If you are viewing this post right now, chances are that you are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and you want to learn how to make use of the Light Therapy Lamp to help solve your problems.
Yes, these lamps have been made use of in hospitals and clinics, and recommended by doctors. However, the consumers and patients ought to know more about what a Light Therapy Lamp is. That is why I will show you 5 important facts about the lamp before you purchase it and use it for yourself.
1) It helps to alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or in lay man's term, winter blues, is a mental problem many face in winter occurring areas. This is due to the shortening of days in these regions and the body automatically adjust to the lack of light. As a result, the production of melatonin, a hormone that is secreted in the body internally in darkness or dim light, occurs. This results in a change of mood and worse, depression that mimics those of clinical depression.The lamps produce this light that helps users to maintain their level of melatonin, allowing them to be more ready for the day even though it is shorter during winter.
2) Composition on a Light Therapy Lamp.
The Light Therapy Lamp is usually made up of a box of special fluorescent lamps that is installed with a diffusing screen. These lights are more powerful than your everyday lights, as they are needed to jumpstart your body to help adjust to the new body clock. However the lights produced are level of that of natural sunlight. Therefore, by using the SAD Lamps, it can be said that it is similar to you being outdoors, and that is actually great.
3) Intensity of the Light the lamps give out.
The intensity of the Light Therapy Lamp can be varied from 2500 lux to 10000 lux. lux is the measurement of lux illumination of lamps. It really depends on the person's needs and preference. Furthermore, the treatment duration will change variably with the lux value of the lamps they are using. The lower the lux, the dimmer the lamp will be. Usually for a 10000 lux (which is usually the case), the user may only need to bathe in the light for 30 minutes while doing what they want (surfing the net, reading a book). If he/she uses a 2500 lux Lamp, then he may need to bathe in the light for around 2 hours. But one thing very important about them is that the level of light matches that of the sunlight given during sunsets and sunrises. And everyone has their own suitable amount and intensity of light.
4) Treatment using the Light Therapy Lamp
Treatment using the Light Therapy Lamp is very simple. Just by switching on the lamp and making sure that you sit or position yourself comfortably, doing what you like (for example, reading a book, eating a meal etc). You do not have to stare into the lamp, but instead position the lamp lights towards your head and body. Treatment is simple and hassle-free as you can do what you still need to do (e.g. use the computer for work). You only have to open your eyes during the treatment and concentrate on the activity while being illuminated by the light. Of course, you can blink during treatment.
5) Cost of the Light Therapy Lamp
The cost of these lamps usually hovers around the range of US$150. There are many other more expensive ones which usually incorporate other technology such as ionic technology. One example is the NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp. Other types have adjustable light intensity and adjustable timing to switch on, allowing you to suit it to your own preference, like the Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device.
All in all, the Light Therapy Lamp is the most effective solution against Seasonal Affective Disorder. The lamps are generally not expensive, especially if you look in the long-term perspective. It is really worth it as you can use it for a few years. If the lamp cost US$150 and you use it for 5 years, it'll only be around 0.82 cents per day!
Well, I hope that these facts about Light Therapy Lamps have helped you in your decision to purchase and use them. I wish all of you can enjoy your winter days.
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