Lamps for Seasonal Depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder affects roughly 5 percent of the population severely and it is estimated another 15 percent of people have a milder version of the disorder. It is brought about by disturbances in the amount of daylight a person takes in. Although the most common version of this disorder is found in the winter months, some people also experience S.A.D. in the summer.

Symptoms of this disorder include, but are not limited to, a change in appetite, weight gain or loss, fatigue, irritability, increased sensitivity and feelings of heaviness. This mood shift is real and needs to be treated. The reduction or disruption in light levels affects your serotonin and melatonin levels which can wreak havoc on your system. One of the most common forms of treatment is light therapy. This therapy can improve your mood significantly when used properly.

These lights are not sunlamps and do not emit UV rays, so they are safe to use for long periods of time. Always discuss treatment with your doctor, but some of the best reviewed S.A.D. lamps are the Philips HF3429/60, Aura Daylight Therapy lamp and the Litebook Edge lamp, quite portable and great for traveling. These are all available on Amazon for less than $200.