[Technology] SAD lamp

[jcdenton08]

I highly recommend one of these, especially with the January we’ve had of seemingly unending dark and gloomy days.

I’ve used one for years and find it provides real relief for Seasonal Affective Disorder - 30 minutes in the morning while reading the news and having a coffee and I’m ready to face the day

Also taking vitamin D supplements - I read somewhere sales are up massively. The lamp and the vitamin work in conjunction with each other.

 

[Commander]

I highly recommend one of these, especially with the January we’ve had of seemingly unending dark and gloomy days.

I’ve used one for years and find it provides real relief for Seasonal Affective Disorder - 30 minutes in the morning while reading the news and having a coffee and I’m ready to face the day

Also taking vitamin D supplements - I read somewhere sales are up massively. The lamp and the vitamin work in conjunction with each other.

I HATE the lack of light at this time of year, it really affects my mood. Tell me more about this lamp, what does it do? How is it different to a normal light?

 

[Stumpy Tim]

For me, a Vitamin D tablet each morning fixed SAD. A very easy solution

 

[jcdenton08]

I HATE the lack of light at this time of year, it really affects my mood. Tell me more about this lamp, what does it do? How is it different to a normal light?

They’re basically very bright lights (normally four light bars) in a plastic box, that simulate bright sunligjt . Mine looks like this, but is a slightly different model. As shown, you put it in front of you for around 30-40 minutes, best done in the morning to simulate “sunrise”, as doing it at night can give you energy and keep you awake.

This article explains a little of how it works: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/seasonal-affective-disorder-bring-on-the-light-201212215663

“Bright light works by stimulating cells in the retina that connect to the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that helps control circadian rhythms”

They are safe for daily use because the harmful UV rays found in similar lamps in sun beds are filtered out. It also means you won’t get a tan

Mine is a Lumie brand one, I paid around £60 about six years ago and use it most days I’m home in winter. The bulbs are starting to fade now, but can be manually replaced for slightly cheaper than buying a new box. They’re around the same price now.

Highly recommended if you don’t get enough sunlight. Vitamin D helps with the processing of the sunlight - for more information you’ll need to be speak to a scientician!

 

[hart's shirt]

I highly recommend one of these, especially with the January we’ve had of seemingly unending dark and gloomy days.

I’ve used one for years and find it provides real relief for Seasonal Affective Disorder - 30 minutes in the morning while reading the news and having a coffee and I’m ready to face the day

Agreed.

I love lamp.

 

[SkirlieWirlie]

Not directly for SAD , but have found hugely helpful in providing an alternative to the dark mornings. Set time you want to get up and an artificial sunrise kicks in around 30-45 mins beforehand slowly brightening the room.

My wife also commented on the difference it had made to her mood when getting up mid winter.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

I have one, and I take vitamin D tablets, as recommended by my GP.

 

[Green Cross Code Man]

I am using a lamp for the first time this year. In spite of difficult stuff going on at work and a nasty health scare, I have noticed a big improvement in my mood.

 

[jcdenton08]

Not directly for SAD , but have found hugely helpful in providing an alternative to the dark mornings. Set time you want to get up and an artificial sunrise kicks in around 30-45 mins beforehand slowly brightening the room.

My wife also commented on the difference it had made to her mood when getting up mid winter.

View attachment 195538

Same brand as mine; think they’re the best make.

Just on this, you can also rig up your own version of this with a regular full-sized SAD lamp, set it up before bed pointing at the bed, and plug it into a timer plug like this one (£10-£15 for a decent one).

It does just come on full beam though, no artificial slow sunrise

 

[ElectricNaz]

Love my Lumie light. Genuinely stops me feeling down and miserable in winter. Highly recommended! Got one of the normal rectangle shaped ones for my WFH office and got the wake up one in the bedroom, both are brill.

 

[Anger]

I’m not denigrating them by the way. We have one and we’ve also had sunrise alarm clocks for several years (a much more acceptable way to wake up in the morning).

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

I HATE the lack of light at this time of year, it really affects my mood. Tell me more about this lamp, what does it do? How is it different to a normal light?

A colleague of mine started on this 20 years ago, after suffering serious depression ever winter.
I am assured it works brilliantly.

 

[Coldeanseagull]

I bought my wife a SAD lamp a couple of years ago, it didn't work......turns out she's just a miserable cow towards me

 

[nicko31]

Still reckon getting outside around solar noon makes a big difference. Even on a dark day there's a lot of light compared to indoors at least 1000 lux

 

[jcdenton08]

Still reckon getting outside around solar noon makes a big difference. Even on a dark day there's a lot of light compared to indoors at least 1000 lux

Absolutely, plus the mental health benefits of exercise and fresh air.

 

[ofco8]

My grand daughter was suffering some health issues and was advised to get one of these lamps. It really helped her.

 

[nicko31]

Absolutely, plus the mental health benefits of exercise and fresh air.

Last month was very bad for SAD, almost no sun over the Christmas period with the shortest daylight

We're gaining 3 minutes a day now, by mid-Feb you really feel spring is just around the corner at least in light level terms

 

[Durlston]

Surely the end of October would be the best time to buy one?

I've noticed that with the longer afternoons we're now having, everybody is a bit more cheerful. It's just past half four - so it is light finishing work now - just! Roll on spring!

 

[jcdenton08]

Surely the end of October would be the best time to buy one?

I've noticed that with the longer afternoons we're now having, everybody is a bit more cheerful. It's past half four - so it is light finishing work now - just! Roll on spring!

Yes but a SAD Lamp is not just for January, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Mine is only slowing down on the bulbs now after 6 years usage

 

[Wardy's twin]

I highly recommend one of these, especially with the January we’ve had of seemingly unending dark and gloomy days.

I’ve used one for years and find it provides real relief for Seasonal Affective Disorder - 30 minutes in the morning while reading the news and having a coffee and I’m ready to face the day

Also taking vitamin D supplements - I read somewhere sales are up massively. The lamp and the vitamin work in conjunction with each other.

My 'decline' starts late September/mid October possibly in anticipation of the darker days.