1. Give Me Light!
To relieve the symptoms of SAD or seasonal affective disorder, doctors use light therapy. Special lamps that emit light at 10,000 lux, function similar to sunlight in the brain, triggering an increase in serotonin production and uptake in the brain. Sufferers sit in front of these special lights for 30 minutes per day at a distance of 18 inches from the light box to help reduce the symptoms of depression. These lights are specialty lights, and retail for anywhere between about $100 to $400 each.
2. Selecting the Right Lamp
Many companies sell SAD treatment lights, so it is important to select a product that provides the greatest relief of your symptoms. There are two styles of lamps--desk top and floor models. SAD treatment lights are larger than standard lamps, requiring more room on the table or desk top. Many people find a desktop model easiest to use, as they turn it on while reading the newspaper or doing a crossword in the morning. Floor models have larger light areas and take up more space. Very useful for multiple users, they are also terrific for plants.
3. Just Need the Dawn?
Some cases of SAD gain benefits from treatment with dawn simulators. These specially programmed lights therapy lamps start at a certain time and gradually increase the level of brightness of 10,000 lux light at the same rate as sunrise. Useful for people with jet lag or working overnight shifts, the change is a signal to the body of the natural sleep rhythm ingrained in all of us.
4. Purchasing Light Therapy Lights
To purchase light therapy lights, visit a medical supply store or look on the Internet. Look for information on the product warranty and the store return policies. Quality stores offer 30-day satisfaction guarantee with light therapy lights. Look at the price of replacement bulbs before selecting your light therapy light. The light bulbs themselves are essential to the therapy. When comparing brands, look at the total cost of ownership and not just the initial cost of the model of light.
5. Light Therapy Brands
There are seven major brands of light therapy lights; Verilux, Apollo Brite, Alaska Northern Lights, Nature Brite, Night Bright, Philips and Northern Light Technologies. Research the different brands to find the one that best meets your need and price range. Your doctor will probably already have a favorite in mind to recommend to you.
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