It is indeed undeniable that the darker it gets, the moodier you would become. For those who are diagnosed to be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or simply SAD, the winter blues do more than just make one feel sad.
SAD is a kind of depression that usually happens during darker winter months. People who have SAD have decreased energy most of the time.
Also, they have problems in terms of waking up early, and have difficulty concentrating. In fact, in extreme cases, they tend to withdraw from their family and friends.
The cause of SAD is unknown; however, it has been determined that the activity of nerve messages generated by sunlight would affect the level of brain chemicals as well as hormones.
You have to understand that an imbalance between these hormones and chemicals might produce depression. Thus, light therapy was developed.
This kind of therapy has actually become alternative to other treatments like psychological counseling and medications. If you have such disorder, you might have heard about SAD lights.
So what are SAD lights?
SAD lights, also known as light therapy boxes, can imitate outdoor light. Based on some researchers, this kind of light can create a chemical charge in the brain, which then lifts one's mood, relieving the symptoms of SAD.
All you have to do is to sit in front of the SAD light in the morning for about 20 to 30 minutes, as the light radiates from a square surface.
Apart from alleviating the symptoms of SAD, this kind of therapy will also boost your energy levels during winter season.
However, it might also be recommended for treating sleep disorders. In fact, there are other researchers who are also looking into the possibility of utilizing light therapy in order to treat dementia in elderly, for bulimia nervosa, for bipolar disorder, as well as for depression during pregnancy.
Some of the considerations you must remember when buying a SAD light is to determine if the product will filter out harmful UV light.
Understand that the UV light could cause skin and eye damage. Apart from that, you must also know that there are side effects of this light therapy and they can range from mild to short-lived.
These will include irritability, nausea, eyestrain, headaches, and mania for people with bipolar disorder.
With this, before you set off on purchasing SAD lights, you must always check with your therapist or doctor. Determine also the features that you must be looking for if you are choosing a SAD light. And most importantly, read on extensively on reviews of these lights so that you will know what to expect. More information mentioned here.
To learn more about the benefits of using light therapy, visit this site.
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