Light Therapy for SAD: What Lights to Buy |
Because ordinary light bulbs and other types of lighting are not like the sun, they are not powerful enough to be a treatment for SAD. However, there are many kinds of lights that can help. Several lights are especially designed to treat SAD. The individual suffering form Seasonal Affective Disorder should use exposure to these lights before trying the other options I mentioned previously.
He or she will need exposure to the light from these lamps, for up to four hours every day. The lighting created to combat SAD is incredibly bright light. It is at least ten times the intensity of ordinary domestic lighting. Often setting it on a table or high surface—the light must be able to shine directly into the eyes. The light treatment consists of the individual sitting about two to three feet away from the source of light. This method has been proven safe, even though one does not have to stare directly into the light.
Treatment should be used on a regular basis in the winter. Therefore the SAD treatment lights must be used daily. Ideally the light therapy should begin when the first signs of autumn appear or as soon as the sufferer of the disease begins to experience the symptoms of SAD.
Within four days the patient or affected individual should notice the symptoms disappearing. However, the person must be sure not to use any sunglasses anything else that would block light to the retina.
Certain kinds of light boxes emit more intense light than others. In a case such as this, the individual may not need to be exposed to the light as long per day. Check the instructions on your light box to determine how much light you will need to relieve yourself from the symptoms of SAD. There are many lamps available which you can use on a trial basis. It is recommended by the SADA that someone suffering from SAD test the light box they want to buy first—to see if the symptoms improve before making your final purchase.
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