Light Therapy For Winter Blues
What is Winter Blues?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is caused by the change in seasons, and it is more common than most people realize. Winter blues is a subsyndromal version of SAD but with less severe symptoms. Research by the U.S. National Institute of Health found that as much as 10-18% of the population in central and northern parts of the country experience winter blues. (source: psychiatry.org)
At one extreme, are people with SAD who really struggle through the change of seasons. At the other extreme, are those who wake up cheerfully rain or shine. And in between, are those with winter blues who don’t feel fully themselves during the fall or winter. They can still function well enough day to day, but the darker months are more challenging for them than other months.
Research by the U.S. National Institute of Health found that as much as 10-18% of the population in central and northern parts of the country experience winter blues.
What’s the Difference Between SAD and Winter Blues?
SAD can occur as early as September or even August. Winter blues, on the other hand, often occurs between December and February.
Another difference is the degree of symptoms. People with Seasonal Affective Disorder can experience setbacks in their relationships and at work, which is often caused by withdrawing from friends and loved ones. People with the winter blues are able to manage life’s demands and maintain relationships, but they don’t find as much enjoyment from these as they would like.
The Bright Way to Beat Winter Blues
The HappyLight by Verilux is a solution for this seasonal health problem.
The HappyLight works because it is different than normal household or office lighting. It mimics bright, outdoor summer light that has a much higher intensity than indoor lighting. As a result, it causes a biochemical change in the brain that improves mood and relieves symptoms of both winter blues and SAD. When the sun isn't around in fall and winter, it helps you get a healthy dose of bright, full-spectrum light to keep you feeling your best.
Using a light therapy lamp like the HappyLight is easy. Sit approximately 12-15 inches in front of the light for about 30 minutes each day while working, reading, studying or using a computer. Most people start noticing its positive effects in as little as 2 weeks.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE HAPPYLIGHT
I started feeling very fatigued and depressed in the late fall and winter and realized that it was because of the lack of sunlight. I realized I had winter blues. I bought the light therapy lamp and it has helped me and my family so much, I highly recommend this product. Worth every penny!
-Ali | Washington
I was struggling so much with energy levels. I was irritable and needed to encourage myself to take on the smallest of things like getting dressed, picking something off the floor, putting something the trash even. So I looked into the HappyLight therapy lamps. When I researched and saw the symptoms of winter blues it was then that I knew what my problem had been. Even then I was skeptical. Well within a week I noticed I truly feel like a new person. Tons of energy, a much better mental state of mind, I am sleeping a regular 6-8 hours each night, and my sleep isn't disrupted... I'm a true believer.
-Terra | Upstate New York
