an impor-
tant ingredient in the natural environment
of humans. The effect of light on the hu-
man psyche is significant. “A common mis-
conception about our product is that light
cannot penetrate the human skull, thus it
cannot impact the brain. In fact, this myth
was disproven by US researchers already in
1963.”
The VALKEE device provides bright
light therapy to your brain via the ear canal
and through the skull, just as sunlight pene-
trates your scalp and skull during a summer
day. “Light is essential for the well-being of
humans around the world. Our technology
is based on research completed in the last 5
years at the University of Oulu, which found
significant amounts of a melanopsin recep-
tor-protein in the human brain.This protein
was originally discovered in the US in 1998,
and has been previously believed to only ex-
ist at the base of human eye, being respon-
sible for our non-visual responses to light.
In the brain, this protein is also widely pre-
sent,” Mr. Somerto says. The latest VALKEE
device, theNPT®1100, channels bright light
into the brain via the ear canal. With just
8-12
minutes of regular useper day, the ther-
apeutic effect is achieved.
Looking forward, Mr. Somerto believes
there are many more opportunities for ap-
plying the same medical technology. “We
are also looking into new application areas,
e.g. enhancing cognitive performance (mo-
toric reaction speed and attention), as well
as supporting healthy circadian rhythm
(
sleep disorders and jetlag). In fact, since
day-1 we’ve had frequent feedback from
customers on how using our product has
also reduced their jetlag-related symptoms
when traveling,” he concludes.
Q
TEXT: KRISTIAN ORISPÄÄ
VALKEE TURNS ON THE LIGHT:
Bright light therapy for better wellbeing
D
VALKEE products are
available in stores across the
Nordic countries and online world-
wide.
For further information please con-
tact
.
WINTER DEPRESSION AND SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD) ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE NORDIC
REGION. AROUND THE WORLD, THE FALL AND WINTER SEASONS CAN HAVE AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL
WELLBEING. FORTUNATELY, VALKEE OFFERS A SOLUTION TO THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING TO BEAT THEIR WINTER BLUES.
PHOTO: ELINA MANNINEN
