Valkee substitutes the mood-elevating effects of the sun, by channeling safe bright light directly to photosensitive regions of the brain through the ear canal. That's why Valkee increases energy, and can act as a preventative or treatment of mood swings.

"You don’t need bright light in your house. You need to light up your brain – that’s where your mood lives"

Feeling S.A.D? Try A Valkee Brain Stimulation Headset

The Valkee Bright Light Headset channelos bright light directly to the brain. That's why it increases energy and prevents and cures seasonal conditions such as mood swings and seasonal effective disorder.

In clinical trials 9 out of 10 felt total relief from the symptoms of SAD

The Finnish Valkee is Sci-Fi style device which literally shines light into your ear canals. Your wear it like a set of headphones on a music player.

Backed up by scientific research by the University of Oulu, Finland, that suggests the brain may be photosensitive [PDF of research]. The University’s research suggests the brain gets more stimulation from light delivered through our ears (remember this is bright light via this device, not normal daylight) than light delivered through our eyes.

Valkee substitutes the mood-elevating effects of the sun, by channeling safe bright light directly to photosensitive regions of the brain through the ear canal. That's why Valkee increases energy, and can act as a preventative or treatment of mood swings.

Valkee has CE Class II(a) medical device certification and is clinically tested.

Ease Seasonal Depression The Easy Way With Valkee Ear Buds

Just by wearing them for 8-12 minutes, users can ease seasonal depression. The researchers believe that we need more light in the brain, not just the eyes —  so by placing the buds in the ears, light can effectively get to the brain.

Valkee has been developed by Finnish scientists who have conducted various scientific studies which indicate that this is the best way to deliver safe bright light therapy. The company are due to publish a range of scientific papers that will also highlight some other advantages that can be found with Valkee, including relief from job stress, jetlag and tiredness.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or winter depression is mainly due to the lack of sun light we get in northern latitudes during the winter time.  In Northern Europe 2% of the population suffer from winter depression and roughly 10% feel slightly down beat during the dark winter months. Symptoms of SAD  consist of: difficulty waking up in the morning, tendency to oversleep as well as to overeat, and especially a craving for carbohydrates. Other symptoms include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on completing tasks, and withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities.

Why we get this the winter depression is because the lack of light causes a chemical reaction in our brain. The Valkee has LED light ear buds that project different quantities of light through ears' auditory canal onto certain parts of the brain that react to light.

Clinical trials show that not only the winter depression was completely cured, but also the intellectual capacity of the test persons got a big boost.

Valkee’s light emitting earplugs are used for 8-12 minutes a day to get the needed light exposure in one dose. The device administers the dose simply, with one button.

Valkee comes in black or white

Individual optimization of treatment dosage

The treatment session duration is adjustable via the PC software coming with the device for accomplishing the best possible individual results. The best individual effect is also dependent on the time, when the light treatment is taken. The PC software is not necessarily needed to operate the device as the standard configured dose is effective.

Charging the Valkee is simple 

Valkee is charged with a USB cable from PC/Mac or with a charger typical for mobile phones.

Valkee brain stimulation headset gives the needed natural light exposure

Effective

In field tests, Valkee users reported increased energy, reduced carbohydrate cravings and a reduced need for excess sleep.
In clinical trials, 9 of 10 people with severe seasonal symptoms experienced total relief within 4 weeks - a revolutionary result. Symptoms included anxiety, reduced cognitive performance and tiredness.
» Read more on Valkee's clinical evidence

Only 8-12 minutes a day needed

8-12 minutes is enough to have the needed daily light exposure and the desired health effect. With the traditional bright light, treatment time is suggested at least 30 minutes and preferably 1 hour per day, with the need to sit in close proximity to the therapy lamp.

Focused

Bright light has shown efficacy in various mood swings from PMS to job stress, and is a widely-accepted de-facto treatment for winter blues. The brain has photosensitive areas that react differently to the lack of light. Our eyes are not the most effective route to deliver light to the brain: the ear canal, where the skull at its thinnest, is the most effective route to direct light to where it is needed.

Portable and always with you

You can use Valkee wherever works best for you. Due to its small size, you can use it in the morning, during your commute or at work. It travels with you like a cell phone and mp3-player.

Natural and safe

Valkee increases the amount of light received by the brain to a natural level when there is not enough light. It is a safe and natural way to charge yourself.

"I used Valkee in California for a week (8 min / 1,5 hrs after the desired wake-up time). From the very first day onwards I felt no jetlag symptoms, especially the "afternoon dizziness" was missing. I continued using Valkee when back home, and the results were as good. There were no problems this time to get back to the rhythm."
European CxO on Silicon Valley travel, Female 46 years

Valkee scientific evidence

Valkee's brain stimulation headset is based on new findings in brain science and bright light therapy. It has been studied since 2007 in the University of Oulu, Finland, by approximately 20 scientists cross-functionally in neurobiology, psychiatry and brain biology. In total, research has included over 350 study subjects, making it one of world's largest programs in bright light research.

Valkee's research has concluded the following:

• The human brain is photosensitive
• Valkee causes activity in the brain through the ear canal
• Valkee is an effective way to increase energy and cognitive performance, reduce anxiety and treat mood disorders, especially seasonal depression

Valkee activates human brain

The Valkee bright light headset activates the human brain. The brain imaging results suggest that the brain tissue is inherently light-sensitive.

In Valkee's brain imaging studies, significant differences have been revealed between light stimulus and placebo control groups. Light stimulus increases the activity of the brain, and its visual cortex in particular.

 "Now I have energy to play with kids after getting back to home." - Female 36 years

Figure: Valkee bright light via ear canal activates the brain.

Human brain is photosensitive

Valkee has taken the earlier brain biology research to humans, and has found photosensitive agents broadly present in the human brain. The study group found and localized photosensitive OPN3 proteins in all of the studied 18 brain areas outside of the visual system.

Researchers prior to Valkee had already shown that mammalian brains respond to visible light, and brain tissue is known to have several proteins called opsins outside the visual system that are potentially light-sensitive. Valkee has found and localized these agents in its research.

Valkee cures mood swings

Valkee continues to study the effect of the bright light headset when applied to a variety of mood conditions where traditional bright light has been effective. These include for example ‘winter blues’, job stress, jetlag, PMS, ‘baby blues’ and migraine.

In Valkee’s CE medical device certification clinical trial, 92% of severely depressed seasonal affective disorder (also known as ‘winter blues’) patients experienced total symptoms relief in 4 weeks with 8-12 minutes of bright light via ear canal.

"I have been testing this in many ways. I tried going without Valkee for 5 days to see if there was a difference. I got immediately the migraine and restless legs back! I will not leave my Valkee anymore! THANKS!"
Feedback email to Valkee, Female 30 years

FAQ on Valkee

Are there benefits of using Valkee in summer?

Summer does not automatically mean necessary light exposure. If we spend time inside - commuting, working, home - we do not get the needed light exposure. Office or home lighting is in almost all cases too dim (~300 lux by intensity) whereas the needed exposure is achieved at bright sunlight outside (80,000 - 150,000 lux by intensity).

When should I use Valkee?

Bright light has shown efficacy across multiple mood conditions from seasonal affective disorder to job stress and PMS. Valkee especially relieves symptoms like tiredness, anxiety and reduced cognitive performance typical for 'winter blues'. In clinical trials, 9 of 10 participants suffering from severe symptoms experienced a total relief.

What time of the day is it best to use Valkee?

70% of users have stated that positive effects are best realized during the morning and 30% have stated that they achieve the best results in the evening. Start using Valkee in the morning preferably 30-60 minutes after waking up. If you do not realize positive results after 3-5 days, use Valkee 1-2 hours prior to going to bed in the evening.

What scientific evidence do you have?

Valkee has shown that the human brain is photosensitive, that bright light via the ear canal stimulates the brain, and that such stimulation is effective to treat mood conditions like anxiety, tiredness and reduced cognitive performance in 'winter blues' - all new and revolutionary results. Research was started in the University of Oulu in 2007, and has included over 20 scientists and 350 study subjects, making it one of the largest programs in bright light.
 

“I am feeling better, and especially manage my job pressures.” –Male 35 years

“I have improved my cognitive performance. I am an active hockey player, and feel that I ‘see the field’ better.”–Male 30 years

“Now I have energy to play with kids after getting back to home.” –Female 36 years

“It is easy to wake up in the mornings. I sleep a lot better than earlier.” –Male 30 years

“I used to eat a lot of chocolate during winter time and when stressed, but not anymore. My food cravings have ended.” –Female 43 years

“I sleep extremely well, wake up fresh. I have used Valkee for 1 ½ weeks. I’ve noticed I no longer crave for sweets and chocolate, and I don’t feel hungry all the time anymore. Unbelievable! " -Female 24 year

Valkee product information table

 Valkee for Increased Energy

“I have improved my cognitive performance. I am an active hockey player, and feel that I ‘see the field’ better.”–Male 30 years

“Now I have energy to play with kids after getting back to home.” –Female 36 years

“It is easy to wake up in the mornings. I sleep a lot better than earlier.” –Male 30 years

“I used to eat a lot of chocolate during winter time and when stressed, but not anymore. My food cravings have ended.” –Female 43 years

“I sleep extremely well, wake up fresh. I have used Valkee for 1 ½ weeks. I’ve noticed I no longer crave for sweets and chocolate, and I don’t feel hungry all the time anymore. Unbelievable! " -Female 24 year

Valkee for Jetlag

"I used Valkee in California for a week (8 min / 1,5 hrs after the desired wake-up time). From the very first day onwards I felt no jetlag symptoms, especially the 'afternoon dizziness' was missing. I continued using Valkee when back home, and the results were as good. There were no problems this time to get back to the rhythm." -European CxO on Silicon Valley travel, Female 46 years

"I used the Valkee light emitting earplugs on my trip to west coast as you instructed. I did not experience jetlag, and my colleagues were wondering why I am not feeling tired during afternoon meetings." –Venture capital investor, Male 43 years

Valkee for Migraine

"I have been testing this in many ways. I tried going without Valkee for 5 days to see if there was a difference. I got immediately the migraine and restless legs back! I will not leave my Valkee anymore! THANKS!" -Feedback email to Valkee, Female 30 years"

"I started using Valkee in Easter 2010. I was able to cure my severe migraine almost totally and did not get any attacks anymore. Now I have been without Valkee for two months. Migraine got back. Valkee works for me like preventive migraine medication." -Feedback email to Valkee, Female 35 years

The Valkee light emitting earplugs prevent and treat mood swings, and circadian rhythm disorders, by bringing safe bright light to photosensitive regions of the brain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Valkee differs from the usual bright light?

Why do you need a computer?
The battery is charged on your computer through the USB port using the supplied USB cable.  The download is successful, regardless of the operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux). The package also includes PC software, which can be adjusted to the efficacy of treatment dose and duration.

Can a bright light to use the headphones without the power control management program?
Yes. Device is installed on an eight-minute treatment dose at full power. Treatment time can be adjusted, according to their own feelings, stopping treatment or enjoy a one and a half times the dose. By experimentation, you find that suits them best treatment dose and treatment nauttimisajankohdan.

Can a Mac user to use a bright light headphones? Is the treatment available in the power control program for the Mac version?
The device can be used without the Windows operating system, the default installation of treatment and time to manually säädellen. Package comes with the PC for Mac version is coming in 2011.

Is there a bright light is safe to use my headphones? What the side effects of the use of the device can be?
The device according to the safety of treatment has been carried out once daily therapy. Recommended usage is 6-12 minutes once a day. The power and the effects are very individual. The most common side effects are the heat sensation in the ear canal, transient headache, insomnia, restlessness at night, sleep quality deteriorated in the morning or at night for insomnia. In a clinical study, sleep-related side effects were removed, and the effectiveness of treatment improved when doses nauttimisajankohtaa changed from morning to night or vice versa. Individually designed correctly, the time of treatment to improve sleep.

Can the same device used in more than one person?
The device is intended for 1 person.

Are the effects of treatment for children, adolescents and pregnant women studied?
The device has been studied only in adults, because we do not recommend the device for use in children or pregnant women. We are a resource that we expand our research in the future to touch the new user, so that as many as possible benefit from laitteestamme.

As Seen on the Mail Online  9/11/2011

PRESS RELEASE Nov. 8, 2011, 

Bright Light into the Ear Canal Treats Seasonal Depression Effectively in Two Clinical Trials Presented by Valkee and University of Oulu

Valkee, the inventor of the world's first bright light headset, and scientists from the University of Oulu present two clinical trials at the 11th IFMAD International Forum for Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Budapest on November 9th-11th. In addition, the results are published in the peer-reviewed conference supplement of the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice.

"We presented earlier that the human brain is sensitive to light. These two clinical trials demonstrate that channeling bright light via ear canal into brain's photosensitive areas effectively prevents and treats seasonal affective disorder," comments Juuso Nissilä, Valkee's co-founder and chief scientist.

"In our first study, 92 % of the patients with seasonal affective disorder achieved full remission measured by the self-rated BDI-21 questionnaire, during the four week study period with a daily 8-12 minute Valkee dose," comments professor Markku Timonen, MD, PhD, and the lead investigator for the two trials at the University of Oulu. The full remission criteria was BDI-21 sum score = 7. The daily administration time was personalized at the study clinic.

In the presented randomized controlled trial, 89 subjects suffering from severe seasonal affective disorder had a 12-min daily Valkee dose at home in three different randomly divided groups (1, 4, 9 lumen). The response rates in the sub-groups were 74-79% for seasonal depression and 47-62% for anxiety symptoms (at least 50% reduction in BDI-21 and HAMA score, respectively, at week 4). The daily administration time was fixed to the morning, after waking up.

"These two trials show that bright light channeled into the brain via ear canal is an important future method to treat seasonal affective disorder," comments professor Timo Takala, MD, PhD, and chief physician at Oulu Deaconess Institute.

Valkee launched its bright-light headset in August 2010. Being based on cross-functional science in neurology, biology, psychiatry and physiology in University of Oulu, Finland, Valkee is a CE-certified Class II(a) medical device under the EU regulations.

WHEN YOU BUY A VALKEE To further lift your mood we are giving away a USB Air Purifier Ioniser with your Valkee. As well as improving the air quality around your computer, negative ions have been proven to help alleviate many SAD symptoms. Air Purifier information

Customer Reviews of Valkee bright light headset for SAD + FREE Ioniser

susi -

didn't believe this would work as well as my lightbox but totally blown away by 1st week's results, will let you know how i get on when winter really kicks in! 5 out of 5 so far!!

Read more Valkee bright light headset for SAD + FREE Ioniser reviews