Sun Box Light Therapy For SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Most of us feel happier when the sun is shining. Somehow, it lifts our spirits and energizes us, giving us increased motivation and positivity to get through the days, When the days are darker and greyer it's often hard for anyone to find a spring in their step, yet for some it is certainly more difficult than others.

Seasonal Affective Disorder - often known simply as SAD - is now recognized as a very real condition. In fact, millions of people around the world are thought to suffer to varying extents every year. Symptoms are most apparent throughout the winter season - commonly December, January and February - in areas where daylight hours are shorter and sunlight is either lacking or weak. For the worst sufferers of SAD it can be a very disabling illness, seriously affecting the ability to maintain a normal life. Other people may find that they are affected to a lesser degree, but can still be hit by otherwise unfounded feelings of depression. Aside from depression, symptoms may include fatigue and an increased desire to sleep, irritability and mood swings, feelings of stress, inability to focus or concentrate and an increased craving for 'comfort' carbohydrates.

So aside from waiting for the days to lengthen and the springtime to bring with it a new lease of life, what can a sufferer of SAD do to ease the symptoms?

Sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder can not really be helped by psychotherapy or medication. Because the problem lies mainly in the lack of strong light reaching the retina of the eye (a light that is only available in the summer months), other forms of therapy will not help. To briefly explain, the retina of the eye contains a light receptor which receives and interprets signals from light rays. These signals are then communicated to the parts of the brain responsible for hormonal secretion and body rhythms, which explains why sufferers of SAD feel out of alignment and 'not themselves'. It also explains why sufferers often have disturbed sleep patterns. It is generally agreed that developing a reliance on medication for a temporary afflication is not an ideal path to take. The answer to relief for sufferers lies in fixing the true issue - increasing exposure to bright light such as that experienced during a summer's day for a short, daily period. This can be achieved by using a sun box, or sun light - these devices have been shown to be effective in approximately 80% of SAD sufferers.

Below are details of three of the top sun therapy lamps which have received excellent reviews:

The Philips goLite Blue Light Therapy Device has received an excellent 4.5 stars rating, awarded by previous purchasers on Amazon.

This unit uses breakthrough Bluewave technology - a key development in the research of light therapy as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder. Evidence suggests that it is the 'blue' light present in the summer's sky which is crucial to our feelings of wellbeing and to keeping our body's rhythms in sync. Blue light is converted into chemicals by our bodies as it is absorbed by the retina of the eye, and it is this conversion which makes us feel energetic, optimistic and motivated. It can also help to stabilize sleep patterns. The Philips goLite uses 'blue' light to offer relief from SAD, which is why it is certainly one of the best light therapy devices available on the market.

Blue light is less intensive than white light, but it is twice as effective. It cannot be found in indoor lighting or during the winter months. This is why we generally tend to feel less buoyant in winter as opposed to the bright days of summer. The Philips goLite is also specially angled so that the retina of the eye can recieve the light no matter what the user is doing. You can eat your lunch, watch TV, exercise, cook or prepare for work or the day ahead. In addition, the goLite only needs to be used for 15 minutes per day to be effective, which ensures that your daily routine is not affected.

Again rated 4.5 stars out of a possible 5 by over 170 consumers on Amazon.com, this light from NatureBright is an excellent choice at a reasonable price. This unit puts out a light intensity of 10,000 lux, the maximum possible for optimum benefit. To put it in perspective, to gain any relief at all using sun lights or dawn simulators, a unit must promote an intensity of no less than 2,500 lux. The higher the light intensity, the less time it is necessary to spend using the treatment. This unit also uses 'blue' light, as found in the sky during summertime, to alleviate feelings of depression and feeling off par.

The NatureBright Lamp can also emit negative ions. This is very beneficial as it is positive ions in our air which can lower our energy levels, make as feel lethargic and depressed, and lower our air quality in general. Positive ions are high in rooms which contain a lot of electrical equipment, such as TVs, computers and fluorescent lighting. Negative ions neutralize the air and promote a feeling of calm and relaxation.

The NatureBright Sun Touch Light balances your body clock and rejuvenates your spirit. Low moods and feelings of depression caused by SAD can be lifted, and sleep patterns may be normalized. This device should be used for a period of 30 minutes per day.

The Verilux Happylite Sunshine Simulator is a handy, easily portable device which emits 10,000 lux of natural spectrum daylight (when placed 12 inches from the body) to alleviate feelings associated with SAD, such as sleeping problems, depression and lethargy. Best used in the morning upon waking, and at approximately the same time each day, this lamp should be used for around 30 minutes daily.

Natural Spectrum daylight activates the body's natural energy enhancers, promoting a general feeling of wellbeing, increased motivation and improved ability to concentrate. The simulator can help to lift energy levels and normalize sleep patterns.

The Verilux Happylite has again received some great feedback from previous customers. It is both glare free and flicker free, and certainly worthy of consideration if you are searching for a sun therapy lamp.