Would you consider a light box to improve mood/sleep?

gaillimheach

I think I might be prone to the mildest touch of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder - mood depression caused by lack of sunlight).

Nothing major, nothing that would need medication or counselling.

But I think that my sleep patterns and energy levels in winter might benefit from using a light box.

I know that, as with all medical aids, everything should be used under the guidance of a suitable doctor as even light boxes can have adverse side effects.

But I just want to know if anyone out there has ever tried these and, if so, how did you find them? Which one? Do you know anything about them? Do you know anyone else who has tried them?

Anyone else out there tempted to invest in a light box given how miserably dark Ireland can be during the winter?

blah88

I thought you were referring to hitting a punching bag, because a lot of people say that helps take out stress. I have no idea what sort of box you are referring to. I have read that supplementing vitamin D helps combat S.A.D. I think this has made a noticeable difference for me. I take 5000iu every day.

Hanley

I've sat in a room with a lightbox before, and they're REALLY f*cking bright. Like... REALLY.

busymum1

I have a daylight. Bought it in Maplin, I find it great really helps getting out of bed in the dark mornings.. Well worth the money!
HTH.

Kadongy

Light boosts testosterone.

Melatonin suppresses testosterone secretion, and light suppresses melatonin secretion.

Maybe a dip in testosterone levels is part of what causes SAD.

Mellor

Kadongy wrote: »

Light boosts testosterone.

Melatonin suppresses testosterone secretion, and light suppresses melatonin secretion.

Maybe a dip in testosterone levels is part of what causes SAD.

If that were the case then you would expect women to suffer a lot.

I think its proposed that reduced seratonin causes depression. light exposure being related, which is why its seasonal, and why a light box might help.


OP I'd actually get checked out for SAD before I assume that was the reason

Kadongy

Mellor wrote: »

If that were the case then you would expect women to suffer a lot.

I think its proposed that reduced seratonin causes depression. light exposure being related, which is why its seasonal, and why a light box might help.


OP I'd actually get checked out for SAD before I assume that was the reason

well low testosterone has been linked to depression, though I would think the chicken and egg question would apply.

eg:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7274481.stm

rain on

I haven't got a light box (myself and family members are most prone to depression in the spring rather than the winter, for some reason) but I do use a dawn/dusk simulator to help with the winter mornings and I find it goes a long way to making me feel more human in the mornings. OP if it's mainly your sleep and energy levels that are affected, maybe consider looking into one of these instead/ as well.

Glowing

I've got one of those 'sunrise' alarm clocks too - it gets gradually brighter for 30 mins before the time you need to get up. Makes a huge difference in the depths of winter, and definitely feels like a more natural, calmer way to wake up! They're not all that cheap unfortunately

rain on

Glowing wrote: »

I've got one of those 'sunrise' alarm clocks too - it gets gradually brighter for 30 mins before the time you need to get up. Makes a huge difference in the depths of winter, and definitely feels like a more natural, calmer way to wake up! They're not all that cheap unfortunately

What an appropriate username They're a good bit cheaper than lightboxes from what I can see - around €100 compared to €200-300 for lightboxes, I've only looked on one website though.

Glowing

Yeah that's right, about 100 quid. Philips do them. Not the easiest to use alarm clock in the world but it does the job, and the light they emit is lovely (it has an optional 'dawn chorus of tweeting birds which I have to say is surprisingly nice, LOL!). It gets *extremely* bright (as in hurts your eyes!) if you set it at the brightest setting.

Mellor

I know but depression isn't the same as SAD.

Edit: Also, none of things can looking at in a vacuum. Semi-low test, plus semi-sensitive to seasonal depression might mean you are suffer from depression. Everything else is just a label. So I get your point, it could be a factor.

lmmoonbeam1976

i use on of the alarm ones that wake you up slowly and adjust to light in the room for the winter

howtomake

Mellor wrote: »

If that were the case then you would expect women to suffer a lot.

We do suffer:p

Yeah if the price was a bit cheaper I'd go for one, just to test it out.