Category — SAD Lights

Sufferers of seasonal affective disorder have found relief successfully through the use of light therapy that closely mimics the natural light given off from the sun. Physicians and researchers tend to agree that the reason this method works so well is because of the inclination of the human brain to release certain “feel good” chemicals into the body when the eyes are exposed to the sun for regular intervals, most often daily.

Conventional household lighting will not suffice for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder because it lacks the sufficient intensity and luminance to be effective.

The luminance intensity of light is referred to as lux. Lux is the measure of how luminescent light is. A fluorescent bulb’s lux is a good indicator of whether or not it will be useful for the purpose of treating seasonal affective disorder with light therapy.

There are several recommended dimensions to gauge accurate dosing by and light intensity is only one of them, though when using light therapy as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder a relatively high intensity is typically needed to mimic the natural light given off by the sun.

The light intensity, or lux, recommended for light treatment is between 2,500 to 10,000 lux. This is the equivalent of an early morning to mid morning light. Comparatively, conventional household light bulbs emit approximately 50 to 300 lux.

Other means of gauging light dosing levels are light duration and the time of day of exposure.The time of day of exposure refers to the affect that light has on the human body in regards to what time of day it is exposed. For instance, the human circadian rhythm is affected by the manner of sunlight that is emitted during separate parts of the day. This makes sense, since early humans would set their entire schedule around the cycle of the Earth and the Sun by becoming energetic during morning light and increasingly calm as the sun sets. This time of day exposure can be used to manipulate and stave off the symptoms caused by seasonal affective disorder, particularly when a majority of the cause is from staying indoors too much.

Finally, light duration – the amount of time exposed to the light therapy or natural sunlight – is an important facet to consider during treatment for seasonal affective disorder. The current standard is generally 30 minute sessions of 10,000 lux. As expected, more time would be needed for less intensity.

Seasonal affective disorder can be treated in a number of ways. Many opt for prescription drugs or psychotherapy for relief, but others that are plagued with the affliction seek a more natural method of treatment in light therapy. Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder is generally done in the home under no direct physician supervision. The patient sits or stands in the direct path of a bright light emitted from a light box that houses powerful fluorescent light bulbs. The light given off from the light box is so powerful and close to natural sunlight that it helps the seasonal affective disorder sufferer’s brain release natural chemicals such as melatonin that will elevate mood and overcome the depressive symptoms of SAD.

As you may expect, there are several models of light boxes available that are specifically manufactured for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. While price may be a main factor in the search there are other factors that must be considered:

• Ultraviolet light exposure – Look for light boxes that either shield emitted UV rays or simply do not expose the user to UV rays.
• Blue light exposure – Blue light exists at the far end of the light spectrum and should be avoided as much as possible due to its unwanted affects on the eyes and eyesight.
• Light intensity – Optimum intensity is usually around 10,000 lux. Look for a light box that can deliver this recommended dosage at more than just a couple of inches so that you can remain comfortable while using the light box.
• Size – Be sure to buy a light box that is the appropriate size to the area in which you will be using it.
• Light direction – Light therapy boxes should broadcast the light from above the eyes and from no other direction, thoroughly mimicking the direction of the sun

Light boxes for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder can typically be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription from a doctor. While they may be easier to find online, finding several in a store will give the SAD sufferer the opportunity to more closely inspect the light box to ensure that it may suit their needs.

Persons with SAD should consult their physician before starting a light therapy regimen. Some possible side effects include irritability, fatigue, eyestrain, headaches, insomnia, dry mouth, agitation, and nausea. Side effects typically subside quickly after discontinuation of the treatment.

Persons suffering from seasonal affective disorder are at a greater risk of having a very difficult time of waking in the morning. Many SAD sufferers have reported that increased light in their bedroom that appears just before their alarm goes off can help a great deal in waking them smoothly and more effectively.

Devices that are typically used for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder such as light boxes can be set to timers so that they are turned on just before the alarm sounds, but this method can provide for a jolting experience at times, particularly for a spouse who doesn’t suffer from SAD.

A more gentle method improvised for seasonal affective disorder sufferers is one of an alarm clock with a built in “dawn simulation lamp.” The simulation lamp is built right into the alarm clock. At a set time before the alarm is to sound, the light turns itself on gently and begins to brighten slowly, simulating a sunrise. At a certain point, which is preset by the SAD-sufferer the night before, the alarm will then sound. This method has been proven to be extremely successful at waking even the groggiest of seasonal affective disorder suffers in the morning and it makes for a more peaceful morning for their spouses as well.

The seasonal affective disorder sunrise alarm clock method works so well because it performs in conjunction with the body’s natural biorhythmic patterns. For centuries, humans have awakened with the sun and not by the measurement of time. The human body continues to be instinctively acclimated to this behavior. While most modern humans have adapted to overcome this instinctual habit, it is often much more difficult for sufferers of seasonal affective disorder to do so. If the body’s surroundings are still very dark at the time when the SAD sufferers wishes to wake up, their body will continue to believe that it is time to sleep. Since the sun rises much later in winter months than in the summer, it is really no surprise that people with seasonal affective disorder can have such a hard time adjusting.

The human eye can detect light even when the eyelids are shut. The seasonal affective disorder sunrise alarm clock method of waking works so well because the afflicted person’s eyes sense that the “sun” is rising when the light comes on. This causes the brain to send signals to the rest of the body which begins the chain reaction that results in a natural, peaceful wake from sleep as opposed to just a jarring alarm noise.

The sunrise alarm clock method overcomes the biorhythmic confusion by allowing the seasonal affective disorder sufferers body to “think” that it is really daylight, even when it is still very dark outside.

Since people that suffer from seasonal affective disorder can become quite debilitated from their affliction, prescribed treatments must be used diligently for them to remain affective. Not all seasonal affective disorder treatments come in the form of pills, however. Many physicians and researchers have harnessed the power of light to successfully soothe the symptoms that plague persons with seasonal affective disorder and report great success.Light therapy is currently not FDA-approved for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder or any of its associated symptoms.

This is mostly due to a lack of usable evidence that would be presented with a fair share of independent, double-blind clinical trials. Unfortunately, at this time pharmaceutical companies are more interested in receiving FDA approval for prescription drugs than light therapy. So the lack of FDA approval for seasonal affective disorder light therapy is no indication of its efficacy. In fact, most mental health professionals that deal with SAD consider light therapy to be standard protocol for treatment.

Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder generally consists of utilizing a light box which houses bright fluorescent lights. These lights are much more powerful than conventional household lighting and more closely mimic that of natural sunlight so contemporary household lamps will not work for the purpose of treating seasonal affective disorder patients. The light that shines from a SAD treatment light box mimics the sun so closely that human brain chemicals such as melatonin react to it in a positive manner that can diminish seasonal affective disorder symptoms. It works in such a way that the symptoms of SAD caused by the relative lack of bright light of winter are overcome by the brain’s natural reactions and ultimate chemical releases caused by warmer, brighter weather. The desired end result for the seasonal affective disorder sufferer is elevated moods and a general sense of peace and well being.

Other benefits of light therapy for seasonal affective disorder sufferers are numerous. By far, the most popular reason to opt for light therapy is that of a hesitation or outright dislike of antidepressants. Many people cannot handle or would just rather live without the side effects that can come with taking antidepressants. Additionally, many SAD sufferers would rather not take part in psychotherapy sessions and would rather monitor and control their own process. Light therapy generally gives the patient a sense of control over their own treatment and progress. Furthermore, pregnant women are more likely to use light therapy because of the possible harm that can occur to the fetus as a result of taking drugs. Finally, money will always be a factor in deciding which treatments a person will opt for when treating their seasonal affective disorder, particularly because treatments for the condition generally must continue indefinitely.