Let There Be Light
November 28th, 2011
I don't think that I could say I have proper Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but I do struggle, along with so many others, with the short gloomy days of an English winter. My childhood winters in Portugal were bright, sparkly affairs. Cold sometimes, because we the only heating we had was a wood fire, and damp, because when it rained it rained hard and came through the holes in the roof. But bright and light and not very long.
The first English winter I remember was when I was eight, and we had to be in England for a few months while my dad had surgery. That was jolly! And the next one was my first term at boarding school, when the darkness seeped into my mind and I didn't know if it would ever lift. Even now that I have much happier winter memories to draw on I find myself mourning the end of summer and gearing up for the energy it takes me to get through this portion of the calendar.
I have heard of light therapy, but the cost has always been prohibitive. There is a mass of evidence that points to the effectiveness of exposure to rays that mimic the brightness of the sun. Interior lights emit around 50 lux- the sun between 10,000 and 130,000. Sunlight triggers the body's production of vitamin D (which boosts immunity and increases energy levels among other things), as well as increasing the production of seratonin, that feel-good hormone we love so much.
There are now cheaper models on the market, but guess what? A lovely friend has bought me one as a present! It should arrive today or tomorrow, so I will let you know if it makes a difference to my mood. I'd love to hear your experiences too, if you've tried this.
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Wania Honman
~ November 28th, 2011 ~ 12:11Wonderful, que bom!!! Let me know about the light - I have thought about it several times too but likewise cost is an impediment! Would love to hear how you find it... :-)
Martin~ November 28th, 2011 ~ 15:11Hello! Do tell whether you notice a difference - I've been looking at those lights for a while, but have been a little skeptical. Would be good to have a trustworthy review! :)
Jo
~ November 28th, 2011 ~ 19:11There are loads and loads of reviews on (whisper it) Amazon, but happy to supply my own anecdotal evidence. Didn't come today- hopefully tomorrow...forecast grey, so good timing :)
Sarah
~ November 29th, 2011 ~ 14:11hey Jo! I love these - I used to use a 'full spectrum' plant lightbulb in my desklamp in Vancouver, and I swear I could read for a few hours longer than without it before my brain and eyes got fuzzy.
Now here in the UK, my Chris has a light box, and I again am sure it makes a difference. I periodically give our kumquat and I a sun bath, and it certainly makes me feel better. I think it makes kumquat feel better too, as he was losing a few leaves when the time (and light) changed, and since the bath, he looks perkier. From what I read, an hour or so is about the right dose; it can be a bit strong and hard on the eyes after that (rather like being outside in the Mediterranean sun!).
I too have been missing the Mediterranean winters... but not the mistral that blew in Arles. :) I think you were spared that in Portugal. And apparently the roof at Les Tourades is now fixed, and rain no longer comes in! Amazing!
Have fun experimenting... bisous!
Jo
~ December 1st, 2011 ~ 06:12Sitting here with the light on- day two now. Feeling a bit sorry for myself as Charis was up at 5.10 am, but it is nice to be bathed in fake-sunshine even at this ridiculous time of day.
