Can SAD lamps and wake up lights help boost our mood?
Longer nights and overcast days can lead to the 'winter blues' for many and, for some, the more severe Seasonal Affective Disorder. There are claims that specially designed lights can help boost our mood in the darker months but listener Ross wants to know ifreally work? He asks what does the label 'medically certified' mean and is it worth paying extra for it?
If the clocks in the body don't align with the light/dark cycle that our eyes are sensing, there's a disconnect – and we can begin to experience issues, says Russell.Dr Jon Van Niekerk from the Royal College of Psychiatrists advises that SAD should be treated in the same way as other types of depression: through talking therapies, like CBT, or medication, in accordance with guidance from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence .
However, lux remains key. Lumie’s wake-up light emits 2,500 lux at a distance of 20cm, but just 450 when it’s about a metre away."I would like to see that a maximum output would be in the 1,000 to 2,000 lux range, because that’s the kind of strong stimulus that will set the clock," says Russell.For our body clock, what's important is not just the amount of light, but how much blue light we're getting.
However, Russell says he is"somewhat uneasy" about the term because, for devices, this should entail rigorous experimental testing. In addition, although recognise that light therapy is a popular treatment they also state,"it is not clear whether it's effective.""There is a huge amount of evidence there that supports the use of light," argues Victoria."The NHS guidelines themselves do say that light can have very positive effects.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Northern Lights: Spectacular display lights up Irish skiesWeather watcher photos from across Northern Ireland show the dazzling lights.
Read more »
'A sad ending to a sad story': Kennedy family criticise RFK Jr after he endorses TrumpRobert F Kennedy, nephew of assassinated former president JFK Kennedy and the son of Bobby Kennedy, who was killed while running for the White House, has thrown his support behind Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Read more »
'A sad ending to a sad story': Kennedy family criticises RFK Jr after he endorses TrumpRobert F Kennedy, nephew of assassinated former president JFK Kennedy and the son of Bobby Kennedy, who was killed while running for the White House, has thrown his support behind Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Read more »
Alan Wake and Alan Wake Remastered will have different ending songs starting next weekAndy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80.
Read more »
The Best SAD Lamps To Get You Through The January BluesBeat the 'winter blues' with the best SAD lamps during those shorter, darker days. Read more on Grazia.
Read more »
Northern Lights and Perseid 'shooting stars' light up Lancashire skiesStargazers were treated to two spectacular displays in one night
Read more »