SAD lamps and light therapy

SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder lamps are a possible therapy for those who become depressed or feel less interested in life during the dark winter months. This has become more prevalent over recent decades as fewer and fewer people work outdoors and consequently are subjected to a lower exposure of natural light.

A lot of research suggests that natural light and sun deprivation can have an effect on mood and how people feel. This can manifest itself in feeling tired or lacking in energy right through to severe depression.

In climates like those found in Britain, where there are significant changes between light levels and the length of the day over the different seasons, the effect is found to be greater. (And as a result there are more sufferers.)

The response to this SAD awareness has been to develop a form of therapy that uses a powerful light (bright light treatment) to substitute for the lack of natural daylight and therefore restore the light balance deficit between the summer and winter periods. In other words the body is artificially given a boost of natural "like" light by the SAD lamp and this, it is claimed, restores natural energy levels. This should prevent (or reduce) seasonal affective disorder.

These lamps are alternatively known as light boxes, SAD lamps, SAD lights or SAD boxes, but they all seek to do the same thing.

How to use a SAD lamp

A SAD lamp is easy to use and the results are often experienced in one to two weeks.

In general terms the lamp is used once a day for a comparatively short period of time. (The stronger and brighter the light - the shorter the therapy sessions will be.)

The lamp is used by switching it on within a set distance of the face (this distance varies for each SAD lamp). The lamp is then left on, whilst the beneficiary continues to perform any given task or occupation (e.g. using a PC or reading) and, without the need to look into the lamp directly. I.e. The powerful light does its job whilst the person using it continues with their everyday activities. They do not stare at or into the light.

There are two types of SAD light, the white and the blue variety. Which is best is not yet determined, however, the stronger (i.e. the more powerful) the light the more effective it will generally be. There are also some who believe that if a SAD light has a luminosity below a certain strength that it cannot combat SAD.

Many SAD lights are small and portable and they will normally run from a mains electricity socket. Prices vary based on size and luminosity.