Imagine being able to wake up to sunshine every day, being able to look out of the window and drink in the bright and warm color tones just make you feel so much happier.
The answer lies in Light Therapy boxes; if you live in one of the northern climates, you will know that it is not normal to see that level of daily sunshine and as you grow up it becomes normal to live with the winter blues, however the small amount of winter sunshine can be disastrous to people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder or SAD.
Seasonal Affective Disorder triggers depression during the long winter months when we experience little in the way of brightness. SAD should not be seen as trivial to the contrary it is real and has reported to result in suffers being so depressed that they have even contemplated suicide in extreme cases.
Symptoms of SAD range from lethargy and depression waking up late, take long naps, start over eating, tend to feel lethargic. All these lead to depression, and pessimism.
In a recent report from the highly respected Canadian Journal of Diagnosis. It was shown that women were the worst sufferers; in fact they were four times more like to suffer from Sad than men.
It is known fact that the human body needs sunshine to stay healthy, so how can you ensure that you get your daily dose?
The treatment that most SAD sufferers are turning to is the fluorescent light box, however it is essential that a high quality light therapy box is purchased. Some of these are fairly expensive and finding the right one can mean the difference between finding relief and a wasted purchase.
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Light therapy boxes range in price from around the $100 for a wall or desk stand lap, to over $500 for a large floor standing model. In general they are all designed to do the same thing however the more expensive models tend to have more features, such as adjustable LUX range and the ability to use them in conjunction with a treadmill or other exercise machine.
They all have pros and cons however if you travel you may prefer to buy a smaller portable light box as it is easy to take with you in your hand luggage. If you are keen on your home gym a floor standing model is perfect if you want to ride your exercise bike while you're getting you sunshine.
You can purchase a lamp very easily online at the major retailers or if you prefer you could check out one of the online auctions.
Please note that none of the information being provided in this document should be used as an alternative to the professional advice of a doctor. If you are having symptoms of S.A.D. you should seek the advice of your doctor.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I suffered really badly from SAD and tried anti depressants and a host of other drugs the doctor offered me. in the end i bought a natural light alarm clock which helps enourmously. I really look forward to April all the same !
Thanks for this great article. I recently invested in a Light Box to treat moderate depression. I have never looked back! Not only do they provide you with the sunlight that you are missing in the Northern Hemisphere, they also leave you with lots more energy. The Golite looks like a great model because you can take it on your travels.