Could You Illuminate Your Home with SAD Lighting?
Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly referred to as SAD, is a type of depression influenced by the seasons. The condition is on the increase in Britain due to our change in lifestyle in the last 100 years. These days, far less people work in the great outdoors, and far more work inside. This mean
Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly referred to as SAD, is a type of depression influenced by the seasons. The condition is on the increase in Britain due to our change in lifestyle in the last 100 years. These days, far less people work in the great outdoors, and far more work inside. This means we get far less exposure to the sun and natural daylight, and this can affect some people more than others. SAD is often more severe in the winter months, when exposure to sunlight is at its very lowest, and it can sometimes be known as ‘winter depression’. Symptoms often improve in the spring and summer, before returning again the following autumn.
There are a whole host of symptoms associated with SAD. These include, but are not limited to, low moods and irritability, crying spells, body aches, poor sleep, overeating, and even trouble concentrating.
How can lighting help?
One of the most common ways of combatting SAD is through light therapy. Sufferers can purchase a special kind of light which mimics the effect of the sun. The lights ease the symptoms of SAD, helping suffers to cope through the difficult winter months.
Could SAD lighting be modified for use around the home?
As many people now live and work under artificial lights for most of their lives, this can present health challenges. In addition to the lack of natural light leading to SAD, artificial lights can also cause eyestrain and headaches due to increased glare. Typical indoor lights fall on the yellow end of the spectrum, the opposite to the natural light our eyes were designed to work under. So what can we do to tackle these issues?
Installing Full Spectrum Lights around the house may be the answer. Whilst SAD lights are a lot brighter than regular indoor lighting, they project light in the blue and green hues that are better for our eyes and our moods. Fitting these kinds of lights throughout the home can bring a range of health benefits.
If you think you may be suffering from SAD, it’s important that you consult your doctor before taking any further action. If the doctor recommends light therapy, you can purchase a range of SAD lights from our website.