will these work? I have some and I have s.a.d, but the light boxes are so expensive surely hps will work,any advice thanks
2007-01-28 18:16:27 · 3 answers · asked by skunk9992000 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
It depends on the specifics of the bulb. You want to look for a Kelvin, or simply K temperature, first and foremost. The sun at noon is around 5500K, so this is around what most full spectrum bulbs are--5000-6500K. Closer to 5500K, the better.
The second thing to look for is the bulb's CRI index--this is a measure of how closely a bulb/lamp can portray colors as opposed to the sun. The sun rates at 100CRI, and good full spectrum bulbs are around 91-98...
Honestly, most HPS lamps are really more around 2500K-3500K, and 40-60CRI, which is not going to help too much with SAD symptoms in my experience...
If cost is a factor, I would look to compact fluorescent full specrtum bulbs. Some types can even be screwed into regular light sockets.
Again, shoot for 5500K and at least 91>CRI...
2007-01-28 18:29:22 · answer #1 · answered by Todd M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had trouble once like that-- I have Bipolar Disorder, and the depressions would be worst in the fall and early winter. My dr told me to go to a home improven=ment center and get a high-wattage halogen shop light. I put it up in the study, and used it while I read for an hour every evening. It worked great. I'm adding a link to show you the type of light I'm talking about...
2007-01-29 02:46:14 · answer #2 · answered by Angela M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think sodium lamps have the right mix of wavelengths to trigger the release of chemicals you need to treat SAD - their light is normally too yellow, and the most effective wavelengths are more towards the blue end of the spectrum.
2007-01-29 02:21:16 · answer #3 · answered by gvih2g2 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋