Several methods of dealing with SAD are available today, but one of the most significant<\/strong> is the use of light therapy<\/strong> in the form of sun lamps<\/strong> and light boxes. These mimic the natural sunlight<\/strong> that is in such short supply in winter<\/strong>; they are simple to use and non-addictive, making them a more preferable form of treatment than, say, anti-depressant medication, or other methods that involve changes in everyday lifestyle.<\/p>\n Of course, natural sunlight is the best way to treat seasonal affective disorder but, during those times when it not so readily available, the next best way to deal with it is light therapy.<\/p>\n These powerful light machines<\/strong> have been developed as a result of years of research<\/strong> into winter depression<\/strong> and how to deal with it effectively, and their significance cannot be underestimated, especially when compared with more conventional forms of treatment.\u00a0 They are non-addictive; once a light box or sun lamp has been purchased, there is no further financial outlay; \u00a0light therapy\u00a0is easy to use, and more practical and less time-consuming than altering the diet or taking up exercise, making it convenient for those for whom time is at a premium.<\/p>\n Light treatment works by exposing the sufferer to intense levels of light<\/strong> from a specially designed box that is simple to set up and use. Users do not need to look directly at the light; all they have to do is focus on the areas that it illuminates.<\/p>\n When light levels are reduced in winter, sufferers, even those who are positive<\/strong> and upbeat at other times of the year, feel sad, anxious, and helpless. For them, and the people they live and work with, it can be confusing and bewildering, until they find out why; for such people, discovering that light therapy, can change the way they feel. They actually begin to feel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n How to use a Sun Lamp or Light Box?<\/strong><\/p>\n Many people benefit from using the light box for between 15 to 30 minutes a day<\/strong>, but some enjoy longer periods of exposure. \u00a0The beauty of this form of treatment is that it can be customized to suit the particular needs of the user and, because it does not need to be administered under clinical conditions, it can be used in a patient\u2019s home or workplace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n There is no need for light treatment to interfere or interrupt the normal day.\u00a0 Light treatment is not dangerous, though possible side effects may\u00a0occur<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0Most are minimal, rare, and short-lived; a few patients may experience headaches, nausea, or eyestrain, but these are generally mild and disappear after a day or two<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The days are getting shorter and colder (like you needed to be reminded) and it’s a struggle to get any quality outdoors time. Lack of sunlight in the winter can lead to a well-known condition called winter depression. The following … Continue reading ![\"winter-blues\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.iwu.edu\/library\/files\/2014\/11\/winter-blues-300x198.jpg\")
<\/a>Winter depression is a well-known condition that affects many people<\/strong> once temperatures fall and the shorter days of winter reduce the availability of natural daylight; in its most serious form, it is diagnosed as \u2018seasonal affective disorder\u2019 (more commonly known as \u2018SAD\u2019).<\/p>\nThe Advantages of Light Therapy over Other forms of Treatment<\/h3>\n
How and Why Light Treatment Works?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>It is well known that light affects various hormones and chemicals<\/strong> in the body; it also influences thehypothalamus<\/strong>, an area of the brain which regulates<\/strong> energy, appetite, and mood<\/strong>, all functions that are affected by seasonal affective disorder in winter.<\/p>\n\n
Side Effects?<\/h3>\n