[JenIsAlwaysSick]

The shorter and colder days have me bummed. the overcast doesn't help much either.

Can anyone give an honest recommendation for a light therapy box? There seem to be a lot on the market, but I'd like recommendations for a good one so I get the best deal and the best product.

Also, I'm interested in the kind that slowly increases in brightness, simulating dawn. Anyone use one of those?

Thanks.

[Fresia]

The doctor told me that as long as it is 10,000 lux it is fine. For the best benefit after several long term studies were done, to use it in the morning for 20-30 minutes 18-20 inches away from you out in front of you but out to the side, never look directly at them; increases risks of cataracts. Any more than that showed no benefit. So I have it by me in the morning when I have breakfast or as I'm getting ready in the bathroom.

There is a light that I added to my routine as well, not 10,000 lux but less than that, that is on alarm that starts to come on gradually in the morning to wake me up. I have really benefited with this. As it is so dark in the a.m. and can't function without sun. It has helped as well with my depression and getting my day started; otherwise I am a slug this time of year.

[Gently1]

I have the option of waking up to the sunrise, I keep the curtains open.
Also we have a saying in Winter, it could be -40 but at least the sun is shining.
Seriously
My lite book I am using while I eat and read the paper. I bought the Lite book on impulse just incase there is a seasonal part of my depression, and like the medication not much has helped more than pacing myself. And now I am learning to pace myself in Therapy.

Anybody else just what to get on with their lives?
g1

[JenIsAlwaysSick]

Originally Posted by Fresia

The doctor told me that as long as it is 10,000 lux it is fine. For the best benefit after several long term studies were done, to use it in the morning for 20-30 minutes 18-20 inches away from you out in front of you but out to the side, never look directly at them; increases risks of cataracts. Any more than that showed no benefit. So I have it by me in the morning when I have breakfast or as I'm getting ready in the bathroom.

There is a light that I added to my routine as well, not 10,000 lux but less than that, that is on alarm that starts to come on gradually in the morning to wake me up. I have really benefited with this. As it is so dark in the a.m. and can't function without sun. It has helped as well with my depression and getting my day started; otherwise I am a slug this time of year.

Thank you. This is very helpful. I guess I should add one to my Christmas wish list.

[JenIsAlwaysSick]

Originally Posted by Gently1

I have the option of waking up to the sunrise, I keep the curtains open.
Also we have a saying in Winter, it could be -40 but at least the sun is shining.
Seriously
My lite book I am using while I eat and read the paper. I bought the Lite book on impulse just incase there is a seasonal part of my depression, and like the medication not much has helped more than pacing myself. And now I am learning to pace myself in Therapy.

Anybody else just what to get on with their lives?
g1

Unfortunately, I don't have that option. I gotta get up before the sun to get myself and two little ones ready and head off to get my oldest to school. And it was overcast much of last week, which also affected me. After getting outside for a bit, though, I realized how much better I felt. I had been shut up indoors because the weather had been so gross - really windy (we have asthma, plus it made things extra cold) and just blah outside, and I was sick too, which didn't help.

I think the light will serve as a means to get me moving in the morning when it's still really dark outside, and help perk me up when the weather's not so pleasant and the sun's hiding behind the clouds.

[Petunia111]

I have an Ott light, but I cannot say that it helped me one scintilla. Everyone reacts to various therapies differently, however, and it might work for you.

[JenIsAlwaysSick]

Originally Posted by Petunia111

I have an Ott light, but I cannot say that it helped me one scintilla. Everyone reacts to various therapies differently, however, and it might work for you.

I don't know if it's the light or the actual sunshine and fresh air that perks me up. We will have to see, though. Sorry it didn't help you at all, but I like that picture in your signature.