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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!
  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?
    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
    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?
    3 X 36 watt fluroescent bulbs
2)   What is the longevity and draw is of the light bulbs being used?
    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.
    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.
PRODUCT
(Suggestions)


Daylight
Portable Light
Therapy Device


DayLight 10,000 Lux Bright Light Therapy System. Get the light you need! Bright light therapy is recommended by experts as the first line treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and is also used widely to ease the Winter Blues. Stands conveniently on a table, desk or shelf. Easily converts to a work or reading lamp.
$150.99


WebberNaturals St Johns Wort
St. Johns Wort 300MG 90's
Feeling blue? Can't seem to shake the doldrums? Try St. John's Wort extract by Webber Naturals.
$10.49



Jamieson Vitamin D
Jamieson Vitamin D 1000IU
"Studies suggest that the mood of those with SAD improves when taking vitamin D supplements."
As mentionned in the Ottawa Citizen February 2006. "Vitamin D's winter of discontent" by Shelley Page.

$6.19

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