A Guide to Seasonal Affective Disorder Lights

All you want to do is sleep, you’re tired… every movement and thought is a struggle.

What you’re going through is a “normal” part of life for many people in the high northern and southern latitudes.

But, even though it’s considered “normal”, it doesn’t mean you have to live with the winter blues.

You’re brain and body are basically going through a winter hibernation.

It’s nature’s safety mechanism to conserve energy and resources at a time when food was once scarce and exploring the environment was dangerous.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Light Box Therapy Treatment

Light intensity should be high, at a measurement of 10,000 lux from 1 to 2 feet’s distance. 30 minutes of light exposure a day at this intensity level is generally sufficient for alleviation of SAD symptoms.

Typical household light sources are between 100-500 lux and will produce negligible results for treatment of SAD.

Most importantly, the blue spectrum of light emitted from a light box has the most therapeutic value. The blue wavelength is what suppresses melatonin production from the pineal gland (a small organ in your brain).

Melatonin is what causes you to want to hibernate and the associated symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. So definitely lay off the melatonin supplements.

They will most definitely worsen your SAD symptoms and reduce the therapeutic effects of your light therapy.

LED Seasonal Affective Disorder Lights

They are also useful for decreasing jet lag as they can reset your circadian (daily) rhythm to your associated time zone.

SAD Lights Cost and Prices

It’s important to find a light box that is practical to integrate in to your daily life. For some people it may be a lamp close by the computer, or a light box conveniently located on your kitchen table while eating breakfast.

Daily use is important to get the maximum therapeutic effect. Make sure you purchase a model that best suits your daily routine for best results.