During the winter months, our light exposure is often short as the UK skies fill with clouds and daylight hours are reduced. Some suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is brought about by this reduced light exposure. That’s where the best SAD lamps come in – sitting in front of one can help boost your mood as they are thought to directly increase levels of serotonin (our feel good hormone). Expert Dr Victoria Revell, associate professor in translational sleep and circadian physiology at the University of Surrey, offered some advice on how to get this exposure. “Traditionally, it has been recommended that individuals use light boxes for 30 minutes upon waking and sit so that they bathe their face in light – no need to look directly at them,” she said. “This can be done while getting ready, having breakfast, checking emails etc. Simply having the light on in the room while you are getting dressed and organising yourself for the day will increase your light exposure.”
I’ve reviewed a number of SAD lamps over the years and have discovered they come in all shapes and sizes. Understanding why you’d opt for one over another often comes down to style preferences, size and how comfortable they are to sit in front of. However, not all of them are medically certified devices to treat SAD. If you have a diagnosis of SAD, you want to opt for the medically certified devices. These emit 10,000 lux at a tested distance. Dr Victoria Revell offers some advice on ensuring comfort: “When you are selecting, also look at the light intensity and the distance that you need to be to receive the required intensity”.
