special lights that help you with the 'winter blues"........we have not seen the sun in weeks....it really bums me out....seasonal defect disorder or whatever it is called.....anyone tried out these lights and do they help? thanks.......
2007-03-05 01:39:13 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
I use one and it's GREAT!!!
The Sunray that you can get online is good, I think it's about $300. I used it in a mental hospital once. I use a metal halide plant light over my work area and put a UV plastic filter over it. That way I can sew, but that unit is not portable for travel. You don't want to buy a light at the local medical supply, because they charge a lot more, and they sell lights that are not bright enough. There is also some research supporting the use of Blue light, and the xmas LED lights just happen to be the right shade of blue, ( I think it was 440 nanometers wavelength) and that's cheap. My brother has some strung up over his computer monitor and says they help a lot, and they are only $10 per strand (need a couple).
Good luck! It's so darn cheerful to turn that light on in the winter, I can't tell you how nice it is. Not as nice as a sunny day, but I was really looking forward to sewing for my hour under the light every morning in nov-jan when it is really overcast here. Maybe you can rent one at the local supply if you don't have the $$ to buy one and maybe it won't work for you.
Oh, and $300 sounds like a lot, until you go out and price pills and then there are the side effects and unknown long term risks.
2007-03-05 01:51:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Seasonally affective disorder (SAD) is helped by these lamps but it is important that you buy from a reputable supplier and choose one with a high light level. I use one during the winter and it keeps me ticking over. It's important to get as much natural daylight as you can; even when it is raining and light levels are low, you are still getting some benefit from the light, so a daily walk helps on all counts by light, by boosting metabolism etc.
The special lamps are pricey though; so be prepared for a gasp of shock when you read what they start from. Also you do need to sit by them, quite close, for at least half an hour a day. Visors are also available which may be more use if you simply don't have time to sit down and absorb the light.
Good luck.
2007-03-05 01:48:39 · answer #2 · answered by Vivienne T 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The disorder is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the lights are special ones that offer full spectrum light energy. Generally, the treatment involves sitting in front of the light box for about 30 minutes a day. It does help many people, but the light boxes are expensive-about $300 I believe. In the meantime, you may find it beneficial just making sure that you get outside for at least 30 minutes a day-even on cloudy days you still get the essential effects needed to trigger increeased serotonin production.
2007-03-05 01:51:07 · answer #3 · answered by Opester 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes there is thought to be much to this in some patients. Sunlight helps us manufacture a brain chemical called serotonin, this is a mood elevator as well as having anti-depressant effects. In countries like ours where there is little winter sun, and often not much in summer, levels may fall. Some patients are very sensitive to this drop and become depressed, but only in winter.
These patients will often respond to bright light treatment, rather than UV, which raises serotonin levels.
2007-03-05 07:42:43 · answer #4 · answered by Dr Frank 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's called Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) but the lamps do help! It's important to go out in the daytime over winter to get as much sunlight as you can. Your GP will know where in your area you can get hold of the lamps( its varies). It's a real problem for a lot of people and I wish you the best of the luck.
2007-03-05 01:57:05 · answer #5 · answered by scamp 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Never tried one but heard they are effective as they also regulate sleep patterns.Even on wintry days try to get out of the house as much as possible to get natural daylight even if it is not sunny.Seasonal Affective Disorder can make you depressed and lethargi so find a Sun Box that offers a money back guarantee if it does not work.Good luck.
2007-03-05 01:51:02 · answer #6 · answered by Niamh 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yeah i think i have sad as well... everything is cold and dark it gets darker faster shorter days... just depressing! those lights are really expensive i have not tried them out because of that.. if u live in canada i know they sell them at costco
2007-03-05 04:19:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It has to do with the amount of sunlight you get-I have a sunbed and when I get out of that I feel and Look wonderful!!! Jill R
2007-03-05 02:04:50 · answer #8 · answered by Jill R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its so hard on us i never livid anwere that its cold and gloomy ,los angeles is always nice and warm but when we get rain i seam to get more enregy and happy, and i do know my sister in law uses those lights all winter long she lives in clevland,ohio they make her mood swing better,
2007-03-05 05:25:45 · answer #9 · answered by Dove4ever 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are full spectrum light bulbs.
2007-03-05 02:16:10 · answer #10 · answered by J mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋