Everyone knows the “winter blues,” that time of year when the skies are gray and the leaves are falling. For many, it’s a time to sit by a fire and enjoy the coziness of early nights and chilly days. For those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, however, winter blues are a real thing and a source of mild depression. Thought to be caused by changes in your body’s circadian rhythm, as well as lighting in your environment, SAD is an actual medical condition, and treatable. One of the more common cures for Seasonal Affective Disorder is the strategic use of lighting.
Shining a Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder is characterized by moodiness and low energy. Those with the disorder report loss of interest in things they typically enjoy, changes in appetite (most notably, cravings for high-carb foods), difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness and sadness. These symptoms may start out mild but can progress as the season progresses. Without intervention, seasonal affective disorder can be disruptive to both personal relationships and work life.
Common treatment using light therapy (phototherapy) includes exposure to very bright light early in the morning. Patients sit in front of a light box within the first hour of waking up. This mimics exposure to outdoor light and affects the chemicals in the brain responsible for mood. When purchasing a lightbox, check with an expert. Not just any light will do, and the brightness needs to be high enough that it gives your body a similar level of exposure to the natural sunlight.
A proper lightbox will use bright fluorescent light or blue light. They contain filters to block harmful UV rays and have several levels, so you can select the one that suits your needs best. While it is best to check with a doctor before beginning light therapy, there are little-known side effects and plenty of anecdotal experience supporting this as a viable option for alleviating the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Lightbox therapy will reduce the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, but the symptoms will return if the use ceases.
To learn more about energy audits, get in touch with Tim Kyle Electric. You can talk to an expert about new installations of lighting and wiring, among other things, for your home or business.
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Tim Kyle Electric has been delighting our customers with responsive, trusted and professional electrical services since 1986. We provide residential, commercial and solar power services and are experts in our field. Our team of professionally trained employees uphold our core values of honesty, respect and integrity. We are available 24/7 for your electrical servicing needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss your next electrical project.