Do SAD lamps do anything?
SAD lamps simulate sunlight, which helps trigger the brain to release serotonin, often called the feel-good hormone. Studies show that using light therapy during periods when daylight hours are short can help adjust your circadian rhythm, the body’s process for regulating your sleep-wake cycle.
Are SAD lamps good for depression?
Some people with SAD find that light therapy can help improve their mood considerably. This involves sitting by a special lamp called a light box, usually for around 30 minutes to an hour each morning. Light boxes come in a variety of designs, including desk lamps and wall-mounted fixtures.
What kind of lamp is used for SAD?
Research has shown that a lamp with light intensity of 10K lux set 16 to 24 inches away at a 45-degree angle from the eyes for 30 minutes can help in treating SAD and other mood disorders.
Do SAD lamps work for plants?
Used for years to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, (SAD) full spectrum lights simulate the sun at noon, and plants love it.
When should you start using a SAD lamp?
Start in the morning. Light therapy can have some side effects at first, like headaches and irritability. If you have a family history of macular degeneration, exposure to light therapy over the years may increase your risk. Also, some medications—like tetracycline—can make your skin more sensitive to light.
Do SAD lamps cause skin damage?
Some light therapy lamps are designed for skin disorders — not for SAD . Lamps used for skin disorders mainly produce ultraviolet (UV) light and could damage your eyes if used incorrectly.
Where do you put a SAD lamp?
Keep the light box at an angle to the left or right, at about 2 o’clock or 10 o’clock. Avoid putting the light directly in front of your eyes. Instead, position it about 45 degrees to the right or left from your midline or eyes.