Full Spectrum Lighting Provides Relief from the Winter Blues and S.A.D.

Do you ever develop cabin fever during the winter months? Do you find yourself eating more or sleeping more during the shorter days? Do you feel lethargic and lack interest in activities you typically enjoy? Do you get overly excited when the sun peaks through on a cloudy day? If so, you are probably one of 10 millio
Americans who suffer from the “winter blues” or the more severe ailment, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Many of us suffer from SAD without realizing it; we’ve even come to think it’s normal to feel lousy during the winter months. We suffer from SAD because we are missing the exposure to natural light that we enjoy with the longer days of summer. Research shows that the lack of sunlight during fall and winter can affect our circadian rhythm (internal body clock) that lets us know when to sleep or wake. Studies also indicate that the increased production of melatonin, a sleep-related hormone, can cause symptoms of SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin, a natural brain chemical that affects mood, and this can also lead to feeling SAD.

You might be asking yourself, what can I do to get out of the dark? Researchers have recently discovered that full spectrum lighting, along with enhanced blue spectrum, has a greater impact on resetting our circadian rhythms and balancing our melatonin and serotonin levels. As a result, full spectrum light can help improve mood and energy levels during the winter months.

Light therapy is a non-invasive, healthy way to help our bodies deal with the lack of sunlight we all experience. By spending approximately 30 minutes every morning with a light therapy product, you could improve your mood and sleep cycles. The medical community deems it is necessary to use a light therapy product that produces 10,000 Lux of light intensity. It is also suggested to use a product that simulates the visible color spectrum of sunlight for optical comfort.

Dawn simulation is another good tool to help fend off symptoms of the winter blues. Since the sun comes up much later during the winter months, many people find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Using a dawn simulator that artificially simulates the sunrise has been shown to help regulate our circadian rhythms by helping our bodies know when to wake and sleep. Dawn simulators come in all shapes and sizes; some can plug into an already existing lamp and others have the light built-in.

Full Spectrum Solutions, Inc. offers a wide selection of full spectrum lighting for all applications. Light therapy products are available in the traditional form of a light box that can be easily transported and stored, as well as a multifunctional lamp that can be used in your home or office all year long. With a wide variety of dawn simulators to choose from you will not have to wake up on the wrong side of the bed anymore.