Follow manufacturer recommendations for the position: Your lamp should come with recommendations for how close you should position yourself to it.Overuse of a SAD lamp can produce insomnia or other side effects. Keep in mind that more isn’t always better. Your doctor might also recommend that you use it during the day. Consider when to use it: Many experts recommend using a SAD lamp first thing in the morning.Avoid exceeding more than 60 minutes of use. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and slowly increase the amount of time spent in front of a SAD lamp. Others require 60 minutes, which is typically considered the highest exposure you should get. Experiment with time frame: Many people benefit from as little as 20 minutes of use.Use the lamp daily: You can use it until daylight hours increase.These medications include lithium, some acne drugs, and St. Always get the green light from your doctor if you’re taking prescription medications of any kind, including antipsychotics and antidepressants: Remember that some prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements can make your skin photosensitive, requiring an adjustment to your use of the lamp.Don’t start using a SAD lamp without your doctor’s approval: This is especially important if you have a diagnosis such as bipolar disorder, glaucoma, or lupus.How to use a SAD lamp for seasonal affective disorder For maximum benefit, you’ll want to use the lamp at least once daily, so having it out and easily accessible can be a plus. You may be better off getting an attractive lamp that matches your décor so it can stay in position for use. So, if you travel frequently, you may want to choose a small, portable option. For example, light boxes have been shown to help with jet lag. Think about what activity you would like to do while using the lamp and purchase one that will accommodate that purpose.Your doctor can provide individualized lamp use guidelines. That said, you may wish to purchase a second, smaller lamp if you travel a lot. Smaller lamps aren’t as effective and may need to be used more often for longer sessions.Larger lamps also provide you with the option of moving around more, so you can be farther away from the lamp without compromising its effectiveness. The larger the surface area, the higher the lux. Look for a lamp with a light surface area of around 12 by 15 inches.Opt for a glare-free lamp or a lamp that can be positioned at a downward angle that reduces or eliminates eye glare.Lamps with less lux may need to be used more often than brighter ones. An output of 10,000 lux is approximately 20 times greater than the light output generated by most indoor lighting. The lamp should generate 10,000 lux of cool-white, fluorescent light.Use eye protection if you have existing eye issues.Follow the instructions supplied by the manufacturers.Make sure the lamp filters out ultraviolet (UV) light and is labeled UV-free.These devices aren’t meant to treat mood disorders and they won’t be effective. Don’t get a light box that’s designed to treat skin conditions.Here are some features to look for: Safety The FDA doesn’t regulate SAD lamps, so it’s important to buy one that provides enough light and is designed to treat SAD. Not all of these products are effective or appropriate for this use. There are many lamps and light boxes marketed as SAD or light therapy lamps. a balanced diet with lean protein, fruits, and vegetables.Other light-emitting sources like tanning beds, are not safe for use.Īnother type of treatment is a dawn simulator which uses a time-activated light to mimic the sunrise as a way to help stimulate the body’s clock.Īdopting some healthy lifestyle habits can also help minimize SAD symptoms. Light therapy should only be used under a doctor’s supervision and on approved devices. This involves using a specialized light box or visor for at least 30 minutes each day to mimic natural light. Light therapy can also be used as a treatment for wintertime SAD. People experiencing SAD should speak to their doctor about which medication is the best course of treatment. Some people may also benefit from medications such as antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin). Treatment options for SADĬounseling and therapy are treatment options for both forms of SAD. In severe cases, people with SAD may experience thoughts of suicide. SAD affects people differently, but the symptoms may vary based on the type of SAD. There are two types of SAD: wintertime and summertime. What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? Symptoms of SAD
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