 Don't be SAD,
let there be
Light (Therapy)!
A
little light in the dead of winter can dramatically
reduce the winter blues! Light therapy has gained
increasing attention for its use for depression
that occurs in a seasonal pattern (i.e. more
so in the winter months). This type of depression
is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
| Are
we really 'hibernating humans! |
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In the winter months, not only are our days
shorter, but we also tend to get outside less;
the end result, less exposure to natural daylight.
Melatonin is a sedating hormone that is released
when there is a lack of light (ie: night time).
Daylight suppresses the production of melatonin,
thus increasing our wakefulness.
It
is thought that because we have shorter days
and less light exposure in the winter months,
there is more melatonin circulating in our bodies.
This contributes to the symptoms of SAD, including
daytime fatigue, depression, irritability, carbohydrate
cravings, weight gain and decreased libido. |
| How
can Light Therapy help? |
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Quite simply, light therapy is hypothesized
to suppress melatonin just like natural daylight
would. To be most effective, light therapy is
administered by using special light boxes. They
come in a variety of sizes and some units are
quite portable for people on the go.
The
studies of light therapy thus far typically
use boxes that emit ~10 000 lux* intensity light
(* a lux is a metric unit that measures light
intensity). Most light boxes are UV-free. The
therapy itself is typically recommended fo9r
30 to 60 minutes in the morning. |
| Concerns
and comments |
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There are a few side effects associated with
light therapy, and decreasing the time or intensity
of exposure can help minimize these effects.
Possible side effects include insomnia, headache,
agitation, anxiety, nausea/vomiting, and chest
tightness.
Prior
to initiating any treatments, it is important
that you speak to your doctor if you are experiencing
depression. |
| 1) |
What kind of bulbs are used with the Day-Light? |
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3 X 36 watt fluroescent bulbs |
| 2) |
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What is the longevity and draw is of the light bulbs being used? |
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The longevity of the bulbs is 20,000 hours. So, with regular use at 1 hour per day, the bulbs would last approx. 2.2 years. |
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Fluorescent lights have the advantage of not having as much infrared or heat emission whereas incandescent lights emit 90% heat. Full spectrum is also inefficient electrically; you get less lux per KWH - very expensive. So, fluorescent lights are more efficient than incandescent and full spectrum lights. |
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