Typical Symptoms

For many of us, changes in the amount and quality of light during the winter months can have a profound affect on our physical and mental well being. Insufficient exposure to light can lead to clinically recognised condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the ‘Winter Blues’.

Typical Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include

• Depression - feelings of gloom and despondency
• Lethargy - lack of energy, unable to carry out a normal routine
• Anxiety - inability to cope
• Craving for carbohydrates and sweet foods leading to weight gain during the winter
• Social problems - eg not wanting to see people
• Sleep problems - finding it hard to stay awake during the day but having disturbed nights
• Loss of libido - not interested in sex or physical contact
• Irregular menstrual cycle

These symptoms can commonly be resolved through the use of the Britebox SAD lamp.

Who Suffers From SAD Symptoms?

Recent studies have shown that many people within any given population above or below 30° of the equator, notice seasonal changes and suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Extensive worldwide research has shown that between 5 and 10% of the population suffers from the symptoms of severe Seasonal Affective Disorder and a further 25% suffer the milder yet still problematic symptoms (S-SAD).

Why Does Light Help Seasonal Affective Disorder Sufferers?

Light levels determine the sleep/wake cycles of both animals and humans. The desire to sleep is bought on by the secretion from the pineal gland of a hormone called Melatonin. Bright natural light or from a SAD lamp has been consistently proven to significantly reduce Melatonin, thereby greatly improving our energy levels.