Our customers love their Microsun lamps for reading. The increased light output and contrast makes reading easy. While reading makes them happy, it turns out our light helps make them happy too.
This article from the Mayo Clinic talks about the “winter blues” and SAD.
Those of us who live in northern states are no strangers to the “winter blues,” which is a mild version of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). About 15% of the population may struggle with winter blues. Studies have shown that nearly 10% of people in New Hampshire have been diagnosed with SAD, but it affects only about 1% in Florida, the Sunshine State.
SAD tends to be more common in women, young adults and those who work night shifts. It also has been found to run in families. SAD symptoms typically come on during the fall and winter months and reliably go away during the spring and summer months. Common SAD symptoms include:
- Sleeping more, but not sleeping well
- Feeling dragged out, low-energy and unmotivated
- Craving junk or comfort food
- Gaining weight
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Not being able to focus
- Avoiding social activities
While many of us experience these symptoms to some degree, when they become disabling or make it difficult for you to function, you should contact your care team. If you already suffer from depression, SAD can make your symptoms worse…
Whether it’s the winter blues or SAD, here are some things you can try to lift your mood:
- Open your shades to let in the sunlight.
- Head outdoors on sunny days.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine.
- Adjust your diet to include floods that provide energy.
- Make plans to stay connected on a regular basis with friends, family and other social supports.
- Try light therapy.
Source: Winter got you down? You may be SAD – Mayo Clinic News Network
Light therapy isn’t difficult, it’s as easy as sitting down to read the morning paper at the same time every morning, next to your Microsun lamp. Tips for maximum benefit from the same Mayo Clinic article:
- Set it at an angle to the left or right, at eye level or higher, and at about an arm’s length away. Do not stare directly into the light.
- Keep your eyes open while using it, and feel free to do other activities like reading or eating breakfast.
- Start light therapy for 20-30 minutes each day within the first hour of waking up in the morning.
While there are lights marketed specifically as “SAD Lamps” many of them are truly single purpose lamps- emitting strange blue light. When you have a Microsun by your side it can help you craft, read, do crossword puzzles or just feel good in an extremely well lit room with true full spectrum light.