How To Use A SAD Lamp For Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (also called SAD) is one of the major depressive and mental disorders affecting humans. A person affected by SAD will undergo depression or sadness during some seasons of the year and when the seasons change. Typically, depression occurs during the winter and fall seasons. During these times, the exposure to the sun’s rays reduces and the days are shorter. While adults may also be affected by the disorder, it may commonly affect young adults and women. The condition is treated using light boxes (also referred to as Light Therapy Lamps or SAD Lamps) and other therapeutic procedures as well including medication and counseling. Sometimes multiple therapies may be used simultaneously for treating SAD.
USING SAD LAMP FOR TREATING SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
Light Therapy and SAD lamps are often used for treating seasonal depression and mental disorders during the winter season. The lamp mimics the natural sunlight and consists of a special lightbox (or a visor). Those who undergo the therapy must be close to the SAD lamp (at an appropriate distance) for at least 30 minutes every day. However, the therapy and the use of the SAD lamps should always be supervised by registered medical practitioners and physicians/doctors. Also, one should not use tanning beds and other sources of light for SAD therapy, as they are unfit for it and may also be unsafe for human health.
USING THE SAD
Keep in mind the below-given points when you are exposing yourself to the SAD lamp for treating seasonal affective disorder.
* Usually, the lamp is used for 25 to 30 minutes every day. Talk to your doctor to know more about its duration of use, exposure, and intensity. You can also use a timer.
* The lamp also must be used within the first hour of waking up (after a sleep) in the morning.
* The lamp should be placed somewhere between 40 cm to 60 cm (or 18 inches to 24 inches) from your face.
* Follow the instructions of the manufacturer while using the SAD lamp.
* You should also consult a physician and obtain their recommendations before you use the SAD lamp for the treatment.
* Keep your eyes open during exposure to the SAD lamp. However, you should not look directly into the Light that is emitted by the lamp. You can do other activities (like reading) while being close to the lamp.
Remember that FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate the SAD lamps and the therapy. Therefore, you must take the advice of the doctor and follow the manufacturer’s instructions as well.
You can buy the SAD lamp and the lightbox even when you do not have a prescription. Still, you can consult your physician and health care provider who may provide certain special instructions and guidelines to you. It can help you choose the best, recommended, and specific SAD lamp that can be most beneficial for your health condition.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHILE BUYING A SAD LAMP
The SAD lamp is used for treating a serious mental disorder called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as stated above. Therefore, it becomes important that you know all the precautions and can make use of the important considerations related to choosing the best lightbox and the SAD lamp. Below are some of these important considerations and factors based on which you should purchase a SAD lamp.
PURPOSE OF MANUFACTURING
A SAD lamp is made specifically for treating SAD and mimicking the sunlight for the affected patients. However, if the lamp is not made for therapeutic purposes, it will not provide any benefit and may not help in treating depression. For instance, certain therapeutic lamps are used for treating disorders of the skin. These kinds of lamps may emit ultraviolet rays in enormous quantities. If you use the same lamp for treating depression, it can damage the eyes and will not provide any benefit.
BRIGHTNESS
If you use a SAD lamp and a lightbox with greater brightness, you will have to use it for less time, and vice versa. However, you should ensure that the box and the lamp have the recommended intensity of 10000 lux.
ULTRAVIOLET RAYS
A SAD lamp that has been created and manufactured specifically for treating SAD will emit little or no ultraviolet rays. The specialized lamps have the components to filter out all the ultraviolet rays. However, if you do not get enough information on the package and from any other sources, you should also contact the manufacturer to find out about the aspect.
EYE SAFETY
Some of the SAD lamps include specific features that can protect the human eyes during the use of the lamp for treating depression. Ultraviolet rays can also damage the eyes. Furthermore, if you are suffering from an eye condition including cataracts, glaucoma, or an eye abnormality caused due to diabetes, you should consult the eye doctor and specialist before you use a SAD lamp.
STYLE AND DESIGN
There are many kinds of SAD lamps available nowadays. You can buy rectangular, small, upright lamps and positions and use them the way you like. If you have to travel with your lamp, you can buy the smaller and portable variety as well. However, remember that you will have to use your lamp daily for the treatment of SAD. Choose a style and design that is convenient for regular and long-term use.
LOCATION
Once you have purchased the SAD lamp, you need to place it in a proper position. For instance, you may indulge in activities including watching television and reading while you are exposed to the light rays coming from the lamp for 25 to 30 minutes. See to it that the lamp has been placed at a proper distance and you receive an ample amount of light to be treated well.
CONCLUSION
SAD lamps can mimic the sun’s rays and are an effective therapy for SAD and depression. However, you should ensure that you are using a specialized SAD lamp and have consulted your physician before its use. The lamps are often used in addition to counseling, exercise, and medication and can hasten your recovery from SAD and depression. Also, reach out to your physician if you face side effects (such as fatigue or headache) during the therapy and when the symptoms worsen during the therapy and the multiple sessions.