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.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I really think that winter is the worst season for me–especially considering my Lupus diagnosis . I will try this next year!
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I use my lamp in all seasons. It really helps on dull rainy days in summer too. 😉
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Oh wow, okay ! I will look into it much sooner then!lol Thank you again!
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I am always thankful for those sunny days when I can get outside and put my SPF50 face up to the sun.
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Yes. If only I had taken better care in the sun when I was younger Bernadette…. Enjoy. 😍
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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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I agree Miriam. The lamp helps but getting outside on a sunny day is a hundred times better. I am sitting outside right now in my pink garden seat. Bliss.😊
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That sounds perfect. I’m just about to head off to bed. Enjoy that sunshine. 🙂
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😊
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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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I hope it helps her Wendy. It should after a few sessions of about an hour a day. xx
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Thanks Brigid – I hope so too and thanks for the tip.. xx
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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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That sounds great. I visited San Diego many years ago and it was lovely. I would love to spend my winters in a sunny climate and the remainder here…
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San Diego is a popular city for living! It’s pretty, not as busy as where I am, 100 miles north of San Diego!
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A lovely place to live.
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yes, one of my nieces got married and moved very close to there!
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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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I think I got this lamp from Argos Bella. Boots the chemist also sell them. Yes I wish it was sunnier here too but I love the scenery and the people. I would love to spend my winters in a sunny climate though…
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This is a lovely share. Thank you.
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Thanks Eugenia. I hope it helps some SAD sufferers.
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Reblogged this on Haddon Musings and commented:
Brigid’s lovely thankful post.
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Bless you Bernadette. 😇
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What a fantastic idea – 52 weeks of thankfulness! I am going to check it out!
(And also, I know a lot of people who have really benefited from their SAD lamps – I am glad to hear yours works well for you as well!)
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Yes Sarah. Please join Bernadettes writing prompt. SAD is such a horrible condition but the lamp really helps when the sun isn’t shining. 😊
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It’s a good one – I’ve been thinking of doing a couple writing prompts, and this one looks great.
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Thanks for the helpful post, Brigid!! I’ll check out the 52 Weeks of Thankfulness. We can never be too thankful.
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Brilliant. Bernadette is an inspiration. 😊
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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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I am so thankful I have had no recurrence. It has left quite a noticeable mark. 😊
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I’m not sure where it was but hopefully it’s somewhere subtle Brigid?
Down here we have a very high incidence of skin cancer due to the weakening of the ozone and our climate in most parts of the country.
Early detection like it sounds for you, is usually a good outcome. 🌟🌟
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It was on the bridge of my nose, and thankfully just basal cell carcinoma.
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Oh that’s good that’s it was the superficial kind Brigid. Sorry to hear the scar is deep on that part.
Take care 🌸🌸
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I feel lucky to live in a place where we have over 300 days of sunshine….even in the winter it’s usually sunny. Because I can totally tell a difference in my mood when I’ve been deprived of the sun!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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You are blessed. It is my dream to spend my winters in a warm climate when I retire Jodie. 🌼
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I have nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award. My mom has suffered from many of the disorders you discuss on your site and your insight is welcomed. Please check it out and I hope you accept my nomination.
http://www.craftyartistkc.com
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Thank you. I hope it helps your mom. I appreciate your nomination. However, I have stopped accepting award nominations. I will pop over to your blog shortly. 🌼
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Talk about technology! I first heard about this lamp from my daughter who recommends it to her patients. I couldn’t believe it is so effective!! Nice to hear it actually helps 🙂
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Thank you. It is a godsend Balroop. I would be so lost without mine. I use it year round. 🌼
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Wow, happy you got the lamp. Safe solution to many health issues.
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Yes. It is such a help. I hope my posting helps a few others to give it a try. I used to let people try my old lamp when I ran a natural medicine therapy centre and shop. They would come and sit awhile…🌼
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Very nice of you to help others 💕💕💕
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I do & my mom plans to give me a lamp to try that she didn’t feel was being utilized enough. I do find my bright yellow dining room & plants help a lot too! 🤗🌻
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It is a challenge. I hope you get that lamp and find relief. It makes such a difference. 🌼
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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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I agree Carol. You are blessed to live in such a wonderful climate. I hope to spend my winters in sunnier climates when I retire in 4 years. 🌼
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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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That is wonderful Carol. X🌼
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I keep thinking about buying one of these lamps. xx I definitely notice a change in my mood during the winter months. xxx
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It is well worth trying Heather. My lamp keeps me sane! I use it year round depending on the weather. xx
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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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Thank you. You are blessed with such wonderful weather. I hope to spend more of my winters in sunshine soon.
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Thank you but I would not choose here to live again. All is not what it seems. You will find the right niche like you have done in Ireland.
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I may have to try one of these lamps next winter Brigid. I definitely experience a dip in my mood and energy levels in January and February. Thanks for sharing some great information!
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My pleasure Terri. I could not manage without my lamp. It is a Godsend. 🌼
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I suffer with SAD and it’s a night mare I feel like a zombie all winter i have the light and have to vitamin D. But it dosent help.
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I am sorry to hear that. It sounds like you should liase with your doctor.
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I don’t suffer from SAD, but I do take vitamin D during the dark months (when I remember). I’ve no real idea whether it helps though
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I guess you will never know 😊
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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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I hope it helps Pamela. It gets me through the winter although my dream is to escape to hot countries when I retire.🌼
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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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Here comes the sun …. soak it up while you can and take joy in stowing the lamp for a few months ☀️
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Thank you Fiona. I sat out in the garden for four days in a row last weekend. I wore my furry coat though.😉
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I tought i read this before.. anyway i wanted to say this beast from east series is really getting too much and we have more to come..
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I hope you get a lovely spring soon Bella. 🌼
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Me too
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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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I could not manage without mine Deb. It is a lifesaver ! 🌼
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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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That is good to know Chris. It is a pretty horrible condition. Thankfully the sunshine is back and I have been getting outside most days. It has indeed been a long winter.🌼
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[…] Watching the daisies […]
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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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Thank you Diana. I find mine a lifesaver! Thank goodness for spring…🌼
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Very informative Brigid! I have heard of this but never knew the details!
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Thank you Lynn. It is very common in my part of the world. 🌼
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I hope you are well dear Brigid xx
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Thank you Lynn. I am going to take a wee blogging break from Friday to relax and recharge. Hopefully the sun will shine xx
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I hope so ❤️❤️
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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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Thank you. Yes the spring sunshine makes me feel much better and hopefully a good summer ahead. 🌼
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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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Thank you. I think a lot of people have SAD that are perhaps undiagnosed. I feel so much better now I can spend more time outdoirs but my lamp is such a Godsend 🌼
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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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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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It is a great feeling when winter ends. There is so much new growth abd anticipation…🌼
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I had this for years. I tried everything. Finally I had to move to somewhere sunnier! It’s like I’m a whole new person!
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That is wonderful. I hope to get away more in winter as I head towards my pension…
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