SAD lamp/light recommendation?

**Jeanied** · 04-11-2010, 08:33 AM

I bought mine a good few years ago TS. It is a big Philips bright light energy light. I have it sitting by the table where I have my laptop and where I do paperwork and sewing, or read the paper etc. It goes on after dark at this time of year and I use it through the dark evenings in winter. It helps me to focus on the task in hand instead of wandering all over the place not doing much of anything.
Strangely enough, my cats have always sat in front of the light too. Luckily there is room to share with mine!

**chris** · 04-11-2010, 08:34 AM

I was going to suggest the phillips one too.

The design has changed since the first one, but I think it was one of the original ones to be release too.

**Glutton4...** · 04-11-2010, 10:47 AM

Fortunately for me I've never needed one, but my MIL has used one for years. I'm sorry, I don't know what make, in fact, I think she may have just bought the 'daylight' bulbs for her desk lamp.

My Sister suffers from SAD. So she moved to Spain! A lamp is cheaper!

**OllieMartin** · 04-11-2010, 10:49 AM

Are they always that kind of price? don't they just contain daylight bulbs or am I missing something?
I'd be interested in getting one of these, but they do seem pricey.

**Snadger** · 04-11-2010, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by OllieMartin View Post

Are they always that kind of price? don't they just contain daylight bulbs or am I missing something?
I'd be interested in getting one of these, but they do seem pricey.

I agree!

It would add to my SADness paying that much!

**chris** · 04-11-2010, 01:07 PM

You wanna do the hoovering Ollie - that'd wake you up, or leave you enough spare for a couple

hehe

**Jeanied** · 04-11-2010, 01:42 PM

The lightbulbs are not your normal ones, they give off a bright daylight without getting hot. My light gives a bright rectangle 18" by 12" so it is like sitting by a small sunny window.
I was going to suggest a visor - they are smaller - but they are more expensive not less!

**Two_Sheds** · 04-11-2010, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by OllieMartin View Post

Are they always that kind of price? don't they just contain daylight bulbs or am I missing something?

The light intensity, or lux, recommended for light treatment [for SAD] is 2,500 to 10,000 lux (the equivalent of bright daylight.
Conventional household lightbulbs emit only 50 to 300 lux, and bright office lights only about 200-500 lux. Light relief from the winter blues | Science | The Guardian

Apparently the best models use blue rather than white light: and of course they are even dearer.
However, this one is VAT free

**snohare** · 04-11-2010, 02:43 PM

I can't remember what make and model I used to use - it was one that was manufactured by "The Lightbox Company" or some such thing, very helpful folk who allowed you to pay with 3 postdated cheques - and the one I have now I received from the local hospital, made of HDF, is anything but light for carrying around !
My main recommendation would be to think carefully about weight, robustness and portability; as even a couple of days away without it midwinter may make a big difference you may end up carrying it on buses, trains etc, where the relatively delicate fresnel lens which protects the light may need shielding from bumps etc.
FYI, the other difference between this and a daylight bulb is that a daylight bulb covers just enough of the spectrum to reflect colours as they are shown in daylight - but it doesn't have various peaks of certain wavelengths which a Full Spectrum light does have.
Allow yourself an hour in the morning, and don't be surprised if Mr TS gets all grumpy when he sees it - some people love the bright light, some hate it !

**Two_Sheds** · 04-11-2010, 02:52 PM

Originally posted by snohare View Post

think carefully about weight, robustness and portability

Yes, I need something light and also energy efficient. I think I'm plumping for this blue LED one as it ticks all my boxes.

I've been thinking about getting one for years, but never been in a position to afford one before now. At the moment I am lethargic, my brain feels 'foggy', I'm craving carbs and sweets, I feel tearful every day: I'm totally different in summer. If it works, it'll be worth every penny

Originally posted by snohare View Post

don't be surprised if Mr TS gets all grumpy when he sees it

How would I tell?

Actually, I think it would benefit him too. He's having real sleep problems, this gadget might help to correct his circadian rhythms

**OllieMartin** · 04-11-2010, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by chrismarks View Post

You wanna do the hoovering Ollie - that'd wake you up, or leave you enough spare for a couple

hehe

Nah, I'll just put Will on it!

**Dottie** · 04-11-2010, 05:32 PM

Sounds like you've done your research and really just need someone who has used one or similiar to confirm they work. I can't say myself as I've never used one or know anyone who has, but if you feel you have SAD then I'd go for it.

Excellent Christmas present, actually getting something you want and will hopefully help your well-being.

**Brengirl** · 04-11-2010, 05:33 PM

I only seem to suffer in February. Best time of year to follow the sun and soak it up.

**janeyo** · 09-11-2010, 11:22 AM

TS, I have had one of these for about a month
Bodyclock - Lumie

I do not use the noise alarm on it. The light comes on half an hour before I want to get up. I can honestly say I have ben much less 'foggy' in the mornings since starting with it and have already recommended one to my mum.
I use the sunset and sunrise functions. It is helping me feel Much LESS like I CAN'T get out of bed even if there were a fire!
Hope this helps

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