We have always associated sunlight with life. The refreshing view of luscious green gardens are more than enough to cheer anyone. Summer is synonymous with unquestionable energy and a lot of natural outdoor activities. Summer months are considered to be the happiest and most awaited season of the year. But as the natural order of things, it has to give way to the other seasons. The sun would need to rest and give way to winter and fall. Ironically, some people would also feel as if they are setting - losing their energy and enthusiasm towards life. They may develop depressive symptoms because of unexplainable fatigue. This symptom is medically known as SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Also known as winter depression or winter blues, SAD is defined as a mood disorder which manifests in almost always at the same time of the year, usually on the onset of winter, when the daylight time is becoming shorter. It was first identified and named by Norman E. Rosenthal and his associates in 1984.
Below are the most common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder:
1. Depression
2. Irritability
3. Unexplainable fatigue
4. Withdrawal from social activities
5. Insomnia
6. Anxiety
7. Increased appetite and need to sleep etc.
Hippocrates in 400 BC has already identified patients who have seasonal depressions. As a means of treatment, sunlight was directed to their eyes. Light baths and sun rooms were even built in some hospitals to help treat the increasing number of SAD patients. As technology progresses, Light Therapy also known as photo therapy using light treatment was discovered as a more practical way to address winter blues; thus the invention of SAD lights.
SAD lights are not just your ordinary lights, they are lights which simulate the intensity of daylight. They may use bulbs which are much brighter than the ordinary incandescent lamp. Newer designs now use LED Technology which makes them more convenient since they are smaller in size. A SAD patient would be exposed to this light as a part of therapy while taking into consideration the time of exposure as well as the intensity. As of today, SAD daylight bulb lights or lightboxes are the most effective way of treating the winter blues.
To have the most effective treatment result from your SAD Lights, make sure to consider the following:
1. Intensity
The intensity of light is measured in Lux. The amount of lux to be used in the phototherapy is the main consideration when choosing your SAD light. A regular light box which emits 10,000 lux of light is usually used.
2. Distance
How far or close will you be from your lightbox during use? Take note that different lightbox designs are effective at different distances.
3. Portability
Will I need to use my SAD lights in different rooms? In this case, you may want to consider a portable and lightweight design for easy transport and accessibility
4. Budget
Treating your winter blues should not be as financially depressing. Affordable SAD lights are now available in the market. Make sure that your choice will be worth every penny you spend.
Summer is almost over. You don't want to be that gloomy, irritable, anti-social and depressed person ever again. It is now the best time to invest in the best SAD Light. Surely, a SAD daylight bulb light will bring out that energetic and sociable person in you, not just during summer, but all year round.
