Reddit mentions: The best light therapy products
We found 495 Reddit comments discussing the best light therapy products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 61 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Nature Bright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy
- SOOTHING LIGHT THERAPY LAMP: The Nature Bright Sun Touch 2-in-1 Light Therapy Lamp combines light and fresh air therapy in a compact design. It helps balance your body clock, leaving your entire body feeling rested, refreshed, and nourished
- PERFECT MOOD ENHANCER: Our Sun Touch Plus sun lamp is ideal for brightening your spirits in the winter season and year-round. Our SkyEffect technology emits 17,000 Kelvin UV-free light, which can uplift mood
- CUSTOMIZED MOOD LIGHT: Since 2001, we’ve been helping people through hard times and toward a brighter future. Our built-in personal air purifier and built-in timer with 15, 30, 45, and 60-minute intervals allows customized use
- CONVENIENT AND COMPACT: The Nature Bright sunlight lamp is designed with a slim footprint and upright design so it can fit seamlessly almost anywhere. You can set it on your desk at work or on the nightstand at home to help you elevate your mood
- COMMITTED TO YOU: Sun Touch Plus is recommended by the Columbia Department of Psychiatry and is tested and certified safe for eyes by Age-related Macular Degeneration Center, University of Texas Medical Branch
Features:
Specs:
Color | White |
Height | 13 Inches |
Length | 9 Inches |
Release date | September 2007 |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 6 Inches |
2. Verilux HappyLight VT10 Compact Personal, Portable Bright White Light 10,000 Lux Therapy Lamp with 20 sq. in. Lens Size
- USA BASED - Verilux, with over 60 years as your Healthy Lighting Company, is the creator of the original HappyLight brand with live customer support located in Vermont.
- UV-FREE, FULL SPECTRUM LIGHT - Delivers up to 10,000 lux (light level) intensity for effective light therapy. Lens dimension: 20 sq in.
- EASY TO USE, COMPACT DESIGN - Simple on/off button makes operation easy. Smaller size ideal for frequent, longer session times and perfect for desktop or kitchen table.
- IMPROVE SLEEP, MOOD, FOCUS, ENERGY - Bright light from the HappyLight Compact light therapy lamp provides signals to the body to help you feel energized, focused, and revitalized.
- SAFE AND NATURAL LIGHT THERAPY - Non-invasive and drug-free; perfect for office workers, seniors, shift work, jet lag, insomnia, and sunlight deprivation.
Features:
Specs:
Color | White |
Height | 7.4 Inches |
Length | 6.3 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 1.5 Pounds |
Width | 3 Inches |
3. Sphere Gadget Technologies Lightphoria, 10,000 Lux Energy Light Lamp
Portable light system emits 10,000 lux wide-spectrum lightSelectable intensity levels and programable 15, 30, 45 minute timerSleek and compact lightweight design perfect for travel. 110v-240v worldwide-compatible AC adapter includedProvides natural soothing glow; mimicking real sunlight72 Energy-eff...
Specs:
Color | White |
Height | 1 Inches |
Length | 6 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 0.9875 Pounds |
Width | 6.5 Inches |
4. Philips GoLite BLU Energy Light Therapy Lamp, (HF3422/60)
Improves energy levels and mood100% UV free light is safe for eyes and skin20-30 minutes a day with go Lite Blu is proven to revitalize and promote a positive moodFights energy dips, fatigue, and winter BluesMost efficient kind of energizing light, requiring just 200 Lux to achieve an effect similar...
Specs:
Color | White |
Height | 5.6 Inches |
Length | 5.6 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | October 2014 |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 0.881849048 Pounds |
Width | 1.4 Inches |
5. Philips GoLite BLU Light Therapy Device
- Portable, rechargeable blue therapy light with Bluewave.
- Sleek new compact design
- New diffusion optics for softer, even light
- Wider treatment field gives you more flexibility
- Fully programmable, adjustable intensity
- Not to be used by people with Bi-polar disorder
Features:
Specs:
Height | 7 Inches |
Length | 7 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | October 2008 |
Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
Width | 7 Inches |
6. Day-Light Classic Bright Light Therapy Lamp - Sun Lamp Mood Light - 10,000 LUX Daylight Lamp
Contains (1) bright light therapy lamp. This daylight lamp provides the maximum recommended 10,000 LUX of glare-free white light to support therapeutic efforts to reverse low energy and to brighten your mood. Carex sun lamps have a 5-year warrantyA bright light therapy light that will help fight the...
Specs:
Height | 16 Inches |
Length | 4 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | June 2005 |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 21 Inches |
7. Verilux HappyLight VT22 Lucent 10,000 Lux LED Bright White Light Therapy Lamp with 35 sq. in. Lens Size
- UV-FREE, LED, FULL SPECTRUM LIGHT - Light therapy lamp that delivers up to 10,000 lux for effective, safe, and natural light therapy
- EVENLY DISTRIBUTED LED LIGHT - Enjoy your daily dose of healthy, bright light that's flicker-free, glare-free, and hotspot free with 72 LED lights
- IMPROVE SLEEP, MOOD, FOCUS, ENERGY - Bright light therapy improves sleep, boosts mood, increases energy, and enhances focus, leaving you feeling revitalized
- PORTABLE & PRACTICAL - The ultra-thin tablet design makes HappyLight Lucent portable enough for use at home or on-the-go, and perfect for the winter blues, insomnia, sunlight deprivation, shift work, office employees, and seniors
- LIFE IN A BETTER LIGHT - With over 60 years in healthy lighting and the creator of the original HappyLight, our US-based team is here for you with live support and a 3-year warranty
Features:
Specs:
Color | White |
Height | 8.5 Inches |
Length | 0.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 6.5 Inches |
8. Philips GoLite BLU Energy Light Therapy Lamp, Rechargeable (HF3429/60)
- Clinically proven energy light to increase energy levels and mood; helps you to stay sharp
- Light therapy blue light is as effective as 10,000 lux white light
- Light therapy lamp fights energy dips, fatigue, and winter blues; results in just 20-30 min/day; use while reading, working
- Blue light therapy has a similar effect on well-being as a sunny blue sky; controls glare for ultimate eye comfort
- Rechargeable battery and cord for use anywhere; 5 light intensity settings; travel lock with 90 Day No Hassle Money Back Guarantee from Philips
Features:
Specs:
Color | White |
Height | 4.094 Inches |
Length | 7.441 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | October 2014 |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 0.881849048 Pounds |
Width | 7.087 Inches |
9. Verilux HappyLight VT20 Full-Size 10,000 Lux Bright White Light Therapy Lamp with 2 Interchangeable Lenses and 41 sq. in. Lens Size
- UV-FREE, FULL SPECTRUM LIGHT - Light therapy lamp that delivers up to 10,000 lux for effective, safe, and natural light therapy
- PERSONALIZED SETTINGS - Customize your experience with 2 brightness levels, 2 interchangeable lenses, and the detachable stand and wall mount
- IMPROVE SLEEP, MOOD, FOCUS, ENERGY - Bright light therapy improves sleep, boosts mood, increases energy, enhances focus, and leaves you feeling revitalized
- EASY TO USE & PRACTICAL - The HappyLight Full-Size is ideal for use at home and on tabletops like desks, nightstands, and counters, making it perfect for the winter blues, insomnia, sunlight deprivation, shift work, office employees, and seniors
- LIFE IN A BETTER LIGHT - With over 60 years in healthy lighting and the creator of the original HappyLight, our US-based team is here for you with live support and a 1-year warranty
Features:
Specs:
Height | 12.5 Inches |
Length | 6.251968504 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | April 2015 |
Size | 3 Piece Set |
Weight | 2 Pounds |
Width | 4 Inches |
10. Alaska Northern Lights Northstar - 10,000 LUX Bright Light Therapy Lamp
- 10,000 LUX at 24 inches. Trusted since 1993.
- UV free. Includes a 25,000 hertz electronic ballast with no irritating flicker or electromagnetic field.
- Comfortable low glare prismatic light diffuser to protect your eyes. Can be used horizontally or vertically.
- Large enough for multi person use with 281 sq inches of surface area.
- Features 2 broad spectrum Biax bulbs and high mirror finish reflectors to give you the best distance for light therapy.
Features:
Specs:
Color | White |
Height | 12 Inches |
Length | 24 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 10 Pounds |
Width | 6 Inches |
11. SGROW 24W Red Led Light Red 660nm and Near Infrared 850nm Led Light Therapy Bulbs for Skin and Pain Relief- FDA Cleared
FDA CLEARED - This LED Red Light Therapy device is cleared for use by the FDA Combo Deep Red 660 and Near Infrared 850nm ,deep red can be absorbed more effectively by skin ,repair skin problem.Infrared light 850nm penetrates deeper into skin ,increase light pentration through skin to pain points ,mo...
12. Nature Bright Sun Bliss 2 in 1 Portable Light Therapy and Wake-Up Light
10,000 LUX bright light mimics sunlightBuilt in wake-up light alarm clock gently rouses youAdvanced LED diffusion lens protects your eyesLightweight and small size for easy portability. Universal Adapter - Input 100 – 240 V 60/50HzUniversal adaptor for use while traveling
Specs:
Height | 1.25 Inches |
Length | 4.82 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | July 2015 |
Weight | 2 Pounds |
Width | 4.72 Inches |
13. Carex Day-Light Sky Bright Light Therapy Lamp - 10,000 LUX - Sun Lamp To Combat Winter Blues and To Increase Your Energy
- SAFE LIGHT THERAPY LAMPS. Combat fatigue, circadian sleep disorders, jet lag, shift work adjustment, and low energy with this bright light therapy lamp. The Day-Light Sky lamp is an LED light box that delivers the recommended 10,000 LUX light therapy
- LOOKING FOR SUN LAMPS? Our sunlight lamp is glare-free and flicker free LED that evenly distributes the light therapy. Made with high-efficiency LED diodes, the Day-Light Sky daylight lamp eliminates flicker that comes with ordinary fluorescent fixtures.Height adjustable
- 2 SETTINGS: The light therapy lamp offers two settings. One setting provides 10000 LUX of therapeutic glare-free white light while the one-light setting provides convenient glare-free task lighting making it the perfect sunlight therapy lamp for any situation
- CLINICALLY TESTED, RECOMMENDED BY EXPERTS. Doctors are recommending sun lamps and sunlight light therapy lamps for fatigue, jet lag, and for increasing energy. Exposure to the sunrise and sunlight is a key factor in synchronizing our bodies to the external world
- UV FILTERED & SAFE. The light box is made of Hi-impact polycarbonate and the lens filters 100% of harmful UV rays. This light therapy device meets the standards for safe sun lamp therapy and full spectrum light therapy.120 VAC, 60Hz, 1.5A
- Provides a large field of illumination for maximum therapeutic benefit
Features:
Specs:
Color | Turqoise |
Height | 27.25 Inches |
Length | 13.69 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | February 2010 |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 8.2 Pounds |
Width | 10.75 Inches |
14. Verilux HappyLight Energy Lamp 5000
- Improve your mood and energy - naturally and comfortably - with Light Therapy from Verilux. Broad, even and clean "light field" allows for flexible positioning options.
- Up to 5,000 lux, UV blocked bright white light therapy recommended by professionals.
- Bring natural spectrum lighting into any room or work area with soothing, energizing illumination that improves mood, energy and concentration.
- Don't take chances with your eyes. Safety tested to the highest standards. UV and Flicker-free, ETL, FCC and ROHS certified.
- LIVE USA based dedicated Customer Care and Support. A real brand you can trust since 1956. Don't accept cheap substitutes.
Features:
Specs:
Color | White Base |
Height | 12 Inches |
Length | 5.6 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | October 2009 |
Weight | 2 Pounds |
Width | 3.9 Inches |
15. TaoTronics Light Therapy Lamp, Portable LED Therapy Light Energy Lamp, UV-Free 10000 Lux Brightness, Timer Setting & Foldable Bracket for a Happy Life
UV-Free 10000 lux Light Therapy Lamp: Features the same 6500K color temperature of natural sunlight to help fight winter blues, jet lag, and shift work or seasonal changes(Note:New or Old logo products are shipped randomly)3 Brightness Settings: Set the level that best suits the environment, the d...
16. Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy Lamp | As Seen On Shark Tank | 10,000 LUX Ultra Bright LED | Full Spectrum UV Free | Modern Minimalist | Turn On Your Day
✔ FEATURED ON SHARK TANK, OUR MOST MINIMALIST MODERN LAMP | This lamp was featured on Shark Tank. Symmetrical, with straight lines and square angles, this lamp's versatile design makes it stand out in a modern home or office. The top-to-bottom light panel covers almost the entire front of the lamp...
Specs:
Color | Gray |
Height | 6.299212592 Inches |
Length | 6.692913379 Inches |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 3.93700787 Inches |
17. Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp - 10,000 LUX At 12 Inches - LED Sun Lamp Mood Light
10000 LUX LIGHT THERAPY LAMP (AT 12"). Daylight Lamp provides the recommended 10,000 LUX of glare-free white light. Sunlight lamp includes a safe, glare-free screen, and is a LED therapy light. Comes with a flexible angle stand for optimal light therapyLED THERAPY LIGHT. The Mayo Clinic suggests usi...
Specs:
Color | Silver/White |
Height | 13 Inches |
Length | 15 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 9.35 Pounds |
Width | 12 Inches |
18. Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp | As Seen On Shark Tank | 10,000 LUX Ultra Bright LED | Full Spectrum UV Free | Adjustable Light Panel | Turn On Your Day
- STYLISH & UV-FREE: These happy light therapy lamps deliver safe and natural LED light that our bodies need and are perfect for improving insomnia, jet lag, seasonal blues, and so much more
- EASY TO USE: Our lamp’s revolutionary, quick one-touch operation makes it simple to use with 3 levels allowing you to customize the brightness for the best efficacy and comfort
- EFFECTIVE: This therapy light provides the recommended 10,000 LUX of brightness to help the winter blues, regulate sleep, improve focus, boost energy and make us feel less sad. The light therapy lamp is designed to mimic the colors of daylight
- LONGER LASTING: The LED natural light lamp lasts approximately 50,000 hours -- a longer life than fluorescent bulbs -- and produces uniform, dot-free light that has the same quality of the noonday full-spectrum sun (5500K)
Features:
Specs:
Color | White |
Height | 1.3779527545 Inches |
Length | 1.49999999847 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Lumos |
Weight | 1.3 Pounds |
Width | 3.49999999643 Inches |
19. Northern Light 10,000 Lux Light Therapy Desk Lamp, Beige
Offers 10,000 lux at a comfortable distance of up to 18 inches, UV blockedFully adjust the height and angle at which the light shines for a truly customizable light therapy experienceElectronically powered ballast assures reliable performance with no flicker and no humFull Spectrum LightingMade in C...
Specs:
Color | Beige |
Height | 18 Inches |
Length | 19 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | July 2016 |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 7.94 Pounds |
Width | 11 Inches |
20. Miroco Light Therapy Lamp, UV-Free 10000 Lux LED Bright White Therapy Light, Touch Control with 3 Adjustable Brightness Levels, Memory Function & Compact Size
Sleek & Modern Shell Design: Its unique shell shape and 6500K color temperature make it not only a lamp, but also an attractive focus in your homeSafe & UV-Free LEDs: Light intensity measured in lux should be 10,000 to mimic a bright sunny dayAdjustable Brightness: With 3 brightness levels (40% / 60...
🎓 Reddit experts on light therapy products
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where light therapy products are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
My favorite one of the 4 I've tried over the years, by far, has been the Day-light Sky light. Pricey, but I like how it can tilt over my head while I'm at my desk at work, it definitely tricks my brain into waking up. I usually flip it on the super bright setting for 30 minutes to an hour, then turn it off for a bit, then I'll use it for the next several hours on the slightly lower setting. Hot tea, good music, and that light makes winter afternoons nice.
My second favorite has been the Verilux HappyLight Liberty 10k, I bought this one at Bartell Drugs. I tried another variant or two of the Verliux, and I liked this one the best of those. For me, having the light shine from above eye level seems to work better for me, so I usually set mine up on a small shelf, though it works fine just sitting on the desk too. I sort of have the same regiment with this one, I'll use it on the super bright setting for a little while, maybe 30 minutes or so, then switch it down to the lower setting for the rest of the evening (though I try to turn it off a couple of hours before bed).
I tried the blue light, but I found that I preferred the more normal feeling lights. Honestly, I don't think its the spectrum that seems to make the biggest difference for me, its just having a really bright light to trick my head into going into awake mode.
In addition to the bright lights, forcing myself to get up and walk around the block can help fight the dreary feelings for me, or if its super nasty out walking around somewhere airy and busy, like Pacific Place (or similar indoor place), helps me feel more awake. Also, try to do some social things regularly if possible, even if you aren't feeling super social. I've found its easy for me to accidentally forego hanging out with people for a couple of weeks if its messy out, then realize I'm feeling more cabin fever than usual. Movies in the theatre can be fun in the winter too, as you are sort of transported by the big screen to some far off place while being warm and dry.
Those are my coping mechanisms. I love winters here in almost every way, the clean, crisp air, even the cool, damp, darkness is calming for me. Its just convincing my brain to feel awake that can be tough for me. If it really gets to me, I try to take a week or two and go somewhere sunny in February or so if possible (though I realize this isn't an easy option for everyone).
I have tried many things over the years, not even sure which ones were the best ! Looks like you are already doing the basics right, so something else is off. There is no one right answer for any person. Here are some other things you can and should try that helped me:
Try meditating daily using www.calm.com. Try the 10 minute session. can you do it easily ? If not, that's an important signal right there - your mind is too anxious or has a hard time slowing down. Try learning to slow down at will with this website once or twice daily and this will greatly train your inner system to relax and go deeper at will. It's all about practice when you are awake.
For example:
http://www.amazon.com/Lightphoria-000LUX-Energy-Light-Lamp/dp/B004JF3G08/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1412132233&sr=1-3&keywords=sunlight+lamp
That's a bunch of stuff I know from first hand and others' experience. Most of these may be experimental for you and will work to varying degrees. But my philosophy is if it doesn't hurt, no harm giving anything a fair shot !
In short, I was in a very similar situation. I have been suffering from similar issues for than 15 years. About two years ago, after hundreds of hours of research, consultations with sleep experts, and self-experiments, I managed to find a way out. I have been waking up naturally at 7am and falling asleep within <15 mins since.
Taming my sleep schedule required multiple measures. But, combining all of these together, completely changed my life.
When I was looking for a cure, I found encouragement in reading forums like this, which illustrated to me that I am not alone, and people do figure out how to overcome this eventually. I don't think that there is a silver bullet for fixing it, nor that its a one-size-fits-all solution. For me, educating myself on this (here's a really great resource to start with), experimenting to find what works and what not, and committing to resolve it, eventually paid off.
Have faith, and more so, luck, in finding a way to a healthy and sustainable resolution.
As adjuvants to treatment I would recommend the following:
Light Therapy/Sunlight - It seems to be helpful with no adverse side effects. You can get a cheapish one from here(it's $60). I think Costco sells one too for like $60, but it's only 4000LUX rather than 10,000LUX
Taurine which many have found to be beneficial for skin conditions (most sulfur containing amino acids have). Can be found here ($12 for a full year's supply if you take 3g/day)
Daily consumption of (low mercury) Fish/Fish Oil which can be found over here ($24 if you take 3/day for a year, $48 if you take 6/day for a year). People have found that their skin health improves after they start getting adequate amounts of Omega 3 in their diet, it's also beneficial for a bunch of other stuff. You can also use the coupon code KSF812 for 5% off your order at Trueprotein. Very Important: If you purchase anything from Trueprotein, make sure you pay through some sort of credit card proxy because there have been reports of people's credit cards being stolen recently. Use Paypal/a virtual credit card; and you should be at no risk though.
Vitamin D might also actually help as it's been found to be important for hair/skin. 4K/day seems like a good amount to take.
Biotin supplementation has been found to be helpful for hail/nail/skin strength as well, actually.
I'd really recommend you start eating low mercury fish though (as long as you're not allergic) like salmon (look for wild/sockeye salmon), herring, sardines, or mackerel (look for atlantic/pacific, not king/spanish) everyday. It's got a ton of other health benefits too, and the improvement you notice in your skin will just be a small thing in comparison to all the other healthy stuff.
Ah, something I'm unfortunately an expert at! Skip to point 3 if you just want to read about the light, I'm pasting in something I wrote on a different thread. I have suffered from really dramatic SAD for years (Minnesota) and have finally got a handle on it.
For me, it revolves around 3 categories: Exercise, Vitamin D, and Light. Especially blue light. Also, I didn't realize until I started really digging into it how poorly researched SAD is. . .
Wear blue-blocking glasses every night starting 90 minutes before bed. Richard actually got me turned on to these, and they seem to work really well: https://www.amazon.com/Uvex-Blocking-Computer-SCT-Orange-S1933X/dp/B000USRG90
Wire up some LED's in the specific blue wavelength to use at my desk at work. However, I happened to find an (overly expensive) ready to go solution to this from Phillips: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M3SGCUE This sits on my desk just below my monitor and beams JUST blue light into my face, within my field of vision. I can comfortably have this on for several hours in the morning, and it seems to make a huge difference. I think.
The light and the glasses seem to agree, as wearing the glasses makes the light very nearly disappear. . .
TL;DR: Use a LOT of blue light in the morning, block blue light late at night.
If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, doctors will often just diagnose you to give you a prescription. There are many things you can do outside of medication to help that don't require insurance and are practically free!
If you believe it goes beyond mood issues, then find a non-profit in your community that can connect you to resources.
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Build connections--like you are doing on Reddit but also in your community. Look on https://www.meetup.com/ for meet ups in your community. If you're religious, find a good church and get involved.
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Get sunshine & Vitamin D: especially important during the winter up here, that alone can lead to really bad focus issues, depression, and sleep disturbances. If you can, get a "Happy Light" on Amazon that will help with seasonal depression. https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Lucent-Bright-Therapy/dp/B079YBGPM5/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1550609760&sr=1-5&keywords=happy+light
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Find physical activities that you enjoy: Bonus if it connects you with other people. Exercise alone can improve mental health leaps and bounds https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-is-an-all-natural-treatment-to-fight-depression
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Find an outlet: if you're a creative person, create. If you don't think you are, give something a try and don't judge yourself! Write a short story or doodle. http://writingexercises.co.uk/index.php
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Find online resources: there are countless meditation and yoga videos on youtube that are free and extremely helpful. Find one that resonates with you and practice, practice, practice. Strengthening the mind is just the same and strengthening a muscle. You must be proactive or it will atrophy.
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Hoping you find answers and help. <3
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What do you think triggered her sleep problems? Does she have a history of dieting and/or overexercising? Or a period of a lot of stress?
-> Make sure your mom gets enough light exposure during the day (ideally sunlight). Sitting inside all day is not good for your circadian rhythm. Try to get half an hour of sunlight exposure as soon as waking up. If that's not possible, buy a blue light lamp, like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Therapy-Rechargeable-HF3429-60/dp/B00M3SGD4Y
-> Make sure your mother eats enough. I've seen lots of people, including myself, who got insomnia due to excessive dieting and overexercising. Eating enough in the morning and at lunch is key. Make sure every meal contains a good amount of protein, fruit and vegetables, to make sure your blood sugar levels remain stable.
-> The right kind of exercise is important. Weightlifting is a great way to improve metabolic health without exhausting yourself. Improved metabolic health is a key factor in insomnia. The increased amount of mitochondria and improved insulin sensitivity make sure your cells are able to produce a lot of energy, thus reducing levels of stress hormones. Endurance type exercise is less ideal because it can wear you out.
-> I'd also recommend taking some CBD oil for resetting your nervous system and calming you down. I don't know if it's legal where you live, but if it is, definitely try it. It's one of the best supplements there is for insomniacs.
-> Finally, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a good way to improve sleep as well. There's a number of good books on CBT that you can find on Amazon. I recommend this one to start:
https://www.amazon.com/Say-Good-Night-Insomnia-Drug-Free/dp/0805089586/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1524235804&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=gregg+jacobs
This is the light box I use. The legs are annoying but it's so cheap so I bought 4. If you buy a light therapy box, definitely go with a trusted brand like the ones you find at your sleep center. I'm very happy with carex as a company. I had an issue with one of the lamps and they promptly sent me a replacement, despite it being past the warranty. They even followed up with me to make sure I got it.
I have it set up on a Wemo plug, but any smart plug will do. I would wait until black friday, all of my smart plugs were free-$5 on Amazon during a promotion, and I bet Amazon will have something for black friday.
This is one of the bulbs that is tunable. I have a few around the house now, I can't remember which is which, and I'm currently out of town. Bulbs also go on sale during black friday and prime day and all that jazz.
Good luck and happy sleeping!
Mmmmk... so I've been awake for like 23 hours at this point but I'm going to work a 12 hour shift tomorrow so I'm going to try to answer now without sounding loopy.
Okay so, it's kinda shitty that the doctor threw so many prescriptions at you. I mean, I'm not a doctor, so obviously their word always trumps a tech. I just really don't like when doctors hand out prescriptions to try to fix problems that might be solved without them. I want my husband to try nuvigil because he DOES have OSA, and he's getting treatment, and still super tired.
Anyway, so I mentioned delayed sleep/wake phase disorder earlier. The name of this disorder is kinda misleading because it makes it sound like there is something wrong with you, but in reality it's a set of behaviors that got you there. It would be super nice if your body just did exactly what you told it to do, and you could sleep exactly when you wanted right when it was convenient, but unfortunately it doesn't always work that way. So, you mentioned having issues where you'll be tired through most of the day but then you get a boost at like 11pm. This is, for the most part, normalish. Your circadian rhythm is kind of like a rolling tide all day and all night. For the average person there is a specific time of day you're most awake (10am) and going to get groggy (4pm) and it happens when you're asleep too! IIRC 4am, while you're sleeping, is when you're the most "awake" during sleep. So with delayed sleep phase disorder, you've basically conditioned your body to do this normal circadian rhythm process but not at the right hours. This actually is super super common for teenagers to do, and I actually do it myself. I have very serious problems being on a 1st shift schedule and when I was on first shift I would find myself drifting towards staying up till 4am on the weekends and then I would be fucked trying to sleep Sunday night. So this is what I think has happened to you. The "best" way they say to fix this is to set your sleep time later every day in increments of like 30 minutes until you've made it around the clock and land at a more normal people time to sleep. That is completely and totally insane though and I have no idea who would be able to do that, you'd have to have no job or school or obligations at all. The easiest way to do it is on a weekend stay up all night long until you're fucking exhausted and then go to bed at a normal people time, like 10pm. After that, you have to force yourself to commit to it. You will definitely find yourself drifting again if you allow it, but you have to be firm about your bed time, and eventually it'll stick. So that's my first set of advice.
My second advice is to buy a light box. Most of them are really expensive but I bought this one which is pretty reasonably priced and unobtrusive. Use that fucker every. single. morning. Make it part of your getting ready process. Alarm goes off, you turn on your light, and then sit in front of it for like 20 minutes while you go through your phone, eat breakfast, whatever. This should help you a ton, like you have no idea. Your body needs this light to tell it to wake the fuck up, and it should help with grogginess a lot. It won't happen overnight but in a few weeks if you stick with it there should be improvement.
My other general tips that I'm sure you've heard before: take melatonin like an hour before bed every night. I actually do this and it really helps the quality of your sleep. Doing this goes hand in hand with the light therapy in telling your suprachiasmatic nucleus when it should and should not be signaling sleep. Also if you're determined to look at your phone leading up to bed (I'm guilty of this) then install an app to filter out your blue light. I have one and it's on a timer so I don't even have to remember to turn it on. But if you really can be disciplined, read a book before bed. And don't get in bed until you're ready to sleep. If you still can't sleep, don't just lay in bed tossing and turning. Get out of bed for like 20 minutes and read a book and then try sleeping again. Sleepytime tea also can be helpful if it has valerian root in it, which is proven to make you drowsy. And of course, never ever ever ever EVER drink caffeine after lunch. This is my firm rule here, this will fuck with you in ways you don't even realize. Once you've tapered down your caffeine, if you try drinking it again you'll notice how fucking wired it makes you.
That's all I've got, hopefully it was helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions, I don't mind answering at all!
Hey man I have struggled with this before - I set the alarm like 45 minutes before I need to get up and take my Meds then.
First of all you gotta really think about what you are doing...if you aren't finding a way of being at work that inspires you then you aren't gonna wanna be there. Trust me there is an inspiring way of being in almost every situation. Some are more difficult and even then it can be rewarding to inspire yourself in the face of difficulty. I'm not talking about forcing yourself to grin and bear something. I am talking about fundamentally dealing with your goals and identity to literally see your circumstances differently.
Like it or not lateness is a function of priority. ADD people have a problem focusing on things long enough to make them a high priority. It's how often you let the commitment invade your present thinking. Get in the habit of reminding yourself about these things.
Also rationalization man... don't tell yourself it will be okay. It won't be. At times your reputation is the only thing you have going for you. Treasure it and keep your commitments. decide how much time you realistically need to get ready and get to work 10 minutes early. now respect that schedule. every time you sacrifice your comfort and easy breezy way of being to the schedule it gets easier to follow the next time. Eventually it's automatic.
You are gonna do great. For Awhile. you will invariably have a breakdown and feel like it was all for not and start believing silly things like you are intrinsically an irresponsible person or whatever meaning you make from it. Identify the cause of falling out of integrity with your commitments. Did you fail to frame it in such a way that you paid attention to it. Did you let yourself fall into a pattern of dismisal or justification? identify and recommit and you are clear and on the path towards building and identity of punctuality and integrity. You will literally feel your commitments like a drive and feel the need to complete them and you will derive satisfaction from doing so. It's great man.
Also a kick ass alarm clock tied into a freaking bright light never hurts
Philips Blu Light Alarm Clock
Ah wow, I can understand just wanting a good night's sleep in your situation.
This page is a really good guide for sleep hygiene. The most important things for me are: no caffeine/alcohol, not hanging out in bed while awake, establishing a pre-sleep routine, and having a "wind down" period about an hour before bed. You may find some of these more important than others. It's really important to train your body to recognize bedtime.
Light therapy is just helpful for readjusting your schedule and encouraging your body to feel alert/sleepy at the right times. This entails getting out in the sun when you first wake up (or using a sun lamp) for at least 15 minutes. Having access to sunlight during the day helps (as in, not staying in a dark room or cubicle!). Also, keep the lights dimmer at night, because bright light will suppress melatonin production and keep you alert. Consider using f.lux if you don't already. I started using this a few years ago and can't imagine life without it!
Best of luck with your health issues, hope you continue to get good sleep. :)
I have several friends that live in Finland, so I get to go and stay for free. I spent about 4 days in Rovaniemi for skiing last year. As an American looking over the side of the bridge and seeing a partially submerged speed limit sign, I thought, "Huh. The road has been flooded by the adjacent river and frozen over." Nope. They turned part of the river in a road. The river road speed limit is about 20 mph. :)
Useful information, VITAMIN D and a sun lamp are your friends. I used this sunlamp while living in Northern France. Seasonal Depression is a real thing and it blows.
Like the kind Finnish redditor mentioned, Finns don't generally do small talk. This is almost always true. Fight the urge to chit chat American style.
Also, learn sauna etiquette as saunas are very important in Finnish culture. Your board shorts in the pool and shower aren't going to fly. There is nothing better than beer and a sauna.
Speaking of beer, Finland has some great beer, but you may have to look around for it. I've some excellent beers in Finland which had complex flavors.
Remember that you are in Europe. Travel is relatively cheap once you get there, but living up north may make it a little more inconvenient and / or expensive.
Sign up for a VR account -national rail system. You can get some excellent deals.
Good luck and have fun!
I have SAD, so feel free to message me if you'd like to talk more about this!
Here are things that have helped me:
I know a lot of these things are easier said than done - it's hard to force yourself to cook a healthy meal or go to the gym when you feel like you can't get out of bed. But making these things a habit has done wonders for me. I still experience symptoms and I doubt it'll ever go away, but these small lifestyle changes you can incorporate into your routine that will make a huge difference.
This one works well but I like the hue of light a bit less than a few that are a bit more expensive (it is bluish and feels less like basking in the sun): NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp (package may vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W8Y7FY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_v8VtybG2C7M3Q
This is my favorite one (nice sunlight-like hue, nice and bright-feeling): Northern Light Technology Boxelite 10,000 Lux Bright Light Therapy Light Box, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NPZZ1JW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_W9VtybTPEBHGC
The evidence behind both of these is good. You just gotta make sure you are sitting close enough and long enough (should be no more than a couple feet away and for about 30 min/day).
I use this device to make sure I'm getting enough light and for long enough (not exactly what the product was made for but it works - it measures anything over 2500 lux so you will know if you are sitting too far from the light): SunSprite Wearable Light Tracker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KX5X4T6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_S.Vtyb221SKDB
Hope this helps! I'm a bit of a light-junkie so PM me or post here if you have any questions.
Here is an expensive nicer one I LOVE:
300W Red Light Therapy Lamp Red... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RBRM15H?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Here is a much cheaper bulb that is great to start off with:
SGROW 24W Red Led Light Red 660nm... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JW9RZ7K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I’m no scientist but basically Red Light stimulates your mitochondria and helps the cells it comes in contact with perform better. Proven to heal skin faster, help pain, etc. The bright light is rewarding on its own, feels like your sitting in the morning sun. Terrific way to get started in gloomy days.
<3 Some extra lighting could help, and maybe even set aside some cash for one of those sun lamp type things to make the shorter daylight hours in winter more bearable.
If you haven't already, investing in one or two plants that don't need a lot of light can add some cozy comfort to a room too.
What are your favorite colors? Can you decorate within those to create a happier space? I really like yellow and turquoise, and am always trying to find things in those colors. Even just a few throw pillows or knick knacks and a brightly colored cozy blanket can help. Throw down a cute dollar store blanket or some cheap cozy pet beds for the puppers to cuddle with you too!
...and maybe some brightly colored dollar store baskets to help organize your craft stuff and/or stash :D
IF you're able to, get outside as well even for 10-15 minutes during the day when the sun is out. Even if you're not smoking, but toking in your new cozy spot, and then trying to adventure out. It makes a a bit of a difference to get a change of scenery.
Edit: If you could find even just a futon mattress in good shape on Cragislist or something, you could fold that against the wall, hang some lights, put down some blankets and throw pillows, and call that a lounge/smoke spot too. If you Google reading nook ideas, you might be able to get some more inspiration on how to convert that into a smoke spot ;)
I have bipolar 2 and am on meds, but use supplements to support me.
This website has comprehensive information about lifestyle and supplements that make a difference. I highly recommend that you explore it completely. (It looks clunky/unsophisticated, however I have researched the MD who created it and he is respected in the field...although considered a bit of cowboy.)
Fundamentals you may have already addressed: Exercise, bipolar specific cognitive behavioral therapy, establishing a consistent daily routine (an ongoing process for me).
Most effective for depression is light therapy; it can actually trigger mania, so be careful. It has rarely failed me. I use a dawn stimulator and morning lightbox. The combination of light and dark therapy I think is ideal but I haven't added dark therapy (I'm on reddit at night and can't break the habit).
Re: your stack:
Personally, I would stop all supplements except methyfolate, NAC, fish oil (EPA/DHA >60%) and maybe theanine if it helps you sleep. Add a light box in AM. Make sure you are taking melatonin 300 mcg (not more than that) every night (add a low dose time release melatonin if you still wake at night.) Give it one month of consistent use then re-evaluate.
Good luck and feel free to DM me!
The two things that have improved my sleep issues the most are giving up caffeine and using a light box.
Caffeine never kept me up at night, so I resisted giving it up for years. But when I finally gave it up for a month as an experiment I found I needed less sleep, and it was so much easier to wake up in the mornings.
The light box is a new addition, but it's been amazing. The trick for me is to use it as soon as I wake up for about thirty minutes. It helps me wake up in the morning, but most importantly I find it so much easier to fall asleep at a reasonable time. I didn't expect that, so it was a pleasant discovery.
Good luck!
A light for seasonal affective disorder has been a life saver for me!
When it’s gloomy out, and we have less exposure to the sun’s rays, our bodies produce less serotonin. I think we HSPs are often especially affected by this, I know I get super blue when it’s dark all day. I get really tired, too.
Light therapy has really worked for me and I’m glad I found it! I highly recommend getting a lamp for light therapy. There are a bunch on amazon. Here’s their best seller’s description:
Our brain’s chemistry and body clock are affected by light, and light stimulates hormones and neurotransmitters that greatly influence our overall feelings of well-being. Bright light exposure early in the day stimulates our body's production of serotonin (which improves mood and happiness) and regulates melatonin in the evening (which promotes sleep). Adding a HappyLight to your daily routine allows you to stimulate the production of these important hormones naturally, to keep your body running like clockwork.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K08ZDBI/ref=mp_s_a_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1537920371&amp;sr=8-5&amp;keywords=seasonal+affective+disorder+lamps&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=31iP0Zu-OpL&amp;ref=plSrch
I use one that’s also an alarm clock. It gradually wakes me up with a “sunrise” and sounds of birds chirping, so nice :)
I hope you give it a try and feel a boost in your mood and energy! <3
Lot of factors here but I’ll try to give the best insight I can.
Hope that’s helpful! Best of luck to you.
Hey! I've been through the EXACT same issue.
Arizona native here. Where I live now, winters are pretty grim. I never thought I would say that I miss having the sun and loathe cloudy days, but here I am!
My psychiatrist recommended that I buy one of these lights a few years ago. I wish I wouldn't have waited. My boyfriend ordered it for me since I'm so cheap. $40 later, I feel like a new person.
Verilux HappyLight VT22 Lucent 10,000 Lux LED Bright White Light Therapy Lamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YBGPM5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.LCWDbVAXXYVJ
I also saw an endocrinologist a few years ago. She found I was deficient in a vitamin D and gave me a few booster doses. I've taken it 2x a week ever since. Highly recommend you see one if you have good insurance. Everyone's body is different.
Take care of yourself!!!
L-theanine, magnesium, D3/K2, therapy lamp each morning. Omega-3's.
I think NAC is something many should try, (I take 1000mg 2x a day) it's been the #2 thing that's helped my anxiety/OCD/irritability issues other than CBD.
L-tyrosine is the other thing that I take in the morning and I have much more energy and motivation, it's been better than coffee. Amino acids are amazing. I also like red panax ginseng for mood/energy/relaxation.
Gut health is important. I take a probiotic 2x a day and also 5g of psyllium husk for fiber (you won't ever need more than 1 square of toilet paper again). Apple cider vinegar is great for heartburn, I take a tablespoon or so in some water each morning. Many people have gut health issues, and they aren't properly absorbing vitamins/minerals even if they are eating a healthy diet.
Ashwaganda works for many, it didn't for me.
Hemp flower has been great, a backup when I need a bit more than the regular CBD oil. NAC and L-tyrosine I couldn't live without though, they have helped a lot.
N=1, but as someone with MDD (that is year round but gets worse in the winter), I've found that bright light is extremely helpful for my mood and sleep (questionable delayed sleep phase disorder), especially in the winter. This is, of course, in addition to meds + normal well-being regimen. Last winter (MS1 year) was the first winter I used the light, and I felt as if I had more energy throughout the winter.
I try to use it for ~30 minutes in the morning, but will admit that getting into a routine can be difficult, and I do occasionally miss a day, though I am more vigilant about it during the winter months. I am not a morning person, so setting aside 30 minutes sometimes just doesn't happen. Not quite sure what I'll do on my surgery rotation, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
I bought a light off Amazon that was advertised as being 10,000 Lux, which is the brightness that I saw was being used in studies/recommended on UpToDate. Here's the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IU9MMPI/ref=emc_b_5_t Granted, I have no way of measuring the brightness, but it was the highest-rated light within my price range I saw, and I've been happy with it so far. I'm happy to answer any questions!
Call me a corporate shill but I use a happy lamp and, I know it's anecdotal, but it makes a huge difference for my mood and energy in the winter months.
You can get a 10,000 lux lamp on amazon for 40-50 dollars. Use it for 30 minutes in the morning while you are drinking your morning coffee. Game changer.
EDIT: Since there were some questions about recommendations, [I use this one.] (https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY/ref=pd_lpo_121_bs_img_2/166-1337885-5426712?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=G0EE30FB4N1A4WTGEJNQ) I actually spent quite a bit of time agonizing over what to buy since I have a min-max issue in real life and I have to say I'm happy with it. If I recall, a majority of the negative reviews were regarding the "ionizer" portion of the product which, to be frank, I have no idea about. There is no research to suggest that inhaling ionized air is beneficial. There is plenty of science to support the benefit of these lights for SAD as long as the strength of the light is 10,000 lux. This is important. Again, there is no scientific evidence to support that anything less than this will be beneficial. As with any product, user mileage will vary so I can't, in good conscious, suggest that you buy one of the "higher end" models for 200-400 dollars without knowing if you benefit so this is a good option. Having seen one of the more expensive lights be used in the resident room of the hospital I worked at, I suspect the more expensive ones do the same thing but are more aesthetically pleasing and have a larger spread of light.
As for use, the idea is to expose your skin to the light. I have it sitting on my dining room table so, in the morning while I drink my coffee and surf reddit, it's hitting my face. I use it for 30 minutes a day.
My doctor gave me this info some time ago:
> The usual dose is 10,000 lux, beginning with one 10 to 15 minute session per day, gradually increasing to 30 to 45 minutes per day depending upon response. It may take four to six weeks to see a response, although some patients improve within days. Therapy is continued until sufficient daily light exposure is available through other sources, typically from springtime sun.
I don't know, (I haven't spent much time looking so I could certainly be wrong,) but I don't imagine most desk lamps are capable of outputting that much light. Here are some of the suppliers they gave me. I don't have any first hand experience to offer since I didn't end up buying one at the time (though I may reconsider soon. Oof, Seattle winter...)
Philips has a couple of models that they claim are "as effective" as larger 10,000 lux lamps, one of which is right around $100. Good luck!
edit: formatting
I'm a firm believer that the only thing stopping you is yourself. Easier to say than do though. Be disciplined, put reminders up that are highly visible, and find a way to be accountable that kicks at your guilt. I had to learn that it's not "motivation" that gets you there, it's discipline, and a solid week of whining about being hungry and crying about the fact I wanted chips... Everything you do in life is a decision! YOU have to decide you want it, because where there's a will, there's a way. Here's my motivation that keeps me going. I had to learn to stop making excuses for why I was failing.
I'd recommend you get rid of *all your crap food in the house. Change rules with your roomates to where you don't share food with them, or even better, get your own shelf for your groceries, and a mini fridge for produce so you can't be tempted by seeing all their goodies. Get an air purifier for your room so you can retreat if someone is going to bake pizza, or cookies that smell enticing.
I might also recommend a SUN LAMP if you work overnight. It will help with your sleep, which will help everything else out. The body does weird things when you don't rest properly. Had one since end of college and I swear it's the best thing ever IF YOU USE IT REGULARLY.
I hope you can find something I've said helpful, best of luck. The road to any form of recovery is never easy.
Hi! First time succulent person, here is my current setup! https://imgur.com/a/ojPSZsX
I have a big pile of assorted mystery succulents that I propagated in February in a planter on my desk. I have this random light therapy lamp that I received as a gift that I've hung up above my plants to supplement the light and I'm actually unsure if it's as effective as it needs to be as it seems like some of my succulents are getting a little leggy, especially the large rosette in the middle.
If someone could let me know if this lamp works, or if I should look for another, that would be great! I've done some reading and things point to 'yes' but i want to make sure.
Link to lamp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075H39NDL/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Info: "10,000 LUX, 3 LEVEL BRIGHTNESS, FULL-SPECTRUM, WHITE LIGHT, UV FREE | The 5500K color temperature is the color of the noonday sun. This full-spectrum light offers a wider range of colors of the visible spectrum."
I had in 7 in high school from soccer, so can confirm that they are a bitch lol.
For some advice: Consider getting on something like adderall/vyvanse for the focus issues (don't abuse it, just take the recommended dosage). Also for the depression, be wary of going on any medication. I went on cymbalta for a long while and it completely changed me as a person. When I started noticing how boring I became I decided to get off it... but the withdrawals were fucking horrible. Legit took me months to get back to my normal self. Some things that have worked: therapy (a good therapist goes a long way), sunlight or a light box in the winter times, a good social circle around you, working out, and limit your drug/alcohol use. You'll likely still have your moments where life is depressing as hell, but you just have to know you'll eventually be fine again.
I'd also recommend researching more about concussions and trying to understand everything you can about them... as it can help you cope when something pops up. Concussions can cause you to become a sex addict, more likely to abuse drugs, have anxiety, etc. there's just a lot that can happen when your brain is damaged and it can be nice to know what some of those things are so you can better address them.
Last thing: consider a good neurologist if you still get headaches. I used to get hella migraines (and still get them occasionally), but there are some great drugs out there that can help and the science gets better every day. It took me awhile to find something that worked for me, but eventually I found something that made them manageable. Either way I hope everything works out for you/anyone else who may read this who is struggling with some of these issues.
I'm very much a night owl and hate having to drag myself out of the warm cozy blankets before noon. In college, I never took morning classes because the one time I tried, I had to drop it due to missing too many. For many years, I'd rush to work barely or not-quite on time. So I hear you!
Then I got a job I like (which helps all by itself) but its major downside is that it is NOT flexible in its "early" (9AM) start time. I knew "just try harder" to get there on time wasn't going to cut it.
YMMV, but I worked with a sleep doctor and found the thing that works for me: a very consistent wake up time. Bed time doesn't matter (although at this point, it seems to take care of itself). The doctor said he didn't care if I went back to bed, but I absolutely had to get up and get light on my face for 10 minutes at the same time every morning. Turns out, I'm actually awake by that point and I can easily stay out of bed by then.
Damn if he didn't know what he was talking about. :)
Where I live, it's sometimes dark when I wake up, so I bought a light alarm to not have any excuses there.
Some mornings, the bed's cozy allure is strong. I remind myself that I am about to hop into a nice hot shower.
But mostly, knowing that I have to be consistent for this to work has been enough. Good luck, OP!
Thank you! Light therapy is basically re training your body to wake up to "natural" light. Humans have historically woken up to the sun rising and shining in our faces, which is arguably the cause of a lot of depression and anxiety in our culture today. So my therapist recommended me two things, the Philips HF3520 wake-up alarm clock and the NatureBright SunTouch plus.
The Philips alarm clock wakes you up with a simulated sunrise in your room plus some more "gentle" alarm noises (aside from the beach with the annoying seagulls - unless that's your thing lol) which so far I'm loving. There are a few videos on YouTube of it that give you the run down on how it works, it's really cool.
The NatureBright light is basically a bright as hell light you shove in your face for half an hour within 15 mins of waking up. I've done some google research on the therapy and some say that with the alarm clock you would get your sufficient light therapy for the day but my psych was very insistent that I use the 10,000 lux lamp, especially if I could only afford one.
Which brings me to my next point... These aren't cheap at all. The total for both lights was $316 CAD with the fastest shipping, which to me could potentially be worth it if it helps even a little bit with my depression and/or anxiety. I know I've already spent over that amount on medication and I'd rather try to wean myself off of the meds and use more natural methods. I'm hoping this works, and so far it seems like it will be pretty effective, and maybe if someone else reading this decides to try light therapy it could help them out as well.
I used a bluelight. It simulates traveling, and creates a sensation of mental well being. You set the light to the side, and set the intensity. It creates a sensation of walking / traveling while you are working or whatever.
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-GoLITE-Energy-Therapy-HF3422/dp/B00M3SGCUE/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1501198761&amp;sr=8-6&amp;keywords=blue+light
The original one was called a "golight" but is very hard to get now.
Humans have a desire to get up and travel every day for food, exploration, etc. The light simulates that
and it creates a mental state that is very pleasant. Don't overdo the brightness or time, more is not better. If you use it too long you feel like you have sunstroke. Quite amusing.
Sure! This is my little buddy. He sits on my vanity propped up on some books, and I turn it on in the morning while I do my skincare routine and drink my coffee. I usually do a minimum of 20 minutes when the weather is or will be grey for several days, but try to get more like 45 when I can. And you don't have to stare into the light for the whole time, which is nice, so if you like to check your email (or let's be real, Reddit) in the morning, it's a great little quiet time for that too.
I'm in the same place right now, so I figured if I can look outside myself for a minute and and focus on something to help you, I might feel better.
Nature Light Therapy Box
[There now...I do feel better]
Daily tasks
body weight exercisesback and leg strengthening exerciseseat healthy breakfast, lunch and dinnerIrregular tasks
buy depression supplements including 'saffron' and lightCut out Y.Yang from your interest list, she's not into the same things as you and remember the Y.Lai experience, it gets draining but hard to leave. People are addictive after all..Cut 'Bain from your interest list, since she's incredible but her nose is not ideal and she doesn't know/like to let to dance (or hasn't demonstrated so yet!). But, her mind is really special. Friend her for that intelligence and her character! Wow.Cut Catherine from your interest list since you felt kinda bored and not totally proud when you hung out....I guess..reluctantly, you should do the same for Raj* for the same reasons :<...fitness won't help a face.insight, become less grandioseinsight, go from pick up artist to boyfriend materialapply to become a psychepi here or therebuy running track pants that I can wear under my other pants for warmthy (actually, don't do this - save money)consider upgrading formal, walking, running and hiking shoes in one go (actually, don't do this - save money)use debit card statement to track expenses, but cancel transefrs from one of my own accounts https://www.mint.com/get warm but manouverable gloves maybe from aussie disposals or similarask the low cost dentist at uni about jaw...Heroic task
3 pomo sci doneposthoc
cut down possessions and propertyupgrade your engagement as appropriateThe one I got which I love is this: Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device - HF3332
Found it on ebay for like $40. Read the reviews. After like a week of usage, I found myself getting dead tired at 9 pm. Im used to going to sleep later and later, until I finally have to say fuck it, and not go to sleep one night.
Next, try to use software that limits blue light in screens for when you are using them. Get [f.lux](https://justgetflux.com/faq.html for your PC and there are other options for your Android devices. They basically drop the level of blue as it gets darker outside.
Lastly, I want to try a nice sunrise/sunset simulator alarm clock to work in conjunction with my light panel. Here's the one I found which seems to be pretty awesome.
Philips HF3520 Wake-Up Light With Colored Sunrise Simulation
I've seen it drop down to $114 so I wouldn't get it now, but yeah, seems great for DSPS.
Those three things combined should work great for you, especially since you're waking up before dawn.
>I know it's not as good as medicine.
There haven't been as many studies as with many drugs, but so far the research is at least suggesting they're as good or better than most antidepressants. So good, in fact, that you have to watch out for mania. Using them in the middle of the day seems to reduce this risk, but again, not a lot of research.
>I am having financial issues and it's kind of expensive
This one seems pretty reasonable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000W8Y7FY
This was the one I used. I liked it because it also had a negative ion feature, which also boosts your mood. Sometimes I'd lend it to my coworker and she found it really helpful, too (even her dog would sit in front of it!).
Also maybe check out some of these vids by therapist Kati Morton
SAD
What should you expect from therapy
What makes a good therapist
5 signs you are seeing a bad therapist
How to get the most out of therapy
Which type of therapy is right for me
depression playlist
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Some other things that help me in the winter are planning a vacation somewhere warm if possible, even if it's short, getting outside even if it's cold, opening the blinds to let the natural light in, surrounding myself with "warm" things (cozy blankets, hot tea, springing the extra money to keep the house a few degrees warmer, pictures of warm scenery), and putting on my shoes when I first get out of bed. That last one is hugely important because it helps me set the tone and keep my schedule. If I don't, it's incredibly difficult to get up and moving and the whole day is lost. It also helps my depression in general to use a weighted blanket for sleep and to set up regular things to do with friends/family- grabbing coffee once a week together, going for a walk after dinner with my husband, taking the dog out, etc.
Hope you find what works for you!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VTV6GG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_utAXDb51W8QE1
GET A SUN LIGHT!!! Turn it on every morning and off at the same time every evening ~3 hours before bed. Such a great asset for those early dark evenings.
Also ~ why not try to take advantage of the lovely things that the season has to offer such as ice skating, wearing fluffy sweaters and coats, and drinking hot lattes in coffee shops? Walks are not impossible in the cold too!
I certainly don’t associate only winter with death, as it can come at any time. ...that’s not the most comforting thought, sorry, but I think disassociating the season and the concept might help? Perhaps separately you should meditate on death and humanity’s temporary existence on this plane - it is simply the natural way of things, and not something wise to dwell on negatively for longer than necessary.
Edit: I chose a random sunlight, but I’m sure you can find a better priced one with some research. I just liked the orb shape, personally.
Keep your curtains open. Try low dose time release melatonin (or Valarian root) to help you get to bed early. I like this. Use Sleep As Android to set an alarm that will wake you up in a light phase of sleep so you feel refreshed. After waking up use a blue light device (or get some sunshine for awhile) to help reset your sleep rhythm. Also if you live in a cold/dark/cloudy area try a vitamin D supplement. These are things that have helped me get into a healthy sleep schedule, hope it helps you!
I have tried a few of the best light boxes. My favorite is one I got on Amazon, though it's rather expensive. But totally worth it for me. Bright Light Therapy Box - Alaska Northern Lights - North Star 10,000 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003OWJCIM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ggaaCb96NG3VJ
Sorry I'm on mobile so I hope the link works. If not, the name of the product is right there. Unlike other cheaper lights, you can sit two feet away from it and get benefits. With other ones you have to get close, like 6-12 inches away.
Buy a sun lamp! You can find them on amazon for ~$70. It changed my life when I got it. The first time I used it for 45 minutes at work, and for the rest of the day I just couldn't stop laughing at stuff. It was extremely odd because I was just smiling and feeling good. My friend bought one before I did, and told me about how absolutely amazing it was. He had always been dealing with depression and ever since he got one he said he's been so much better. He wakes up in the morning (around 5:45 for work) and uses it for 30-45 minutes while he brushes his teeth and gets ready.
It also warns how you shouldn't use it within 3 hours of going to bed because it'll mess with your sleep schedule.
It's also super great for the real busy/lazy. I use it for 45 minutes a day while I'm gaming or at work.
edit: this is the link to the one I have.
My mom got me this Nature Bright one as a gift (she knew I get bummed out in the fall/winter). I didn’t do any research to see how it compares to others, but I’ve had it for a few years and am very happy with it.
Highly recommend a light box to help offset the season change.
Note: I don’t use the ion therapy feature as I heard some questionable things about that.
Nature Bright Light
Just to preface, I've never lived nocturnally like you, but based on my research/knowledge this is what I would try if I were:
Circadian rhythm doesn't have to not help you at all, you might be able to manipulate it by changing some of the things in your environment.
If I were working nights and was inside, I'd get at least one blu light like this: (non ref link) and set it up on my desk and just leave it on while working. That should, to a degree, trick your body into thinking it's daylight and make it easier to shift your circadian rhythm. I would turn it off when the sun is up so I get natural light that way before I go home.
The second thing I would do is install blackout shades in my bedroom so that it can be totally dark, and I'd spend at least 30 minutes in it (fully dark) with maybe one dim light on to read/work by, and not using screens unless using flu.x as well. That way I'd trick my body into thinking this is the natural sleep/sunset time, and help it start to get more tired.
The third thing I'd do is as soon as I wake up at 8pm or whatever time works best for you, take at least 5,000ui of Vitamin D. This is another good way to signal that this is the wake-up time your body should expect, and after a couple weeks can make waking up and falling asleep happen at more regular times.
The problem with all of this of course is that you're going heavily against the sun-influenced natural circadian rhythm, and I don't know what would happen long term. I'm sure you've experienced some of the negative effects of living out of sync with the world, and it's possible that taking it to this extreme could make it worse.
I have to say again though: this is PURELY SPECULATION. I have NOT tested this, but were I in your situation, this is what I would be doing. If any of this is crazy based on other people's experiments with this lifestyle PLEASE let me know. I'd be curious to find out if it works too though!
In addition to the regular resources available on campus here's a life hack for the winter:
Get a light therapy lamp/sunlight alarm clock. Vitamin D takes a massive hit over our Canadian winters and a lack thereof is shown to have negative mental health effects. Waking up gradually to sunrise (even simulated) is also shown to be more comforting and beneficial than to abruptly wake up to a blaring alarm in the pitch black morning of winter.
Linked highest rated light therapy lamp and sunlight/sunset clock.
https://www.amazon.ca/TaoTronics-TT-CL011-Light-Therapy-10000/dp/B07H2C67XW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sunlight+lamp&qid=1571946077&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.ca/Sunrise-Simulation-Function-Atmosphere-Natural/dp/B07W56HS79/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=sunlight+lamp&qid=1571946077&sr=8-7
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ALSO don't forget to get out and enjoy some of the awesome winter-related nature experiences we have in/around our city as well (Nature experiences even once a week shown to lead to decreases in anxiety/depressive symptoms)
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Take care everyone. You are loved
I have this one (Phillips goLITE). It uses a blue set of lights to create a high enough amount of lumens to simulate real sunlight.
I tend to pull it out on days when I get very unmotivated during the winter (or any other time during the year). It allows you to set the brightness, length of time the light is on, and an alarm for it to come on when you wake. Once you get used to the blue color, it's very nice.
I find that ater I use it, my mind feels more clear, and I can focus on things more easily. I also find that I'm able to be much more courteous to other people I work with (some of them are very happy I use it too).
EDIT: Edited the link.
Welcome to Oregon!
Get one of these to ward off teh winter! It makes a difference I promise. The alarm clock is great too!
What are your top three tips to warding off existential dread/depression?
What are some of your favorite songs to shake the blues?
I have this light box and use it every weekday at work. I've had a few coworkers ask about it, but it's kinda hard to explain. I just tell them it mimics the sunlight which is good when it gets dark so early. I can definitely tell the difference on days when I use it and days I don't. I do 30 minutes on like 3/4 max brightness, but that's really dependent on each person.
I have two questions. Are you in a place that has shorter days in the winter? and Have you ever heard of a thing called SAD?
Its basically a seasonal depression that happens to some people caused by a reduced amount of sunlight. This is usually from shorter days in winter combined with regular working/schooling hours (which keep you inside for the short time it is light out). It really throws my Mom for a loop, but she got something like this to have at her desk at work, and apparently it works like a charm.
You should for sure go have a chat with your doctor just to explore the options and make sure that this isn't something more serious (self diagnosis is bad, and I'm no doctor), but this sounds a lot like what my mother goes through pretty much every winter.
Welcome!
Tip number 1: Don't worry about it! You'll survive.
Tip number 2: Get good gear. I can't stress enough how important it is to have a good parka, mitts, boots and toque. When I was a teenager, I used to try and be super cool by not wearing proper gear and guess what? I froze. It sucked, and I hated winter. If you can't afford a fresh batch of new gear, layer up. Not being terrified of going outside everytime you need to run the garbage to the curb is going to help your mental state immensely.
Tip number 3: Get outside! It sounds weird, but if you get out and do stuff, it helps you enjoy the winter, instead of just associating it with cold, darkness and being cooped up. I like to go skating at the outdoor rinks 3-4 times a week, and ice fish whenever I can. You can also go sledding, cross-country skiing, Festival du Voyageur, or a ton of other things!
Tip number 4: If you're susceptible to SAD, get a light therapy lamp. I hate the darkness, and find that it really wears me down by around January. These lamps mimic sunlight, which gets your body to produce endorphins.
If you have any questions about cool stuff to do, or anything else about Winnipeg, please ask away!
Consider checking out light therapy.
This sucker changed my life (don't use the "ionizer" part, though): https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY/
It seems like a highly personal thing, but 30 minutes in front of the light box every morning has helped fix my sleep cycles like nothing else, and it's better than relying on supplements to get to bed. 14 hours after my session I feel like a tranq dart hit me. If you try it out, give it a few weeks; you can always just return it if it doesn't work for you.
As for waking up feeling like garbage, that can be a blood sugar thing... try a few spoonfuls of almond butter right before bed, or some oatmeal.
You should definitely look into a sun lamp - this isn’t a tanning deal, it just put out bright blue-hued (e.g. sunny daylight hue) light. You set it up to be indirectly shining in your eyes for about 15 minutes and it peps you right up.
I have one on my desk. You’re looking for 10,000 LUX (not Lumens).
Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY
But preferably native 240V not the 110V we have here.
I believe Wirecutter has a review so you can read more about them - google it ;)
Source: former Brit, now in Seattle by way of 15 years in sunny Florida. It’s the only thing getting me through the winters.
Sgrow red + infrared combo bulb is pretty inexpensive and good quality for spot treatment.
Gives 1J/cm2 dose per 10 seconds, so about 150 seconds per spot you want to treat for an effective dose.
You’ll want to get a larger panel if you intend to do full body.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/SGROW-Light-Infrared-Therapy-Relief/dp/B07JW9RZ7K
I bought this one 8 years ago when the price was $130. It's now $52. The "ion therapy" is a quack, it's nothing more than an ozone generator. It the light part works awesome, and I love the timer! My light is still going strong after 8 years!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W8Y7FY/
The anxiety part that comes with it is so hard. I know I'm being irrational, but I just can't make my head stop sometimes. Using the summer/fall to build the routine was important so that once the SAD started I was already into the habit and didn't have to put too much thought into what needed to be done. This is the light I use, but mostly just because a friend of mine offered it too me. I've looked at others, and some have really neat features (someone else in this thread has one with a gradual wake up feature, that would be neat). Some people seem to respond to blue light and others to natural light, so it seems like a pretty individual thing.
I use this one the Philips goLite Blu Light.
I use it primarily as a super effective alarm clock so I'm not sure how effective it is for seasonal depression. It is definitely worth the high price tag for me. It is extremely durable and travel friendly; I've used it for an hour daily for almost 7 years and it has functioned perfectly without a single issue yet. Also it seems to have retained its value considering I purchased it in 2008 for ~$120 CAD and it still sells for $275 CAD in Canada (really not sure how that happened?).
Last year I got myself a SunTouch Plus and it has really worked wonders for me. I used to have MAJOR and debilitating seasonal depression but now I find I am just a little drained feeling. I think if I increase my time with this I could maybe even maintain a better feeling.
Other then that, just try to eat healthy and exercise when possible, those two things combined make a huge difference as well.
I STRONGLY recommend that you try magic mushrooms or psilocybin like someone else suggested in this thread. You have nothing to lose. I've read SO many stories here on reddit of people being cured of depression and anxiety when nothing else could help.
Could magic mushrooms be the answer to depression?
Also, you should look into Methylene Blue. It's a substance that has been shown to have potent anti-depressant properties:
If you're not familiar with Neurofeedback, you should look into it. It works by measuring your brainwaves through electrodes placed on your head, and feeding that information into a computer, which then creates feedback.
Here's an example of the kind of feedback that might be used: You watch a video and the computer adjusts the brightness of the video based on what the electrodes are reading. When your brainwaves shift closer to a more peaceful pattern, the computer rewards you by lightening the video. The idea is that by repeating sessions of this, your brain is trained to be less anxious, and more at peace.
Here are some videos that might explain it better than me:
I would recommend Brain-trainer.com. You can find a map of their practitioners here: https://provider.brain-trainer.com/brain-trainers They use a system where brainwave patterns that have been established to correlate with anxiety/depression are trained down, whereas most other practitioners use a system where your brain is simply trained towards an average, which may not be ideal; although people still get results. If you can't find a Brain-trainer practitioner near you, don't be discouraged, you may still be able to find a practitioner that isn't affiliated with Brain-trainer.
There's another form of Neurofeedback called LENS, which I think would be worth looking into. Your brainwaves are read through electrodes, and then extremely tiny electrical pulses are sent, which interrupt the pattern of depression. You can find a practitioner near you on this page:
https://www.site.ochslabs.com/about1-c1b0l
I was listening to an interview of a biologist who mentioned a woman he knew who, every month, would break down and become completely suicidal. At the time he was studying hormones and their relation to health. So he suggested to this woman that she take progesterone, which he found to be very beneficial from his research. Within 45 minutes she completely recovered from her depressive state. And whenever her depression came back, if she took progesterone, she'd immediately recover. This woman used A LOT though, so if you try this you may also need to use a lot. You can get some here:
https://www.longnaturalhealth.com/Dr-Peats-Progest-E-Complex-34-ml
The spice, Saffron, is supposed to help with depression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEwQlqFPbAU. Vitamin D is also very important: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/a6tbhu/healthy_levels_of_vitamin_d_are_linked_to_a_75/. I think I've even heard of Ketamine helping depression.
Another thing that can help depression is shining red or near-infrared light on your head. Here are some studies on that:
And here are some useful resources on using red light therapeutically:
Here are some places you can buy red lights from:
The one I link to below is probably best because it shines in the 830nm wavelength which has been been shown to be better for brain health, and which has been used in the studies.
https://lifegivingstore.com/store/LGS10-Infrared-830nm-p95952577
You can get the model I link to above for a cheaper price from alibaba, but if you want to get it in the 830 wavelength you have to make a specific request for that. If you don't make a specific request, it looks like it has a combination of the 660nm and 850nm wavelengths, which is probably better than nothing. But it's probably best to just get the 830nm one.
https://wholesaler.alibaba.com/product-detail/Hot-Items-2018-New-Years-Products_60793479341.html?tracelog=null
Here is one from amazon, but, again, it's doesn't have the 830 wavelength, it has the 660/850nm wavelength. So probably not ideal.
https://www.amazon.com/SGROW-Light-Infrared-Therapy-Relief/dp/B07JW9RZ7K/
Please try some of these things.
Happy light! It truly does make a difference. This is the model I have, and I absolutely love it: https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Full-Size-Therapy-Energy/dp/B0094HBU6I/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1539274101&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=happy+light
I have this one
I don't have anything to compare it to, but I like it. It's quite easy to move around with you and very bright.
I struggled a lot with this too. I tried putting my cell phone far away from me when I went to sleep so I would have to get up to turn it off; I tried the alarm apps with the crazy captchas that made me do math before it would turn off (I would just sleepily wind up removing the battery, and eventually got good at drowsy math)... I even tried the crazy-loud alarm clocks made for deaf people..... Nothing worked.
I would up taking a shotgun approach to this as well.
I started off with some very cool looking blue-blocking glasses that I would religiously start wearing once it was sundown, and wouldn't take off until I went to bed. I would take some melatonin at the same time as well.
Now, the real pièce de résistance was a sunlamp--of which there are many kinds that I used alongside the Sleep as Android phone app. There's a specific captcha on there called "Let there be light" that forces you to turn on a lamp before the alarm will turn off. By adjusting the sensitivity I made it so that only the INCREDIBLY BRIGHT sun lamp would turn it off, which combined with the sun lamp finally did the trick. By the time the alarm had turned off, I really did start feeling invigorated by the bright light.
Don't feel like you need to jump in to the deep end and wake up at 6:30 right away. Set realistic goals, and once you establish a rhythm you can adjust times based on your schedule.
Best of luck, friendo!
Sure thing! One thing that may help you as well is getting a daylight lamp, something like this is small and reasonably priced. Use it before you start a lecture and your circadian rhythym will think it's morning and help keep you awake. Just be careful not to use it very close to bedtime or it could cause insomnia.
The "don't go to sleep for a night and go to bed early the next day" advice won't work for you if you have Delayed Phase Sleep Syndrome.
The only solution that worked for me (and my situation was almost desperate) was changing my eating patterns (particularly the timing) and avoiding blue light spectrum after sunset. Your body should associate light + socializing + food with the time of the day you should be awake. If you stay in front of your computer at night watching videos and eating the brain and body think it's daytime and your schedule will get really messed up.
and wear them after sunset if you are at home (it is very important to avoid watching computer and mobile screens in the evenings before bedtime...I do it anyways but ALWAYS wear the glasses). Upon waking up, go for ten minutes under the sun, or get the room very bright (you can buy a blue light spectrum device such as http://www.amazon.com/Philips-GoLITE-BLU-Energy-Light/dp/B00M3SGCUE/ref=sr_1_10_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1458086966&amp;sr=8-10&amp;keywords=blue+light).
In theory one day should be enough. One day didn't work for me, but I have severe Delayed Phase Sleep Syndrome, my situation was desperate, and nothing worked...this literally changed my life. I did it for several days. Usually nowadays I don't eat after 18:30pm. if I'm at home. and I eat as soon as I'm awake
Apologies for my English. If this helped you, please help me improve my English by correcting my mistakes.
This light is cheaper and better. Has a built in timer. I've had mine for 8 years and it's still going strong! The ion "therapy" is a quack, it's an ozone generator. But the rest of the light is awesome!
NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp (package may vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W8Y7FY/
Well, I don't know exactly how helpful this is, but I purchased this light on Amazon two years ago. I use it every day for 45 minutes, and it is still going strong. It is not particularly handsome, but I do think it looks better than many other models out there and it is small enough to put away in a cabinet when you are done with it.
Holy moly! Yeah putting you in a tanning bed would be like putting a fork in a toaster. My husband is a redhead freckleface too :D
They have home lamps that basically treat you like a lizard! Kinda. Its things like this so you can at least get some "sun" without the burn.
It is not the best situation, but if you get them a sun-lamp (sold as "SAD lights" on amazon) or "full spectrum light bulbs", that will help a LOT. If you get the sun lamp, be sure to protect the cord so they can't chew it. Also, you can get multi-vitamins from oxbow and those will help too.
You can also get a portable play pen to set up outside for a few hours every day so they can have sunlight. Make sure to get one with a top AND bottom so that they don't escape or get attacked by animals.
I used this one. I moved to an area with lake effect precipitation, and it honestly feels like it's cloudy for months. I started using it in the late fall, and I feel like I'm a bit in love with the bright light. Last week I looked up if it was bad to use it for more than 45 minutes.
This one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JF3G08/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
is my favorite. I've used several different kinds, and this one is powerful and compact.
Occasionally you can find happy lights on sale at Costco, but that is super variable to location and time of year.
Truth, works great for me. This is the one I have, it's great. Use it in the morning right when you wake up. I felt a difference in about a week.
I have the Sadellite (https://www.amazon.com/Northern-Light-Bright-Therapy-Beige/dp/B000YQNGII/ref=sr_1_14_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1537801974&amp;sr=8-14&amp;keywords=light+therapy+lamp) which is great. It's a bit bulky, but really effective. You can probably find it for cheaper somewhere else though. I think I bought mine for about 100$ CAD.
Those lamp aren't cheap, but they work wonders for me. Plus, I think I changed the bulbs only once in like 5 years
I've felt the same pattern my whole life. I chalk it up to S.A.D. - Seasonal Affective Disorder. Do some research to see if it rings any bells for you.
I bought this light on Amazon and surprisingly it helps when I'm working from home in the grey days of winter. After 30 minutes or so I feel a subtle giddy "who gives a fuck" feeling floating around my brain. Makes me jump up from my desk and do silly things around the house. Weird but whatevs. I've also started taking vitamin D supplements and try to get a few minutes of sun on my face whenever I can.
But it's spring now! My favorite time of year so yay
Hope you find a way to feel better next winter.
For some weird reason they don't make very many that are actual alarm clock ones like this that you can set to turn on at a specific time, so they're a little harder to find. This is the one I have, but it looks like it's unavailable now, sorry. :/ You might be able to find another one though, or just google the brand and maybe it's somewhere besides Amazon?
You can find tons of light alarm clocks like this one that I also have (except it wasn't such a ridiculous price when I bought it—wtf?), which are helpful and nice, but they're just regular lamps and not the super strong blue light, so they won't have quite the same effect. If you just need a little help though, it could be good. Just make sure you know what you're getting—if it doesn't explicitly say 10,000 lux somewhere, you're getting just a regular lamp alarm clock like this one.
This is the one I use at my desk, but you have to turn it on manually. So you could have your alarm go off, then turn it on, then lay there for a while, but that's not quite as helpful as having it light up gradually while you're sleeping.
This link gives a great breakdown on what to look for in the light box. This lamp on amazon is similar to the one my mom has. It's perfect for on a desk at work or while reading. Fair warning these lamps can get very pricey!
hey, thanks! which article are you referring to? but towards what you just said, let me ask you I use this light box for probably 3 or 4 hours a day, is that too much? any general advice on the best use of this?
https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1480449813&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=sun+touch+plus
Your body produces melatonin to help you sleep. It produces it based on what time of the day it thinks it is which is affected by exposure to sunlight. By exposing yourself to light in the evening it prevents your body from producing it too early in the day and then running out of it in the middle of the night.
If your problem is that you can't fall asleep at your usual bedtime then you'd want to do the opposite and expose yourself to sunlight (or artificial light) as soon as you wake up or at least in the earlier part of the day. This could help synchronize your melatonin production to your sleep patterns. Like this guy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yze6_qZZrsI
This is the lamp I use but there are many more available out there. https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1485565701&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=light+therapy
Good luck.
HAHA, I have also self diagnosed myself with this. Good old Google. A constant resource for the hypochondriacs!
I use a therapy light in the mornings to mid afternoon to help combat this (especially in the winter when I'm totally thrown off schedule) - these are the two I recommend:
http://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Plus-Light-Therapy/dp/B000W8Y7FY
http://www.amazon.com/Lightphoria-000LUX-Energy-Light-Lamp/dp/B004JF3G08
Both well worth the money in my opinion. I use the little one at work and when I travel, and I use the larger one at home.
What about this summer was different, physically speaking? Were you getting more sun, more exercise, different diet?
Based on what you've written, it sounds like your pdoc is simply not treating your symptoms at all. It sounds like you've experienced hypomania (or at least an elevated mood) this summer and are swinging down into depression, and are still agitated by symptoms of your OCD. Can this person offer you no therapy at all, just because you have drug sensitivities? That's not how being a doctor works. Which makes me feel very sad for you that you have no options. Your doctor, if they cannot help you, has an ethical obligation to connect you to someone who can help you, not leave you untreated. What you write shows that you're exhibiting symptoms of at least two illnesses without relief and I'm like, "sooo, what is this professional even doing?" Hot damn.
Can you call your doctor and ask what they think about getting a full-spectrum lightbox? If that sunlight made you feel better, maybe that's a place to start to weather the winter months? They help A LOT of people. Naturally you'll want the supervision of a professional because you don't want to swing up into a dangerously high mood with something like this. I'm just trying to think of non-drug therapies there to bring up with your doc that might help, since your doc seems useless.
Also, see if finding a psychiatric nurse practitioner is an option in your insurance. I've always loved mine and they can do pretty much everything a psychiatrist can do, with much less ego.
I hope this brainstorming can help, if even a little.
This: https://www.amazon.com/Sphere-Gadget-Technologies-Lightphoria-Energy/dp/B004JF3G08/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1506432050&amp;sr=8-6&amp;keywords=sun+lamps+for+depression is the sun lamp I have. It's small, so can easily be transported back and forth to your job.
Just doing what you do, for a half hour in the morning, with it on the highest intensity, really helps with energy levels.
This is the new and improved model. I got the original one 15 years ago for a (requested) birthday present. I was traveling a lot for my job, and I could throw it in my suitcase and use it in the hotel room before I had to go spend the day teaching home healthcare nurses how to do charting on a laptop.
What kind of job do you have? You don't have to reveal too much, I'm just wondering if it's office work, if you work with people or by yourself, or what sorts of things you're allowed to do. When you see your doctor, make sure to bring this up. My pdoc prescribed me modafinil, it doesn't exactly deal with depression but it gives me more energy and helps counteract the fogginess. I don't know where you live, but if it's a relatively high latitude like I do, you might have some Seasonal Affective Disorder going on as well. Every fall/winter after I was diagnosed sucked really bad, until last winter when I got a light box. This is the one I have https://smile.amazon.com/Sphere-Gadget-Technologies-Lightphoria-Energy/dp/B004JF3G08/ref=sr_1_9_s_it?s=hpc&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1474310365&amp;sr=1-9&amp;keywords=light+box
and it really helps me. It's small but it's bright and it would fit on a desk.
A natural light lamp might help, there are some good cheap ones and some amazing expensive ones. Where we live, vitamin D supplements are over the counter and during winter we take 4000iu per day. Our doctor recommended a higher intake during prolonged winter hours and back to a regular 1000iu per day once days start to become longer.
Exercise was also recommended. I Have never dealt with SAD but some colleagues have and I got that info from our doctor before moving North. It might not be the solution, but it all helps with the symptoms.
Yeah dude, get some of that D in you and a happy lamp. My doc said (don't cheap out on that shit).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WTCHLC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I bought that guy. I need to stick i on a timer. From some reason I don't even want to turn it on in the morning. I always forget, when I was using it it did help though! Hopefully it can go in the closet soon.
I've used a bunch. This one is a little pricier, and it's hands down the best. My tiny apartment is on an interior corner, so zero light in the winter. Turning this thing on makes it look like a bright May day inside.
I have been using this one for about a month and have seen significant improvement! It helps if I wake up early and use it first thing in the morning while I drink my coffee. At the end of a half-hour session, I feel ready to face the day!
NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp (package may vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W8Y7FY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_D7-AybSFSZ9RP
Ahhh! Well, different light bulbs have different color temperatures, some are more reddish or bluish, but in this case, I'm talking about devices that use blue-only LEDs. They appear as pure blue. I have an older model of this light.
At the end of the day, avoid blue wavelengths. Remember, "white" is our brain seeing a lot of visible wavelengths, so it includes blue wavelengths, too. Avoid computer monitors, compact flourescents, white lights of all sorts, really. Watching TV is not too bad, since the blue pixels aren't on as much during a film/tv show. Older incandescent bulbs are ideal for DSPS, but otherwise, buy the warmest-colored LED bulbs you can. The yellower, the better. They also sell these amber "blue-blocker" wrap-around glasses that promise to block all blue wavelengths at night, though I haven't tried them.
Halogen bulbs are not very blue; they're good at night, but won't help that much in the mornings.
Sounds like ur circadian rhythm is off. Use a special lamp in the mornings. Turn on 30 minutes before getting out of bed and lie down facing the lamp on your bedside table.
Lightphoria 10,000LUX Energy Light Lamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JF3G08/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_k9i.ub04XX0EQ
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JF3G08/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_k9i.ub04XX0EQ
You could also try a low carb diet, a lot of people say it really helps with energy. It definitely helped me. Whenever i eat a lot of carbs, i want to sleep for 12 hours and i feel exhausted. I eat a ketogenic diet. One doesn't have to eat low carb just for weight loss, there are a lot of other benefits.
I don't know about actual light boxes (if my roommates weren't gone for study week, I would ask one of them). However, from my short amount of research I just did for you, I liked this one the most.
The most common "bad" comment is it smells like burning plastic. which makes sense for the amount of wattage that is needed for the therapy... and how hot it would get.
but yeah. I liked that one.
https://www.amazon.ca/Verilux-VT10WW1-HappyLight-Liberty-Compact/dp/B00K08ZDBI/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=happy+light&qid=1572983279&sr=8-7 I've purchased this one and have been using it for the past 3 years. It's really good, i personally think it helps me a lot :)
Don't get the small dinky ones, or those 'blue light' ones, they don't do much. I'd recommend this one: http://www.amazon.ca/Day-Light-Uplift-Technologies-000-Lamp/dp/B0009MFUWC
A bit pricey, but it's great. I have it on a timer to go off in the morning before my alarm clock, really helps me wake up.
Keep in mind most mood lamps are anemic. So you are comparing to something that itself probably isn't effective. Some are rated at 10,000 lux at 6 inches. Many don't even provide complete specs so you just don't know. It's not practical to slap a mood lamp 6 inches in front of your face anyway.
The lamp I use is this. It's affordable, rated at 12", has been clinically proven, and easy to position above your eyes -- which we think is important. Also, the wavelength is important. It's blue light which is effective. Reds don't seem to have much of an effect. There is information on that specific lamp here as well as a ton of other info on how to effectively use mood lamps. All backed by research and cited.
As an aside, that site is probably the best site I'm aware of for info about sleep, mood disorder, anxiety, and general brain cooties. It's about bipolar but much of it applies to other mental health issues as well.
Ugh, that stinks. I assume you take Magnesium? I like the one I use, no GI issues and it’s not pricey. There’s no substitute for sunlight but the lamp is a real lifesaver. This is the one I use. It’s pricey but you can get them used too.
Northern Light 10,000 Lux Bright Light Therapy Desk Lamp, Beige https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YQNGII/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_INFACbX23SZRK
Sure! I'll give OP a chance to respond but if they don't want it it's (probably) yours. I say probably because I did some major cleaning and have to figure out where I put it!
It's this one: https://www.amazon.com/Sphere-Gadget-Technologies-Lightphoria-Energy/dp/B004JF3G08
I have a spare because my boyfriend was trying to be helpful, but didn't realize 2 of these is no better than 1!
[edit] found it!
JFC, I'm so sorry to hear about this.
You said you got your hormones checked--do you mean your thyroid levels at an Endocrinologist? I suddenly got worse this year, and I found out that I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (autoimmune of the thyroid). Sometimes they just test your surface TSH levels, but with Hashi's, it fluctuates (thyroid stops working well, then tries again to work etc.) So you have to test the "antibodies". Give it a go, if you haven't.
I've been through several birth controls in my life, but there was also one instance where I became SEVERELY fatigued on it. Like ridiculously fatigued like you've mentioned. I'd never had that kind of fatigue happen before, so my brain is always like, "did I get lupus?" or something.
But turns out, once I stopped the birth control, I was better. That one messed up my energy.
I second the light therapy box if you're stuck indoors. I have this one and it's great. There are cheaper ones too.
Also vitamin D! Seriously! If you aren't getting enough sunlight, your fatigue will get worse if you are vitamin D/and calcium deficient. Also your b12 levels/iron levels, if they are low can contribute to fatigue. (Low iron specifically, can make you anemic--but you have to watch this vitamin, because too much IS very harmful.)
Have you got your vitamin levels checked?
I live in Japan, and I'm thinking about applying for some caregiver help--but unfortunately, I've been out of the States for so long, I don't know how it works. But I do know such programs MUST exist for people with disabilities.
It looks like someone underneath me (mynipsareonfire) knows a little bit about it. Please take all of their advice.
I think of course, even though you don't want your grandparents to be your caretakers, you can ask them, just for this--to help you fill out the forms for the people to come to your house and judge your disability and talk to you about it. Do be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You can tell them this will get you back up on your feet a little.
Anyway healing vibes and energy to you. I don't have a lot myself, but I wish I could give some to you.
Sorry you’re feeling that way 💛 my husband’s psychiatrist recommended one of these lights to help him through the winter. Have you heard of them/considered them before?
To further your point a bit, I'd suggest a therapy lamp. I don't suffer from seasonal depression per se, but I do notice an uptick in energy with these types of lamps. I don't think you should use lamps like these all day long, but an hour or two here and there while modeling seems to be a good amount.
I have a verilux that helps make a dent, especially when combined with vitamin D (I'm doing about 2000 IU and it's definitely helping more than the 1000 was last year).
This is the model I have: http://www.verilux.com/light-therapy-lamps/happylight-6000/ and it looks like they also sell via amazon: http://www.amazon.ca/Verilux-HappyLight-5000-Energy-Lamp/dp/B002Q2H2JC/ref=sr_1_5?s=hpc&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1417366658&amp;sr=1-5
My parents bought it for me but I'm fairly certain they shopped either online or via catalogue, didn't pick up live and in person at a store
My Dr. suggested a happy light I use it. I couldn’t really say how well it works though. It looks like there’s a new model of it out now.
Here’s a link:
https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Liberty-Therapy-Energy/dp/B0094HBU6I/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1510291009&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=happy+light+10000+lux&amp;dpID=31EUQwMzPyL&amp;preST=_SY300_QL70_&amp;dpSrc=srch
I know exactly what you mean about the sleepy eyes! I guess I didn't even realize it had gone away for me until I just read this (got mine about 2 months ago). But yes, my eyes just felt tired and like, drowsy.
And yes, OP should absolutely pay more for a quality product. The investment is so worth it. I really like mine although I don't use the 'ion technology' at all. The footprint was smaller than I feared and the light quality is really great. I have to make myself not use it.
Hello, sorry you have had such a tough time here, and that people are not social to you. As a fourth generation Vermonter, I just want to say welcome to Vermont. I wish you had it better here. Also, it is what you make of it. Taxes, and stuff are undoubtedly high, everything here is except peoples pay. It is getting worse as time goes on too. Also, you may be suffering from a lack of sunlight, a buddy of mine has one of these:
https://smile.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=sun+light&qid=1554918077&s=gateway&sr=8-10
and it helps him with getting through the winter, you should give it a try.
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I mean no ill feelings, and wish you the best of luck. We are not all unfriendly here.
This is half the usual recommended Lux (this is 5000), but studies (http://www.columbia.edu/~mt12/blt.htm) have shown that you just use it longer for the same affect:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K08ZDBI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 It's $40 and I paid $40 in 2014, so the price is pretty stable.
They have medical devices specifically made for this, such as:
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-goLITE-BLU-Therapy-Device/dp/B001I45XL8/
Research has shown that it is blue light in the morning that is most effective for regulating sleep cycles, and it must shine into your eyes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_therapy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_response_curve
I've found that taking 1mg of melatonin a few hours before bed works well.
However, it would be best if you saw a doctor about it and get prescribed a proper therapy. It could be something else like sleep apnea or mild depression, which require different treatment.
So here where I'm at...
Lights to replace the standard fluorescent tubes
A new sun lamp
A three-panel canvas with a forest print.
I'm replacing the dark burgundy lamp shade in there with this.
Plants I'll work out once everything else comes together but the spider plant sounds like an idea.
Thanks for all the ideas everyone!
I have this Philips goLite Blu with the timer/clock function. Whether I'm particularly happy or not... well... maybe I'm like this year round. ;)
Can I ask where you bought yours? I tried searching on Amazon and wasn't able to find that one. While I like the look of yours better I saw this one and was considering giving it a try, but I do like how your's stands more upright.
Talk with your therapist and get a prescription if you want to write off the purchase or have insurance/FSA cover it, but something like this
Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp | Ultra Bright 10,000 Lux Full Spectrum LED Light (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IU9MMPI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fik4Bb0AYAF62
My girlfriend and I got one two winters ago and it has been a godsend. I would HIGHLY recommend getting one if you live in New England. This is the one we have.
I have this one!
For me, it also helps to have nice cozy slippers to wear right when I get out of bed, and coffee ready. (I have a programmable coffee maker.)
They make those indoor lamps that you can use for SAD. I have no idea how well they work, but maybe you could give one a try? Like this one? It's very highly reviewed. They're a little pricey but could be worth it if it helps.
Absolutely! Light boxes work for shift workers as well! This is the one I got, it's $50 CAD at my Costco but still reasonably priced elsewhere considering the positive reviews.
Yes here is what saved me..Supplement with some vitamin D and use a high energy light therapy box to emulate the sun for about 30 minutes a day in the morning...There is alot research on how they help with seasonal depression. If you don't know what i am talking about ..
https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY/ref=pd_lpo_121_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=18KGAZGTZFHC387404GZ
If you buy one make sure it is 10k Lux , anything less then that wont emulate the sun..
There is alot of scientific research on their benefits for Seasonal Depression.
https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY
That's the lamp I got; there is a review on Amazon which explains why you should NOT use the ion therapy part of this otherwise excellent lamp.
You can find this album on iTunes and if you want to give it a try, one of the tracks is the short version of yoga nidra. It's the one I've mostly done and is great. If you like it you can get the long version track, too; I think the other track on the album is some weird yoga music, I just have the two guided meditation tracks.
https://www.amazon.com/Experience-Yoga-Nidra-Relaxation-Remastered/dp/9197789429
If it's truly SAD related - a vitamin D supplement would help *some* - as would a Happy Light (that's it's actual name): https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Energy-Lamp-5000/dp/B002Q2H2JC. Not a doctor but I've personally used both and it's not a cure-all or magic bullet, but it does help some.
These days as in winter? You may have SAD (I have this), where a lack of sunlight and exercise actually wears you down and makes you depressed. Try going outside for a minimum of an hour a day, preferably mid morning to afternoon (while the sun is still shining) and just walk around enjoying nature. Getting a lamp can be very effective (I've heard, I don't own one).
Good luck my friend.
This is the unit I bought, cheapest and best reviews: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009MFUWC/ref=pe_385040_30332190_pe_175190_21431760_M3T1_ST1_dp_1
If you are affected by change in weather I'm sure this therapy could help you. I mean it seems like a no brainer.. the 'right' light hitting the optic nerve produces serotonin = we feel better. If it's sunny out I just read out side with my face to the sun, but any cloudy days I'm on this light big time or I slip off the rails again.
Mine looks like this one http://www.amazon.com/SAD-Light-Therapy-Box-Northern/dp/B003OWJCIM
This one costs $300. The Mayo Clinic has a good page on Lightbox Therapy too. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/in-depth/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/art-20048298
Mine, and the one in the link are both 100,000 lux. Ideally I'd do an hour a day. If you get one with a lower level lux, the recommended daily time will change.
Nope, but I do have both :) those salt rock lamps look pretty cool. You might hear SAD lamps called light boxes, they look like this and are basically ridiculously bright lights that make your body think the sun is up.
Something like this? http://www.amazon.com/Lightphoria-000LUX-Energy-Light-Lamp/dp/B004JF3G08/
I think you leave it on as much as possible to treat SAD. It's a bit expensive but if you can set it up on a timer it might work great as a wake-up light too.
You can definitely just show up to classes at Gold's (maybe not spinning, sometimes you have to reserve a bike). I used to go to Gold's when I lived outside NYC.
I have this lamp which was ~$25 cheaper when I purchased it a few weeks ago. I like the angle, and that it's not as unsightly as some other sunlamps because I tend to leave it on my kitchen table all week. There are definitely cheaper options out there though.
Yeah. It's a white light I'm pretty sure.
https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Liberty-Therapy-Energy/dp/B0094HBU6I/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1522522339&amp;sr=8-2-spons&amp;keywords=sad+light&amp;psc=1
Hey there! I got one of those lights for light therapy. It's like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012CBOFZ0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
It helped me through the winter and lack of sun. Good luck to you!
I typically do turn all lights off except for one on my night stand prior to bed, and read for 20 minutes to an hour. I've been looking at a few lamps on Amazon that are pretty cheap but have some good reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W8Y7FY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2C67XW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6?psc=1&amp;pd_rd_i=B07H2C67XW
I have this SAD lamp. Works on a timer and it is nice to wake up to. Other than that, I like to bike everywhere and always book a trip (even if it is only small) in February for something to look forward to.
Good luck!
Yeesh, that's cold!
Do you have a sun lamp? I have this one and find it pretty helpful, actually, for getting through the winter.
Sounds like y'all might really benefit from styling your apartment in the "jungalow" theme (SFW, I promise, haha). Lots of plants, very homey, warm, friendly and colorful.
Also, since this sounds like an issue that affects your overall quality of life every day, it might be worth it to invest in a therapy light. No idea if this is the best one, but this is an example. It might be able to help y'all cope with the dreary days and low lighting.
Try a Happy Light
We learned about them in psychology class. They simulate the sun and give you the energy boost you need in the winter. Winter can be hard on people here in the PNW because it gets to be pretty dark and never really lights up till Spring.
6000mg. Here's a decent fish oil.
This shit passes. It's cyclical like everything in nature. Misfortune can only last so long before it expends itself and balance returns. Remember that. It passes.
That's a completely different device though. The OP is trying to recreate a wake-up light, which aren't meant to be very bright. The light goes on 10-30 minutes before your sound alarm and gradually gets brighter with the intention of gently bringing you closer to wakefulness before the alarm goes off.
You seem to be thinking of something like this, where the idea is to have "light therapy" sessions while you're already awake, right?
Do not do what this guy said, do not have her taking stimulants as that will only make it worse.
Buy her a light box like this and have her sit in front of it for 30 mins every morning: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003OWJCIM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Then, you want to give her supplements that help with deep sleep. Some examples: Glycine, taurine, lavender, magnesium, time-released melatonin.
Herbs like valerian only last like four hours, so don't try those.
I swear by this sun lamp! I use it mostly for the winter blues, but I bet it would help with energy levels too. https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY
Ask away! I use this lamp in this model. Every doctor at my psych clinic has this one on their desk to show patients as it's the one they recommend. I also have one of the mini models that I sort of just use for reading but I figured it couldn't hurt to get another one.
So I actually have bipolar disorder and am medicated and attend therapy regularly, so YMMV depending on your other treatments but I'll describe my experience anyway:
Excluding the periods of absolute total bottom, I very much felt like the lamp was helpful, but didn't realize it while I was in it. At first it was kind of like, ok, I'm using it now, why am I still sad this thing sucks. Then I realized when I used it in the morning I was able to put on two matching socks and other seemingly menial tasks that are out of the realm of possibility for someone with major depression.
If anything, it at least wakes you up in the morning and helps regulate your circadian rhythm, if you can find the will to roll out of bed and flip it on. Takes some of the misery out of being awake when it's cold and dark and shitty.
This got SO long but let me know if you have any other questions, I'm happy to help. Oh also if you're manic-depressive talk to your pdoc about this first before you start on an I LOVE LAMP wild ride.
that's it, I'm pulling the trigger on a Philips GoLite. they're cheap enough now it's worth a shot http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M3SGCUE/
edit: now debating the merits of using full spectrum bulbs in my home office instead of the GoLite. not sure if they will be as effective when used on a ceiling fixture... anyone know?
You can nudge your circadian rhythm forward (fall asleep earlier) with proper blue light exposure. The science is interesting but essentially it causes your body to produce melatonin earlier in the evening which helps induce sleep. The easiest way to do that is to go for a walk outside right after you wake up for about 30 minutes or alternatively there are blue light therapy products that can help.
On the flip side of this, you want to avoid blue light in the evening, as this can suppress the expression of melatonin. Don't look at electronics before bed, and / or buy blue light blocking sunglasses and wear them for a few hours before you fall asleep.
Rugs and tapestries. Bright or light colored. Also get yourself a happy lamp. I have one and it keeps my mood up during dark and rainy days.
Example: http://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Energy-Lamp-5000/dp/B002Q2H2JC/ref=sr_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1464659020&amp;sr=8-7&amp;keywords=happy+lamp
These are a more effective treatment, vastly safer, and more cost-effective in the long run to boot.
https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Compact-Personal-Portable/dp/B00K08ZDBI/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1541983830&sr=8-3&keywords=happy+light
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Same as the "light box" that Lismox just asked.
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It is set up to help get you going with broad spectrum light that you aren't getting with the dark. It's been helping a lot. My doctor recommended it.
I don't consume any dairy or grain anymore and it's what made the biggest impact in my energy and cognition. I've actually bought this red light https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JW9RZ7K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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There are so many conflicting information out there. My LED is 100-110mw/cm2 at 3 inch , and 80-90 mw/cm at 6 inch.
Those intensity is per second or minute or hour?
For skin improvement, how long should I use the lamp given the intensity?
What they don't mention here, but which I have seen elsewhere, is that blue light in the morning is good, but in the evening it may interfere with sleep by confusing your body to think it's earlier than it really is.
My husband and I started using a BLU light in the morning while eating breakfast (at least when it gets gloomy/wintery out), and run f.lux to redden our computer screens after dusk. It seems to help.
Hello! Have you looked into getting some sort of sunlamp to help you out? I live in SoCal, so this sort of thing is not an issue, but I hear these can be useful, along with full-spectrum lights.
I originally expected to find it to be hokum. I don't really do homeopathic or alternative medicine stuff. But I have found it to really work for me both with energy level, mood, and sleeping well.
I have a bigger one for home, but this one is currently at my desk and it's great.. 10,000 lux seems to be a good target to look for, but I'm not an expert.
Anecdotal, yes.
A friend & colleague of mine struggled with SAD for years. He, by his own testimony, tried everything, including various kinds of light therapy, before it had been more widely talked about. His self-experimentation started with different wavelengths, at different intensities, even exposing different areas of the body, at different times of day, from different angles, for different lengths of time. The guy's a scientist, who takes the function of his mind pretty seriously, so while his experimentation was definitely abnormal, I appreciated his scientific rigor. Ultimately, he found that blue light (I forget the specific wavelength he uses), especially in the upper-half of his vision (ie: shining from above center), for as little as 15 minutes, works spectacularly for bringing him back from the SADness.
Personally, I had never really felt afflicted by SAD, but I figured, what the hell, with all this light equipment around, and given the remarkable success my friend had had with it, why not see what kind of effect it would have on me? I'm prone to getting gloomy, stir-crazy, irritable on gloomy days, so when the next opportunity presented itself, I switched on one of these bad boys for 30 minutes (note: didn't use the ionizer; wasn't sure what it did; only used the light) and proceeded to feel my mood lift substantially. Maybe placebo, but at that point, and on the numerous instances of mood-lifting success, I did not argue with the results.
Here you go.
Good luck.
Take some supplemental Vit D, get early morning sunshine if possible or buy a light to help (I have the Philips GoLite), get as much exercise as you can, go to bed earlier, eat less sugar and more veggies and lean meats, do some meditation or self-hypnosis, and be patient.
I have this one https://www.amazon.com/Sphere-Gadget-Technologies-Lightphoria-Energy/dp/B004JF3G08/ref=zg_bs_13053141_12?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZNA1EJ79ETGXPWSNY466
There are a ton of them on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Health-Personal-Care-Light-Therapy-Products/zgbs/hpc/13053141
Lots of difference price ranges. Basically, it mimics sunlight and kind of tricks your brain into thinking you're looking at the sun. I like to put it on the corner of my desk while I work. It looks like a sunny window out of the corner of my eye.
You could try a therapy “happy” light . I have seasonal depression and it makes me feel all of these things but I’ve had a huge improvement since using the light in the mornings!
It's not stupid! It's a small thing that I have on my desk, I turn it on while I'm working in the morning. I have this one but there are lots out there. There are also lamps that you can program like an alarm, to turn on slowly on a timer, which makes it easier to wake up.
https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Compact-Personal-Portable/dp/B00K08ZDBI/ref=sxin_2_osp33-7fd41a1e_cov?ascsubtag=7fd41a1e-a1b4-4959-806a-8e536f38f6db&creativeASIN=B00K08ZDBI&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osp.7fd41a1e-a1b4-4959-806a-8e536f38f6db&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_wn=osp-search&keywords=sun+lamp&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B00K08ZDBI&pd_rd_r=05917251-5b1a-4b33-9d4c-8644f70f9c13&pd_rd_w=miBkl&pd_rd_wg=yhwjO&pf_rd_p=53eff971-6e12-4016-9864-b6dfd929b2b3&pf_rd_r=8AA4AHXNG4WX6EV36CJ8&qid=1574271712&s=pet-supplies&tag=verywellpublish-20
This is the one I have. I originally bought one for my boyfriend who spends all day indoors so I needed a small, desk sized one. He liked it so much I bought myself one haha
> order lamps
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>According to Nature News, Ian Morgan, a myopia researcher at the Australian National University, has estimated that children need to spend around three hours per day under light levels of at least 10,000 lux to be protected against myopia.
http://www.nature.com/news/the-myopia-boom-1.17120
Maybe this might work:
> Day-Light Classic 10,000 LUX Bright Light Therapy Lamp
http://www.amazon.com/Day-Light-Classic-Bright-Light-Therapy/dp/B0009MFUWC
You might have seasonal affective disorder (I have it too). It's when the lack of sunlight in the winter months leaves you feeling depressed and lethargic. I would recommend getting a faux sunlight lamp http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JF3G08/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;colid=328QFD75LHK52&amp;coliid=I3INTXRJEPPXTG and also drinking lots of orange juice and taking walks in the morning while the sun is high in the sky. The lamp will also help you sleep better at night if you have it on you all day. You should be feeling better and more motivated if you're able to do what I'm suggesting.
Mayo description
There's obviously a thousand styles, different powers and features and so on, but this seems like a solid example here. Pretty much a faux sun. Funny that you mentioned these, u/introspeck.. bought my dad one for Christmas last year.. knowing him he probably doesn't use it so I may have to steal it from him and try it out
A note on his option C is that we've been trained that indoor light is 2700-3000K. We call that "warm white". Anything higher than that reminds us not generally of the sun, but of large laboratories or warehouses and harsh fluorescent light. It's just a subconscious thing. But easy to try: buy one bulb and see how you like it. IMO, it will look very cold, almost blue. But maybe you like that.
They do make lamps to simulate daylight for people with Seasonal Affected Disorder. Maybe check out products like this.
I have a [sad lamp]( NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W8Y7FY/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_liNUub1T5TKS0). Its pretty awesome. If you ask your doctor, most will write a "Prescription" for it, so you can use FSA to pay for it, or even some insurances cover it as a medical device, in the category as a cpap machine. I had it at my old office where there were no windows, now I have it at home, next to the sofa.
I have a cheaper one and it works fine: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JF3G08?psc=1&amp;redirect=true&amp;ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
My doctor said it should be 10,000 lux.
And yes, Vitamin D is also essential.
This works surprisingly well. It's a bit expensive, but in my opinion it's worth it (There are others that are cheaper, this is just the one I use).
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-GoLITE-BLU-Energy-Light/dp/B00M3SGCUE/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1492553641&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=blue+light+therapy&amp;refinements=p_89%3APhilips
I set it to turn on 30 minutes before I have to get up.
EDIT: Side note, my psychiatrist recommended this for SAD.
That's not true. Light therapy is proven effective. Basically you expose yourself to 10,000 lux worth of high intensity blue-white light for 30-60 minutes. (Our brains are weird.) If you want to move your circadian rhythms earlier, you do it when you get up. Later, and you do it in your evening.
It works in many people. Do it consistently every morning for a couple of weeks and see what happens. I personally use this light (no affiliation) and would recommend it.
You can always get a lamp like this if you don't want to go to a tanning bed. My aunt who lives in Seattle swears by these things.
Edit: nvm, just noticed you mentioned it in another comment. Carry on :)
No not a tanning lamp.
This is the one I had:
NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000W8Y7FY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_vU8VAbBR3DXY1
If you've never been manic I wouldn't worry too much about it. Even if you do become a bit hypo you can always just turn off the lamp and wait for it to go away. Just be aware of how your mood is. Good luck !
I have this Philips GoLITE and I'm convinced it makes a difference. I'm not sure if it's placebo, but I always feel a lot better after work and sleep more soundly on the days I use it for half an hour.
I decided to get this:
Lightphoria 10,000LUX Energy Light Lamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JF3G08/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_EtFSub1PR5H73
The sheer number of reviews seems to suggests how effective this model is. Costs about 125 sgd for me, so not so huge of a dent in my wallet.
I've had good results from a combination of these:
Leviton LT113-10W 1000-Watt Advanced Digital Plug-In Timer, 6-Foot Tethered Remote, Grounded Plug, Receptacle, Auto Daylight Savings Adjustment, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040718V4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uNV4xbNQ675RW
Carex Health Brands Day-Light Sky 10,000 LUX Bright Light Therapy Lamp (DL2000) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WTCHLC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KOV4xbHPQPHJN
I set the timer for the same time as my alarm and for twenty minutes. It has really helped.
You may have already bought one like this. It's good to give a try.
Verilux HappyLight VT22 Lucent 10,000 Lux LED Bright White Light Therapy Lamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YBGPM5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.a8MDb15TD9M7
I bought this from a pharmacy
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-GoLITE-Energy-Therapy-HF3422/dp/B00M3SGCUE
Seems crazy haha, but I find it very helpful, i use it for 45 minutes in the morning, not every morning
Mine is helping!
I’ve got this one
Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp - 10,000 LUX - Sun Lamp Mood Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PCN4UVU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wRD6Bb1SGDTX4
If you can't find the sun, bring the sun to you!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0009MFUWC/ref=pd_aw_sims_10?pi=SY115&amp;simLd=1
I have one of these and they really legitimately work. It's awesome.
Get a light therapy lamp! I have this one and call it my happy lamp! I’ve noticed a pretty big change in my mood and just got it a couple weeks ago! Obviously any type should work but just adding a link to the one that works for me...
Could it be a mild case of Seasonal Affective Disorder? It's very common. My wife uses this SAD lamp every day and it really helps to keep her mood and energy up throughout the winter.
Here is a link to a random one https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY.
Then they have those things to plug into outlets to make the thing plugged in operate on a timer. Here is an example
https://www.amazon.com/Century-Plug-Mechanical-Timer-Grounded/dp/B00MVFF59S/ref=zg_bs_495340_1?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=35SVFS2GRDGP54NJ5VBV
I saw someone suggested a sunlight alarm clock. If you end up getting one, I’d love to know how you like it. I’ve been thinking about getting one.
We're still hard-wired to want to slow down, pack on pounds and wait out the winter. My gym motivation has taken a real hit, too.
Have you ever thought about one of those S.A.D. lights? I thought these were all useless until my s.o. got one and I must say I've noticed a motivation improvement come February when it's breakfast time and still dark out.