If you live in a cold climate, chances are you've experienced the winter blues at some point. Don't let those feelings of sluggishness and fatigue ruin the season, fight them off with light!
Shorter days and long, cold nights coupled with freezing temperatures and less-than-ideal weather can get to the best of us, but there are steps you can take if you find yourself suffering from the “winter doldrums” this season. Most of us feel the “winter blues” in some way each year, but when those feelings become more severe, it could be Seasonal Affective Disorder. Luckily, you can start feeling better soon simply by looking into the light.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a real condition that affects about five percent of the population each year, and can manifest itself through feelings of moodiness and fatigue coupled with increased sleeping and eating.
The disorder is actually caused by the lack of sunlight throughout the day, which interferes with our body’s natural clock telling us when to eat, sleep, be active, and relax. SAD is most common in northern states (like LightBulbs.com’s native Minnesota!), with up to half of these states’ populations reporting symptoms of seasonal depression.
The best way to combat the annoying lack of energy and urge to cuddle up with carbs is simply by getting more natural light. But for those of us with work or school during the winter’s shortened daylight hours, this can be a difficult task.
The solution?
Light therapy! ”Sunboxes” that use special fluorescent tubes that closely resemble natural daylight can be an easy and effective fix for SAD. Simply sitting in front of a sunbox for about 30 minutes while you go about your normal routine (applying makeup, drinking coffee and reading the morning paper, etc.) can help alleviate your seasonal depression symptoms.
The trick is to get this extra light exposure first thing in the morning to fool your body into thinking it’s still on its spring and summer cycle, lifting depression symptoms and helping you get back to your old self. The best light bulbs for SAD are daylight full spectrum bulbs. Only full spectrum bulbs can produce the light that closely resembles true daylight, so don’t settle for anything less.
Of course, you could also take a trip to a tropical locale for a few weeks to beat the winter blues. But for everyone else, try a sunshine supplement lamp and get your summer glow back.
Note: The mentioned/linked products may be used for the treatment of S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder). LightBulbs.com does not diagnose, prescribe treatment nor guarantee results.
