We moved out here in June, 2002. The sky was clear and blue, the air smelled sweet, people were smiling, I even told my son that I thought the waitress at Shari's really liked me. As the 'days dwindled down" I notice a change. The kid at the car was saw my Jersey plates and said "Look out, you're gonna get depressed." My new doctor asked me about, among other things, erectile disfunction, and my moods. Then the rains came and things, well, changed. I asked my son how long this weather lasts and he said "'til about Memorial Day." So, now, after 5 years, I surrender. Tell me about these SAD reducing lights. (And hurry, please) :sad
Full Spectrum Light
- Thread starter dotnmarty
- Start date
Marty - many bulbs are "full spectrum" and can be found at any hardware store and simply replacing overhead lighting with different bulbs can help. However, it should be noted that (according to the Mayo Clinic)
I can tell you that my wife's mood improved considerably when we moved from a house with a lot of trees to the south of us to a house on a hill with no trees directly south of us. We get a lot more natural light in the current house than we did in the first two houses we lived in up here. Also, I think that simply getting outside more often can make a big difference. When we first moved here, I had this attitude about not doing things when it rains. That works well in other parts of the country, but not around here. Buy some Goretex and don't let a little (or a lot) or rain stop you from outdoor activities. That alone will probably help more than any light bulbs or fancy light therapy boxes. None-the-less, if you really feel you are affected by SAD, talk to your Dr. If diagnosed as such, a variety of treatments may be available under your insurance (I know of someone who had lights covered under medical insurance for example).
Mayo Site":15zqwytb said:
I can tell you that my wife's mood improved considerably when we moved from a house with a lot of trees to the south of us to a house on a hill with no trees directly south of us. We get a lot more natural light in the current house than we did in the first two houses we lived in up here. Also, I think that simply getting outside more often can make a big difference. When we first moved here, I had this attitude about not doing things when it rains. That works well in other parts of the country, but not around here. Buy some Goretex and don't let a little (or a lot) or rain stop you from outdoor activities. That alone will probably help more than any light bulbs or fancy light therapy boxes. None-the-less, if you really feel you are affected by SAD, talk to your Dr. If diagnosed as such, a variety of treatments may be available under your insurance (I know of someone who had lights covered under medical insurance for example).
Thanks Roger- Here's a picture of my house with northern exposure!
http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_ ... _photo.php
I dont think cutting down those cedars is an option. Nor is moving. But I will certainly accept your advice about getting out more in the rain. Dotty and I used to enjoy walking, but, since she has been unable to walk any appreciable distance, I too have been doing less of it. That will change. Good advice and appreciated.
http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_ ... _photo.php
I dont think cutting down those cedars is an option. Nor is moving. But I will certainly accept your advice about getting out more in the rain. Dotty and I used to enjoy walking, but, since she has been unable to walk any appreciable distance, I too have been doing less of it. That will change. Good advice and appreciated.
Marty
Roger's advice is pretty "on".
Nice house, really nice trees, and REALLY GREAT boat :thup :thup
However, I can help with the lights a bit. the full spectrum lights that are sold all over are really that, however the wavelengths that are useful in treatment of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) are quite specific. Bright light therapy involves a regimen of using the lights immediately upon awakening, for an exposure of at least 30 min at 10,000 lux or up to 2 hours at 2,500 lux. the lights are placed generally about 2-3 feet in front of the patient so the light fall on the retina and they are instructed not to look directly into the light but to glance at the light once every minute. In my work I have seen many folks with Shift Work Sleep Disorder, where because of rotating or even regular shifts other than Daytime, where circadian rhythm regulation was and issue, and often times the bright light therapy was effective. There is a version of brite lite that comes on a frame much like a pair of glasses, and if I remember right, they put out 10,000 lux, are portable and you can go about your regular morning duties while they are doing there shining :idea $$$
The lights are generally very expensive so if they are warranted and Insurance will pay, that is not a bad idea. Have to do some MD checking.
There is a relatively effective homeopathic version of the bright light therapy. A bit more work than just sitting in front of some very bright expensive lights, but it has some extra benefits as well. An early morning walk for 30-60 minutes. Practised on a regular basis, as soon as it is light outside, :hot walking towards the east for at least half of the time will many times make a measurable difference.
Hope this sheds some light on your dilemma,
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Roger's advice is pretty "on".
Nice house, really nice trees, and REALLY GREAT boat :thup :thup
However, I can help with the lights a bit. the full spectrum lights that are sold all over are really that, however the wavelengths that are useful in treatment of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) are quite specific. Bright light therapy involves a regimen of using the lights immediately upon awakening, for an exposure of at least 30 min at 10,000 lux or up to 2 hours at 2,500 lux. the lights are placed generally about 2-3 feet in front of the patient so the light fall on the retina and they are instructed not to look directly into the light but to glance at the light once every minute. In my work I have seen many folks with Shift Work Sleep Disorder, where because of rotating or even regular shifts other than Daytime, where circadian rhythm regulation was and issue, and often times the bright light therapy was effective. There is a version of brite lite that comes on a frame much like a pair of glasses, and if I remember right, they put out 10,000 lux, are portable and you can go about your regular morning duties while they are doing there shining :idea $$$
The lights are generally very expensive so if they are warranted and Insurance will pay, that is not a bad idea. Have to do some MD checking.
There is a relatively effective homeopathic version of the bright light therapy. A bit more work than just sitting in front of some very bright expensive lights, but it has some extra benefits as well. An early morning walk for 30-60 minutes. Practised on a regular basis, as soon as it is light outside, :hot walking towards the east for at least half of the time will many times make a measurable difference.
Hope this sheds some light on your dilemma,
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Captains Cat
New member
hardee":195co204 said:
Hey Marty, walk towards the east all of the time and we'll see you here on the right coast in about a month! :lol:
Sally had the same problems, the light sure helps! Winter is coming on, don't wait!
Marty... I use those artists' sunlight lights all the time... all over... by the couch, two by the dining room table, in the motorhome, the bedstand and even in the boat. While perhaps not Mayo clinic approved, these fluorescent lights do make things brighter, but with no glare, so great for crafts, reading, fixing things. The boat's lights are dim and yellow, so I use the sunlight lamps all the time when at the dock or on the genset.
Now, even Alco has $29.95 sunlight desklamps and $49.95 floor lamps with twice the power of what my Ott lights had. My cats love sleeping under those lamps even tho they put out alot less heat than tungsten filament bulbs.
I have two in my face when reading writing, etc., on the dining room table every night...
John
Now, even Alco has $29.95 sunlight desklamps and $49.95 floor lamps with twice the power of what my Ott lights had. My cats love sleeping under those lamps even tho they put out alot less heat than tungsten filament bulbs.
I have two in my face when reading writing, etc., on the dining room table every night...
John
Jim- Great shot. Love the Sun.
DrJohn- the artist lights are brighter than average and have, I believe the "Full Spectrum" but are not intended to be therapeutic for SAD. I have found that I like brighter light a lot more lately, and have switched to higher wattage lamps for reading and in some other areas.
The Bright Light therapy lights should be used on first arising, because of the photo-chemical process that they initiate, stimulating the daytime hormone train production in our body.
Marty- If you take CaptianCat's advice and always walk east, you will eventually wind up back here in the Great PNW, but don't forget to take a lunch. :wink:
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
DrJohn- the artist lights are brighter than average and have, I believe the "Full Spectrum" but are not intended to be therapeutic for SAD. I have found that I like brighter light a lot more lately, and have switched to higher wattage lamps for reading and in some other areas.
The Bright Light therapy lights should be used on first arising, because of the photo-chemical process that they initiate, stimulating the daytime hormone train production in our body.
Marty- If you take CaptianCat's advice and always walk east, you will eventually wind up back here in the Great PNW, but don't forget to take a lunch. :wink:
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
I am aware of the brilliant, powerful light boxes used for SAD therapy. I do not think I have SAD. You can Google, "full spectum light" to find all about the many alternatives available. I do enjoy the more powerful, full spectrum lamps for everyday use and keep them all over my home, office and boat.
In my office, we use full spectrum fluorescents, also.
I spend 2-3 nites a week aboard my TomCat and the factory lighting is yellow, dim, dingy, and lights only isolated areas of the boat. As such, I really enjoy using a small, full spectrum desk light when aboard and plugged in to 110V. I am thrilled that you can now buy 27 Watt, full spectrum lamps for $29.95.
thanks for all the info,
John
In my office, we use full spectrum fluorescents, also.
I spend 2-3 nites a week aboard my TomCat and the factory lighting is yellow, dim, dingy, and lights only isolated areas of the boat. As such, I really enjoy using a small, full spectrum desk light when aboard and plugged in to 110V. I am thrilled that you can now buy 27 Watt, full spectrum lamps for $29.95.
thanks for all the info,
John
dotnmarty":tar9vhl5 said:
Marty, try this:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/OPX6UOvrl6kHNB5bQRrbUA
It may not help with the SAD, but a happy belly may take your mind off the fact that you get 30 seconds of "sun breaks" some days.
Thank you so very much, Mr. JimTX and Mr. Marty Pants!!!
Here I am, trying to cut calories, starving from a bland oatmeal breakfast and you two not only bring up corned beef sandwiches, but provide a link... which just happens to be over 2,000 miles away!!!!! AARRrrggghhhh!!!
John
Here I am, trying to cut calories, starving from a bland oatmeal breakfast and you two not only bring up corned beef sandwiches, but provide a link... which just happens to be over 2,000 miles away!!!!! AARRrrggghhhh!!!
John
Dr John-You too can look east- to Harolds Deli in Edison, NJ (we had our scientists too, but thats a different topic) http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overvie ... RefID=1344
And don't forget the Celery tonic.
And don't forget the Celery tonic.
Dr. John- I took your advice and went to Home Depot For a half dozen daylight bulbs. A very helpful clerk in the bulb dept got me two three-bulb packs and I put 'em around the house. I do like the light they put out. According to the package, each 3 bulb pack will save $201.00 based on 3 hours used per day, @10 cents per kw hour. (the small print says '9 year duration') Then the clerk gave us discount coupons worth $2.00 / bulb. Not bad, 6 bulbs for about $20. I can hardly wait for a rainy day.