As the shortest day of the year approaches, we all risk the impact of a lack of sun on our personal wellness.

Bright light exposure has myriad mental health benefits, including improved mood, and enhanced digestion, energy and sleep. Studies show that light therapy is as effective as antidepressant medication, with additional benefits and no side effects. SunSprite is a wearable that empowers users to prevent seasonal depression (and other light-associated problems) by quantifying their own exposure to daily bright light. Light affects hormone levels, key to many aspects of health, which ApplySci believes will be one of the key measurables in the next generation of wearables.

Bright light is absorbed through the eyes, travels through receptor cells on the retina, and then onto the brain, which controls hormonal cycles. It is not absorbed through the skin, as is commonly thought. SunSprite is solar powered and has dual sensors that measure visible and UV light. It contains 10 LED lights, each representing 10% of a person’s daily goal. A button is pushed to view progress and sync with a mobile phone via Bluetooth. Users receive instant sun exposure feedback via the device’s display, and deeper analysis from the mobile app. Personalized coaching is offered, goals are set, and trends are tracked.

The company is run by Ed Likovich and a team of Harvard scientists. The device is compatible with iPhone, will soon be compatible with Android, and can also provide light feedback with out the mobile app.