For One Woman, A Simple Change To Brighten Up Her Life: Scientist Offers Advice For Managing Seasonal Depression.
A woman who has struggled with seasonal affective disorder (Sad) since her teenage years recently found a simple yet effective solution to combat its debilitating symptoms. She discovered that by using a light box emitting 10,000 lux for at least an hour, five times a week, starting just two weeks before the onset of winter symptoms.
Her approach was to use this device in the morning, when it helps regulate her circadian rhythm and counteracts the effects of prolonged darkness on the body. By doing so, she found that eight out of ten people can experience improved results with this method, although individual results may vary.
According to a Finnish scientist consulted by the woman, the timing is critical. Exposure to bright light in the morning helps her body adjust its internal clock and reduces symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, and low mood. This approach has been shown to help regulate hormones, appetite, digestion, and immune function, in addition to alertness, memory, and sleep.
The woman reported a significant improvement in her mental state after implementing this routine. She found herself more energized and better equipped to handle the days that followed. Even on rainy winter days, the light provided her with the motivation to engage in activities she previously avoided, such as going out for dinner or dancing.
Moreover, by exposing herself to bright light, she developed a new appreciation for the beauty of winter, which had become increasingly monotonous when struggling with Sad. The woman no longer feared the darkness and was able to appreciate its aesthetic value.
With winter approaching once again, this woman finds comfort in returning to her trusty light box, armed with newfound confidence that it will help mitigate the symptoms of Seasonal Depression.
A woman who has struggled with seasonal affective disorder (Sad) since her teenage years recently found a simple yet effective solution to combat its debilitating symptoms. She discovered that by using a light box emitting 10,000 lux for at least an hour, five times a week, starting just two weeks before the onset of winter symptoms.
Her approach was to use this device in the morning, when it helps regulate her circadian rhythm and counteracts the effects of prolonged darkness on the body. By doing so, she found that eight out of ten people can experience improved results with this method, although individual results may vary.
According to a Finnish scientist consulted by the woman, the timing is critical. Exposure to bright light in the morning helps her body adjust its internal clock and reduces symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, and low mood. This approach has been shown to help regulate hormones, appetite, digestion, and immune function, in addition to alertness, memory, and sleep.
The woman reported a significant improvement in her mental state after implementing this routine. She found herself more energized and better equipped to handle the days that followed. Even on rainy winter days, the light provided her with the motivation to engage in activities she previously avoided, such as going out for dinner or dancing.
Moreover, by exposing herself to bright light, she developed a new appreciation for the beauty of winter, which had become increasingly monotonous when struggling with Sad. The woman no longer feared the darkness and was able to appreciate its aesthetic value.
With winter approaching once again, this woman finds comfort in returning to her trusty light box, armed with newfound confidence that it will help mitigate the symptoms of Seasonal Depression.