SAD/ Lights?

rainbowfairydust

I have been feeling very low recently(zero motivation, and have gone into hibernation. I am tired all the time, grumpy, want to eat everything in sight which is no good for the waist) , and i think i have SAD (because i seem to be get lower, and lower until spring time arrives), and have been this way for at least 5 years.

Its not depression/low mood as i am raring to go come March time.. and then tend to be fine until around November when its "slump" time again.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience/recommendations for a SAD light? There are several on Amazon but its hard to know what brand to choose?or whether i choose a SAD lamp? or plump for one of the "dawn light" lamps?

Grebe

I use a mini SAD light and I have to say it does make a difference.
When shopping for one make sure it has at least 10,000 lux ( all to do with just how much of a certain wavelength of light is emitted)
It takes a couple of weeks of daily use before you feel a difference.
I use it for 45 minutes every morning, usually while having breakfast and putting my makeup on.
My son also suffers from SAD so I bought him this one http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/sad-light-box-a20hw. It's about the size of a tea tray and he loves it, but the smaller ones work just as well as long as you make sure of the lux rating.

Grebe

By the way make sure you don't use it in the evening or you could find yourself awake into the wee hours!

A.Penny.Saved

I have a Philips goLite. which uses LED's, portable with a rechargeable battery, 4 different light intensities, LED clock and alarm with wake to ringer and wake to Light or both. They are not cheap, I got mine during an Amazon sale which made it a little more affordable. If you get a diagnosis I think that you do not pay VAT on it.

I started wondering whether getting it was a mistake but I have noticed in the last few months my whole body becoming disrupted and knowing better what it is to be a squirrel during this time of year. Unfortunately for me at least, there does not seem to be a quick fix, turning the light on does not bring an instant, "that's better". It must take a consistent and regular usage. I am a bit better I think judging by how things were some time back. However I do have more than SAD, a lot more.

rainbowfairydust

Thank you Grebe the link you posted is one of the models i have been looking at on amazon.

asajj

If you speak to GP, I believe NHS also provides them for a lower cost.

Pinzy

I'd also suggest one of the alarm clocks that start lighting up before the alarm is due to go off (but I can't remember what they're called!) - it's a much more gentle start to the day.

I'd also recommend upping fruit/veg to battle the SAD, and trying to get outside in the daylight.

SAD light has helped me in the past (I'm only not using it this winter because I've lost it ).

asajj

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lumie-Bodyclock-STARTER-Wake-Up-Features/dp/B002TEXEAI/ref=sr_1_2?s=drugstore&ie=UTF8&qid=1421404429&sr=1-2&keywords=Sunrise+Wake+Up+Light+Alarm+Clock

Sunrise Wake up clock they are good, i do have one from philips

Mojisola

asajj wrote: »

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lumie-Bodyclock-STARTER-Wake-Up-Features/dp/B002TEXEAI/ref=sr_1_2?s=drugstore&ie=UTF8&qid=1421404429&sr=1-2&keywords=Sunrise+Wake+Up+Light+Alarm+Clock

Sunrise Wake up clock they are good, i do have one from philips

But the light isn't bright enough to help with SAD or sleep problems.

Pinzy

Mojisola wrote: »

But the light isn't bright enough to help with SAD or sleep problems.

Not bright enough for SAD, but is a more restful way to wake up, so I find I'm not jarred awake every morning feeling like I haven't had enough sleep. Tiredness makes for unhappy brain. Every little helps.

chocolate.buttons

My OH thought he might be suffering from SAD so bought himself this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/LIGHT-THERAPY-DAYLIGHT-SUNLIGHT-LAMP/dp/B0011D3606/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1421957853&sr=8-4&keywords=sad+light
He says he can feel the difference and does notice a change in his mood now he's got the light.

I echo what other posters have said about making sure it is 10 000 lux and I think you have to sit quite close to them (IIRC 30mins at about 30cm distance) to get the full benefits.

HTH x