SAD light therapy lamps
LiteBook Elite: Credit: DBarefoot
By then, I realized that I might be affected by a very mild version of Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), what is often called “the winter blues”. A couple of years ago, JT wanted to ensure that, if indeed I had some form of mild SAD, there were ways to counter what could have a potentially negative effect on my academic performance and thus he got me a light therapy lamp
You can see a version of a SAD light therapy lamp in the photo above. This is not the one I have, but one that Darren and Julie did some marketing for, the LiteBook Elite). I am not one to feel the extreme effects, but I always try to prevent being affected and thus I do use my light therapy lamp regularly.
The Canadian Mental Health Association has very good coverage of what can be done to fight what many people call “the winter blues”, including suggestions of dietary changes. If you decide to use a lamp, I found out (because they’re following me on Twitter) that there’s a couple of companies that distribute SAD light therapy lamps. You can follow them here and here.
Admittedly, while neither of these companies paid me to write this post (or even suggest it), I wouldn’t mind getting a couple of lamps to give away to my readers (hint hint!).
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Ahhh yes the SAD Lamps. I think I’m in desperate need of one this season, but the $180 price tag is a bit steep. I’m hoping producers will soon lower their prices, or send me one
I’ve also began to wonder if SAD affects animals as well? I don’t see any studies out there that have tested this out or not. Maybe something to consider.
From what I can tell, a lot of the research indicates that spectrum isn’t the most important part of this; that just a bright light is what’s important.
According to this site, “full spectrum” bulbs tend not to mimic sunlight very precisely.
http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpip/lightinganswers/fullspectrum/lightSources.asp
Personally, I use a giant halogen I bought at Canadian Tire for $25. It may be a placebo, but it works for me. And hey, I won’t have to heat my apartment this winter!
I’ve always wondered about these. Do you find a significant improvement when you use it? I think I’m getting a touch of SAD lately myself.
@ Gus – I am hoping to get a few lamps to give away, heheheh.
@ Catherine – and it will be warm!
@ Erin – in my case, I do find a significant improvement.
If you do end up running a contest to give these ways, I’ll definitely want to participate. I’ve been meaning to invest in one of these lamps ever since I started with this whole work-from-home adventure a few years back, but I have a hard time justifying the high cost for “just a light.”
It’s horrible to be suffering from SAD, I’d been through it. I’d replaced the incandescent lamps in my home office with viva-lite lamps. Full Spectrum lamps or SAD lamps does make you feel much better. I’d go for them over ordinary lamps anytime.