Light Boxes, SAD Light, SAD Light Boxes

Archive for September, 2010

Feeling SAD?

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

During the winter months, the days get shorter and the nights longer. For many people–an estimated 6 to 10 percent of Americans–this change of schedule triggers a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder [SAD]. Symptoms can appear gradually or come on all at once, beginning in late fall then subsiding in spring–and often returning year after year.

SAD has been linked to biochemical changes in the brain that occur when daylight hours become shorter. Reduced sunlight affects the body’s internal circadian rhythms or biological clock–which tell the body when to sleep or awaken. When there is a lack of sunlight, the body takes it as a signal to increase the production of melatonin, a sleep-related hormone that has been linked to depression. Increased darkness also appears to affect the body’s production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression.

Symptoms of SAD include eating more than is usual; gaining weight; having difficulty staying awake; sleeping excessively; experiencing a drop in energy; being unable to maintain your regular lifestyle and schedule; having feelings of sadness, hopelessness, depression and irritability; losing interest in social interactions; and suffering a decreased sex drive and lack of enjoyment. Not everyone who has SAD experiences the same symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Remission of symptoms usually occurs during the spring and summer months.

Light therapy is the most common treatment for SAD. Light therapy includes exposure to a broad-spectrum light for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes per day. The light intensity should be at least 10,000 lux. Treatment may also include melatonin supplements, antidepressant medications and psychotherapy.

If you think you or someone you love may be affected by SAD, contact your physician to confirm that you are experiencing SAD. It is better not to diagnose yourself, because your symptoms may be associated with another medical condition, like thyroid disease, hypoglycemia, infectious mononucleosis or other viral infections. SAD can also be confused with major depression and bipolar disorder. Getting treatment that is right for you can help you function better and make a big difference in your life.

Tags: Broad Spectrum, SAD, SAD light, SAD lights, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Severe Depression, Winter Blues
Posted in Light Therapy, SAD | Comments Off

FREE Replacement Light Bulbs

Monday, September 27th, 2010

We’ve Got A Deal For You!

It’s time to replace your light box bulbs for the season, and we want you to have them for FREE!

We truly believe that all of our¬†customers are¬†apart of our family. We would like to capture stories on how our light box has helped change our customers lives. Whether it is noticing the difference from only the first few weeks of use¬†or the fact that you have been using your North Star 10,000 for years, we want to hear it all!

We would love to see you with your light box in use, too! Along with your testimonial,¬†we ask that you send us a picture of you using your light box.¬†We would love to have you join our Customer Photo section of our website.

For¬†your help we would like to extend a thanks and send you two FREE light bulbs to show our appreciation.

To receive your FREE light bulbs, follow these 3 easy steps:

Write a quick testimonial on why you love your light box.
Take a picture of you using your light box
Email your testimonial and picture to jessica@alaskanorthernlights.com

Once we receive your information, we will mail you your free bulbs! It is that easy! This is a $52 value; offer ends September 30th!

Don’t wait another minute to take advantage of this great deal and spruce up your light box with a pair of fresh bulbs!

Tags: 000, Light box, North Star 10
Posted in Light Therapy | Comments Off

First Day of Fall

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Many of you are starting to get your light boxes back out because on September 22, it was the first day of fall. With the start of fall upon us and the amount of natural light available for our bodies to absorb is drastically reduced which can have a significantly negative effect on nearly 20% of the worlds population.¬†Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, occurs when our bodies are deprived of the full spectrum light they require to function properly. This happens largely in more Northern regions of the world where the seasonal change is much more notable.

Symptoms associated with S.A.D. include disturbed sleep patterns, a lack of motivation, listlessness and overall depression. The will to perform simple tasks is depleted and even getting out of bed seems pointless for many. Seasonal Affective Disorder has an adverse effect on our bodies and psyche, disturbing Circadian rhythms and sending perfectly mentally healthy people into a lethargic and depressed state.

But there is something you can do to reverse the damaging effects of SAD, without having to resort to the use of medication. Since S.A.D. occurs upon the reduction of sunlight available for our bodies to absorb, doesn‚Äôt it just make sense to find a way to replace that source during the darker months? With the North Star 10,000 light box¬†you can effectively combat Seasonal Affective Disorder and reclaim your life, while restoring your natural Circadian rhythms and positive sleep patterns.

The North Star 10,000 light box¬†effectively delivers 10,000 lux of broad spectrum light, providing your body with the light it needs to activate your natural mood enhancers. This brightens your demeanour, increasing energy and raising overall spirits.

Tags: Light box, Light Therapy, LUX, SAD, SAD light, SAD lights, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Severe Depression, Winter Blues
Posted in Light Therapy, SAD | Comments Off

Light Therapy for PMS and PMDD

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Also known as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder, Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, afflicts up to 40% of women during their reproductive years. For the majority of sufferers, it‚Äôs a minor inconvenience, but for some it can be debilitating.

Up to 10% of women report that PMS symptoms have an adverse effect on their lives and particularly, their relationships. PMS sufferers who have at least five PMS symptoms, including a mood disorder, may be diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which is a far more serious condition. Common PMS symptoms include:

Anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Heachache
Weight gain
Wildly fluctuating mood
A worsening of the symptoms of other conditions such as asthma

Some women also experience positive PMS symptoms, such as increased creativity, energy, industriousness, and sexual interest.

Conventional treatments for negative PMS symptoms may include medication, lifestyle changes, or both. Common treatments include:

Psychosocial ‚Äì reassurance, support, and education about the disorder
Obtaining sufficient sleep
Getting more exercise
Ovulation suppressants
Medications to decrease fluid retention
Antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety medications
Non-prescription pain killers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen for joint and muscle pain

Light Therapy

Light therapy is administered via a light box or smaller portable ‚Äúlight book‚Äù that emits 10,000 lux light. Light therapy users sit 12-24 inches away from the light source (distance may vary based on the device used) with their eyes open. The light is used for 30 minutes per day on average, though duration may be adjusted downward or upward as needed because individual responses to bright light vary.

There is evidence that light therapy may provide benefits for certain PMS sufferers who experience negative symptoms. Approximately 25% of PMS sufferers say that their symptoms worsen during certain times of the year, particularly the darker fall and winter months. This is a similar pattern to that of Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), which is characterized by a winter depression that lifts during the lighter months of spring and summer. Also, many PMS sufferers manifest circadian rhythm abnormalities similar to those who are depressed.

Light therapy, which is effective in treating S.A.D. and non-seasonal depression, also shows promise for treating PMS. Overall, there have been only a few controlled studies of light therapy‚Äôs efficacy in treating PMS or the more severe PMDD, but many subjects in these trials achieved a significant reduction in symptoms.

Safety

Side effects of light therapy, if they occur, tend to be mild. They may include headache, eyestrain, or jitteriness.

Given that it is relatively safe for most people, light therapy may be worth exploring if other PMS treatments don‚Äôt work. However, consulting a doctor before beginning light therapy is recommended.

Tags: Light box, Light Therapy, PMS, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Premenstrual Syndrome
Posted in Light Therapy | Comments Off

Light Therapy for ADHD

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Most children who take medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will continue to require it in adolescence, and more than 50% will need to take it as adults. Recent research indicates that this medication can have serious side effects, including dizziness, severe nausea, and suicidal ideation, as well potentially damaging the heart and liver.

In a recent study conducted during the winter months, adults with ADHD who were treated with light therapy saw significant reductions in many ADHD symptoms, including:

Inattention
Impulsive response to stimuli
Difficulty in sustaining efforts
Fatigue

Light therapy, which can be administered via a light box involves exposing the person to 10,000 lux light for approximately 30 minutes per day, though exposure times can be increased or decreased as required because individual responsiveness varies. Light therapy is ideally implemented at the time of day when the person usually feels tired or sluggish, though it shouldn‚Äôt be done too late at night as this may cause insomnia.

While light therapy shows some promise for treating ADHD in certain individuals, it should be considered a complementary therapy. Ideally, conventional therapy would be¬†implemented¬†year-round and light therapy used as an adjunct treatment during the darker months of fall and¬†winter.

Tags: ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Light box, Light Therapy, SAD light, SAD lights
Posted in Light Therapy | Comments Off

Click HERE to see what 50 of our recent satisfied customers have to say!

Archives