S.A.D lights?

Can someone tell me more about lights for S.A.D? What exactly are they called and how do they affect the brain?

My NP recommended one for me and so I bought it. It is a "full spectrum" light bulb and it replaces a regular bulb in my lamp.
It simulates the light emitted from the sun.
I don't find any change for me, but then again, I don't use it every single day.
Here is something I found about how it is supposed to work: The therapeutic level of illumination has several known physiological effects, though its mechanism of effect is still unclear. Blood levels of the hormone melatonin, which may be abnormally high at certain times of day, are rapidly reduced by light exposure. Depending on when bright light is presented, the body’s internal clock - which controls daily rhythms of body temperature, hormone secretions, and sleep patterns - shifts ahead or is delayed when stimulated by light. These physiological time shifts may be the basis of the therapeutic response. On the other hand, the antidepressant effect may not involve rhythm shifts, but rather overall changes in neurotransmitter (chemicals involved in the communication between brain cells) activity. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine may be prime candidates. Research into possible mechanisms is currently underway, and the final answer is not yet in.

Hi, Zen! Check out this similar thread: light boxes for SAD

I don't know a whole lot about how they work but I do have a light and I've found it really useful in the wintertime when there's less/hardly any sunlight. Just be careful because I've found mine gives me headaches if I leave it on too long. I only use it about an hour a day, and it took a while to feel any effects, but once I did I really noticed a difference. The light + meds was a HUGE help in getting over the worst of my depression, so I think it's definitely worth investigating.

((Zen)))) another thought ...maybe not a good thought lol
with me if i tan at a tanning place it helps like you would not believe.
I know there are different thoughts on them so please look into it first.

Grandma Muffy,

Thank-you for the suggestion regarding tanning beds. But I am too terrified that I will get skin cancer and/or wrinkles.

Another thing you could try Zen, my T told me about this, is getting outside everday for at least a half hour between 10AM and 2PM. The sun stimulates your brain to make chemicals that acts in the same way antidepressant meds work. I also have my laptop set up in a window in my house that gets sunlight all day, so whenever I'm sitting at my desk I get sunshine.

I just purchased a light box online. I will report back if I notice any changes in my behavior and moods.

((yw))((zen)) thats why i said look into it

The suggestion to spend time outdoors even on a cloudy day is a good one. The clouds may display a sense of gloom, but many of the effects of sunlight do in fact penetrate the clouds. So it is useful to be outside regardless.

(((((((((((((((((( Zen888 ))))))))))))))))