Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) impacts millions of persons, especially during the darker winter months. SAD triggers symptoms such as extreme fatigue and extreme carbohydrate cravings. These indicators can result in depression and a sense of lack of progress. Experts endorse light therapy as the first-line intervention, proposing that bright light exposure can greatly reduce these symptoms.
Light therapy includes spending time in front of a prescribed SAD lamp. These 10,000 lux last for an hour, and you want to shoot for five sessions per week. This method aids in keeping the body’s circadian rhythm in check, which often gets thrown out of whack in winter months when bright sunlight becomes rare. Sleep health experts emphasize that exposure to bright light immediately upon waking is absolutely essential. To get optimal results, they suggest you do this before 10 a.m.
Jessica Furseth, who’s made using a SAD lamp part of her day, has found it very beneficial. “Using the lamp has made a significant difference,” she states. “It gives me the energy to engage in activities I enjoy, rather than feeling like I’m sinking into tiredness.” Furseth’s experience is in line with what research has found. Approximately 80% of people experience improvement with regular use of light therapy.
People who have SAD usually feel amazing during the shining months. They sure do suffer an enormous seasonal affective disorder as winter sets in. This emotional change can leave you wanting to curl up in a pile of warm laundry. You’ll sleep on the couch to avoid going out and socializing. Doctors recommend starting light therapy at least two weeks in advance of when symptoms usually begin to maximize its effectiveness.
Use light therapy to address SAD symptoms. Plus, take part in social activities such as weekend group dinners and dance parties to double your mood-boosting benefits. These experiences provide you with a powerful outlet to release your emotions. Just as importantly, they protect against the acute emotions of alienation that are characteristic in its wake.
With winter days growing ever shorter, it’s more crucial than ever for those at risk to take preventive steps to fight SAD. Combining a light box with having an active social life can make a big difference and as a result, improve one’s overall well-being.