I'm still narrowing down what type of SAD light to purchase, and still finding it hard to access reliable information.
The light I've used for years (consisting of one long fluorescent tube) has become weaker over time, meaning I have to sit in front of it for a longer time in order to benefit. In the course of looking into buying a replacement bulb I've discovered that the type of light it emits is not considered to be as beneficial as newer models out there, although it probably still helps.
As I think I mentioned in another thread, I recently rented a model called the "Day-Light Sky" which is made by the same company as the larger "Day-Light Classic" model (on which some reliable scientific studies have been done). I found the rental light just too bright for me, even on the lower setting, because I began to feel a bit nauseous and jittery after sitting in front of it. Reactions like that can be indicators of "light overdose" - a new term to me, but quite apt. So I returned the rental without buying one.
Last year I had bought a small travel light called a "Litebook", which has a bit of research behind it and is being looked at more closely in scientific studies. It has a couple of drawbacks, one of which is glare and the other its small size, both of which mean you must be very careful how to position yourself in front of it. However, I have been using it for the last few days and am getting the hang of it, so will continue using it until and if I find a larger one to keep at home.
I'm now using the light for 30 minutes and keeping tabs on my mood. So far I feel cautiously optimistic because my depression has been lifting for longer periods between down times. How much can be attributed to the light I'm not sure, but having responded positively in the past I will keep at it.
The light I've used for years (consisting of one long fluorescent tube) has become weaker over time, meaning I have to sit in front of it for a longer time in order to benefit. In the course of looking into buying a replacement bulb I've discovered that the type of light it emits is not considered to be as beneficial as newer models out there, although it probably still helps.
As I think I mentioned in another thread, I recently rented a model called the "Day-Light Sky" which is made by the same company as the larger "Day-Light Classic" model (on which some reliable scientific studies have been done). I found the rental light just too bright for me, even on the lower setting, because I began to feel a bit nauseous and jittery after sitting in front of it. Reactions like that can be indicators of "light overdose" - a new term to me, but quite apt. So I returned the rental without buying one.
Last year I had bought a small travel light called a "Litebook", which has a bit of research behind it and is being looked at more closely in scientific studies. It has a couple of drawbacks, one of which is glare and the other its small size, both of which mean you must be very careful how to position yourself in front of it. However, I have been using it for the last few days and am getting the hang of it, so will continue using it until and if I find a larger one to keep at home.
I'm now using the light for 30 minutes and keeping tabs on my mood. So far I feel cautiously optimistic because my depression has been lifting for longer periods between down times. How much can be attributed to the light I'm not sure, but having responded positively in the past I will keep at it.
)
yep, definitely a lot smaller than the sun!
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