Light therapy

Many people around the world suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

SAD typically presents in countries with low light for many months of the year where winters are long and dark.

Older people who spend a lot of time indoors - particularly if they reside in care homes or become too infirm to get out as much as they used to, are also at risk of developing SAD.

The lack of natural sunlight can result in Vitamin D deficiency, and an imbalanced circadian rhythm - or body clock. SAD can result in depression, lack of energy, increased need for sleep, a craving for sweets and weight gain.

Research with SAD lamps have shown positive results in countering a lack of sunlight. Using a 10,000 LUX SAD lamp - particularly in the morning, helps to reduce the symptoms of SAD and reset the body clock without the negative effects of the sun's UV rays.

SAD lamps have also been shown to be useful in resetting one's body clock when suffering from circadian rhythm disorders such as Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (difficulty falling sleep and the urge to sleep late) or Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder (tiring too early and waking too early).

Commercially available, the timing and use of SAD lamps will need to be adjusted according to individual need, however, they are a relatively inexpensive and a non-pharmaceutical alternative to anti-depressants - no prescription required.

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