SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a medically recognised condition which can impact on energy levels, sleep patterns and moods of those susceptible to it and thought to affect 2 million people in the UK. In its mildest form, SAD is often called the ‘winter blues’, but for some people it makes daily life almost impossible, causing symptoms such as lethargy, anxiety, depression and weight gain.
SAD sufferers are most commonly women and symptoms tend to be at their peak between October and April. This is due to reduced daylight. Although the exact causes of SAD are not fully understood, it is widely thought to be related to a chemical imbalance, particularly a lack of serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’.
Light therapy light boxes, or SAD lamps are a common treatment for the ailment, using intense artificial light to mimic bright sunshine. The intense light source is provided via bulbs up to ten times stronger than standard domestic bulbs. The light emitted is measured in Lux and the higher the rating, the more powerful and the less exposure time per day is required. For example, 2500 lux would mean a recommended exposure of two hours per day, whereas a measure of 10000 lux would reduce the requirement to half an hour per day.