Cause and treatment of SAD
Cause
SAD has a lot in common with the hibernation cycle of animals and research has shown that this is triggered by a response to decreasing light levels. As the days grow shorter and the light becomes less intense, it increases the desire to 'hibernate'. Light intensity is measured in 'lux' the Latin word for light. On a summer's day at our latitude we may have up to 16 hours of daylight at 100,000 lux. In winter an 8 hour dull day will give less than 5,000 lux and indoor lighting rarely exceeds 500 lux.
Treatment
Historically, treatment for depression involved the use of drugs. However, in recent years research in the USA and UK showed that SAD sufferers responded, often quite dramatically, to Bright Light Treatment. Our fully proven lightboxes have been specifically designed and are a recognised method of alleviating S.A.D. Lack of light causes an increase in the production of Melatonin (the hormone that makes us sleepy at night), and a reduction of Serotonin, the lack of which causes depression. The exposure to bright light therapy reverses the process, with the additional benefit of being drug free.You should start to feel the benefit within 7-14 days of using a lightbox. With our 28 day home trial scheme you have time to evaluate the treatment for yourself. By providing summertime levels of light during the winter you can successfully alleviate the symptoms of SAD with the result that former sufferers can lead a normal, happier life and beat the winter blues. In fact almost everyone can benefit from increased energy level when using a lightbox.
