Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Light Therapy For Seasonal Affective Disorder: Better Than Meds

Many people suffer from depression in winter, as they begin to feel tired, lethargic, depressed and hungry for processed carbohydrates. For many people, this state of mood happens every year around the same time; when the days are shortest and there is the least amount of sunlight to be absorbed. This condition is a real disorder that affects many who simply suffer in silence, yet there are very effective treatments for seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Seasonal affective disorder light therapy is a natural and effective way to beat these symptoms.

Seasonal affective disorder light therapy treatment is done with the help of special light therapy lamps. Exposure to a light source that mimics natural sunlight for as little as thirty minutes a day can have a dramatic affect on those suffering from SAD. For most people, this method works rather quickly, but it can take up to ten days to feel the effects if your case of SAD is particularly severe. Seasonal affective disorder lamps work quickly for many and no pharmaceutical drugs are needed.

Around fifteen to twenty percent of the population becomes depressed in winter; from light to severe cases. Five percent of the population will fall victim to deep depression during this time with a loss of happy mood, a desire to be alone, a desire to overeat and a loss of interest for formerly enjoyed activities.

Also known as light therapy, photo therapy involves exposing the eyes and skin to specific light wavelengths using LEDs, or light emitting diodes, fluorescent light, lasers or bright lights that emit all the colors of the spectrum. This type of procedure is prescribed for a short period of time and is non-invasive. It does not require anything but eye and skin exposure to produce seasonal depression disorder relief.

Lack of glorious sunlight due to the short days of winter can trigger depression in some individuals. Seasonal affective disorder light therapy involves exposure to special bulbs and treats depressive disorders by exposing patients to light that mimics natural sunlight. This tricks the brain into believing that the brighter, longer days of spring have arrived, and therefore eliminates the need for patients to take antidepressants to treat symptoms; drugs which can have adverse side effects.

Many individuals tend to become strangely depressed in the wintertime. Winter depression, also known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder), is an experience that many of us undergo every year. If you suspect that you or a loved one might have it, drop by our site to learn more about treatment options such as winter depression light therapy.

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