watchingthedaisies

S.A.D. – Seasonal Affective Disorder

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A little switch turns on in my brain every year, somewhere around the end of February. It seems to occur when the days lengthen and my body soaks up the extra light. Indeed, I become a different person!

S.A.D. or Seasonal Affective Disorder

I am one of millions of people who suffer from S.A.D or Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is most prevalent in countries furthest away from the Equator.

I have used a S.A.D lamp for many years, as I realize that I need LOTS of natural daylight as part of my self healing regime. Spending time outdoors throughout the year helps, but in winter I find the cold air is not good for my lungs, and I cannot walk or garden as often as I would wish. My lamp is used on a daily basis throughout winter, until spring beckons me outside once again…

S.A.D. Symptoms

Lack of natural daylight can induce a number of S.A.D. symptoms including:

  • Lethargy
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Cravings for carbohydrates
  • Difficulty in concentrating
  • Decreased libido…

Many of these symptoms are also common in fibromyalgia.

S.A.D. Lamps

S.A.D. lamps are somewhat daintier and cheaper than they used to be. My lamp (seen below) stands 20cm tall and cost around 40 Euro. In the early 1990’s, my first lamp stood around 70cm tall at a cost of nearer 200 Euros!

S.A.D. lamps are widely available online, or from pharmacies.

Please consult your doctor or health care professional before embarking on a new self care regime.

 

 

Using a S. A. D. Lamp

I usually manage well on 30 minutes daily during winter. However, every individual is different, and you can vary the length and frequency to suit your individual requirements.

My lamp sits on my desk, and I switch it on when I work on my computer.

I find it best to use the lamp in the morning, otherwise I feel too wide awake at bedtime.

Do you suffer from S.A.D?

Have you benefited from using a S.A.D. lamp?

Brigid P. Gallagher is a retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

 

 

 

93 comments

  3. My father in law used to use a SAD lamp. Nothing beats the real thing in my opinion but it’s definitely a great edition and obviously very effective. Thanks Brigid and all the best. xo

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  4. Thanks for this Brigid.. I think I’m going to invest in one as a present for my sister.. reading the symptoms, I think this may be a possible contribution to her current low mood.. xx

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  5. Thank you, Brigid for the info. It comes in handy because I have friends live in everywhere. I’m thankful to live in southern CA. I remember the first year I came to Portland, Oregon, it was March. Christmas in the same year, a whole bunch of students decided to drive to California. I was sitting in the sunny California for Christmas!!!

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  6. Brigid , great post where did you get your sad lamp from and whats it called. I get a bit sad.. but brighter days seem the are here in the uk albeit a bit cold. Thanks forcthe reminder.. i had a lamp befote but i just didnt like it. If only we would get more sun in the uk all year round..

    Oh an sun block i use that too.

    Have a lovely weekend

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  11. What a wonderful and positive post Brigid.
    I didn’t know about your C diagnosis but I’m thrilled you are doing well now.
    Happy to hear the weather is turning for you now 🌸🌸

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  17. Although I am not a sufferer Brigid it does sound like many are and your post has been very well received it is shame that the sunshine is not more evenly shared around the globe 🙂 x

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      • That will probably do you world of good Brigid…I like it here as the temperature is constant day and night whereas my daughter who lives in Australia the nights can be quite cold compared with the days…For me I find a more overall temperature has benefited my health I no longer use an inhaler which I used to every winter and no longer get my cough ..It really suits me here… 🙂 x

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  19. Informative post, the lamp will be useful for many. I used to tire of the grey and dark days they seemed endless at times. I tried at the weekends to go out in winter driving along in the sun that would brighten me up. Now I have 365 days of sun. Occasionally I miss the rain. Those miserable grey days are gone. Though there can be too much hot sun. Excellent advice.

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  23. Oh yes, I’m quite sure I suffer from S.A.D. When I lived in CA (SF bay area) I never had trouble during the winter. We’d have plenty of rainy days, but most often, the sun was out. And the temps were conducive to a long walk every day. Now here in the New England area, I can’t walk from December through (it’s looking like) March. Temps range from the low 30s to 0 degrees F. Next year, I’m getting myself one of those lamps!!! Thanks, Brigid.

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  24. Hello Daisies. Happy Spring Equinox!
    I’m so happy that the S.A.D. lamp works for you. It must be such a miserable time, during the Winter, when you’re unable to get enough natural sunlight to lighten those horrible miserable feelings that you experience.

    Although my favourite times of the year are Spring and Autumn, I haven’t suffered with S.A.D. – so I’m thankful for that.
    Sending you much love ~ Cobs. xxx

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    • Thank you Cobs. I first noticed it when I worked in an office in my twenties where there was only a wee skylight above me. I am sure it contributed to my PMT too! I am so thankful I discovered the lamps early on. I could not manage without it. X

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  27. I have never heard of a SAD lamp, but I think I could benefit substantially from it!! It’s too cold to be outside for long in the winter and I do feel the lack of sunshine affects me. Thank you so much for this info Brigid, I’m going to find one and try it!! What a great idea. xo ❤

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  28. Yes, Brigid, I and my mum and daughter are all sufferers. We would spend the long winter months, especially January, on the phone trying to lift each others spirits. I have found, though, that since I began juicing regularly I haven’t felt as bad. I think it resets the hormones and I find I am more alert, energised and positive. I now accept the problem rather than fight it and plan projects for the winter. I also take daily Vitamin D during the winter. I tried a lamp but I couldn’t get on with it. It was too bright and distracting. This winter has gone on far too long and I am in real need of warmth. It’s the cold that gets to me most. 🌷

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  30. Great post, Brigid, and excellent information. I have a “Sun Box” that comes out in January and February. I don’t know if I have S.A.D. to the same degree that some people do, but I notice the difference in a big way when I start using it. I’m so glad it’s spring!

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  32. Interesting information. This is the first time hearing of S.A.D. lamps. I only knew of lamps that are used on kids who leave in areas where there is no sun in winter. I believe they are for vitamin D. Hope you are feeling better with the longer and hopefully warmer days.

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  33. My mother suffered from this every winter and her house had small windows which I always thought made it worse. I love light and spend all of my sitting down time by the window, and even during my working days I had my desk next to the window. Light is such a gift…and it’s free! If we don’t have enough of it I am all in favour of the SAD lamp and I am delighted you find it useful.

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  34. Hi Brigid, I’m looking into purchasing one of these. Any particular one you would recommend? What should I look for? Any on Amazon that you like? Thanks for your help xo ❤

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    • Hi Deb. Sorry for the delay. I have been enjoying a break. I bought mine from Argos I think. It was made by Dezac Group from Cheltenham in Gloucestershire. It is only about 8 inches high but it gives out a great light and I have had it for more than 5 years. Hope that helps. 🌼

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      • Oh no worries Brigid, I knew you were on a break…I hope it was wonderful!! When I was researching them it had the light illumination at 10,000, is that what yours is…is there any better light than another? Like blue versus white?

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      • Hi Deb. I found my lamp on Amazon uk today. It is Bodi- Tek SAD light daylight therapy lamp. It has 10000 plus lux and 460 nm in blue spectrum. It is cheaper than many but it works well for me and has never needed repairs. 😊

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      • I saw that last night, they had the prices in Gbp rather than US $, ok thanks, now I know what I’m looking for. 😚

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  35. I’m finally shaking off the winter misery too. It’s like I’ve had my head under water for 5 months and at last I can breathe again.

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