Question About SAD Light Therapy

[kgg]

Okay ... Im already crouching in the fetal position to prepare for the attacks and belittling....

Here goes...

I would like to add SAD light therapy into my service lineup @ my studio.

Is there such a thing as the Non UV Full Spectrum lamps that would fit into tanning beds?

[John]

You may have a hard time finding an F71 BP or F73 RDC.

Duro-Test Lighting, Inc.
Duro-Test makes a brand called Vitalite which are very good.
However I believe they only make standard sizes for general lighting applications. Such as 24", 46", 48, & 96"

[solarmeter®]

How can anyone be "sad" in the summertime? Just put them in a lawnchair on your deck for 20 minutes in the sun - and charge $20.

[kgg]

Originally Posted by solarmeter®

How can anyone be "sad" in the summertime? Just put them in a lawnchair on your deck for 20 minutes in the sun - and charge $20.

I guess youre one of the lucky ones who doesnt live in the tri-state are of ny,nj,ct ... Its been a really tough summer for us...

we are going on i believe day 23 days of rain showers out of 30 days!!! UNREAL!

I would like to offer light therapy for those cleints who have been advised by their doctors to stay out of uv exposure (either because of skin conditions and/or medications that have adverse effects from uv exposure).

[bosslady]

Interlectric Corporation has been making the True Lite for SAD therapy for many years now. The lamps are manufactured in 24, 36, 46, 48, 60, 72, and 96 inch lengths. Below is the info as it relates to SAD:

True Lite and Seasonal Affective Disorder


True Lite is a full spectrum fluorescent lamp that is as close to natural sunlight as manufactured lighting can be. This lamp can be used indoors to produce an outdoor-like lighting atmosphere. Since it is a full spectrum lamp, True Lite is just that, true. It shows colors truly, the way they look under natural sunlight. This lamp can be used to brighten up showrooms, automotive paint shops, garages, retail stores, and more, but one of the often unheard of uses for True Lite is the combating of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Seasonal Affective Disorder* (SAD) is a type of mood disorder associated with episodes of depression related to seasonal variations in light. The possible cause of this disorder has been linked to the sleep-related hormone, melatonin. This hormone, secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, may cause symptoms of depression. Since melatonin is produced at increased levels in the dark, the shorter and darker days of winter provide an environment for significant increase in the production of this hormone.

Symptoms of SAD may include:
· Regularly occurring symptoms of depression (excessive sleeping & eating and weight gain)
· Cravings for sugary and/or starchy foods
· Full remission from depression occurs in the spring and summer months
· Seasonal episodes substantially outnumber non-seasonal episodes
· Symptoms have occurred over the past two years, with no non-seasonal depression episodes

Treatment of SAD through phototherapy or bright light therapy (BLT) has been shown to help suppress the brain’s secretion of melatonin. This BLT is the most established treatment for SAD, and consists of looking at special broad (full) spectrum bright lights from one-half to three hours a day. It is best to not have the light pointed directly at your eyes, or stare directly into the light as it may be possibly damaging. Since a substantial amount of light is needed, the distance from the light to your eyes should be carefully monitored – distant enough to not hurt your eyes, but close enough to give you the best amount of light. The timing and length of exposure vary from person to person.
True Lite is a good product for some types of BLT. Installing True Lite in your office buildings, classrooms, employee work stations, and even in break rooms can be a way to help combat absenteeism, reduce eye strain, increase morale, and increase productivity.

*SAD must be diagnosed by a professional psychiatrist, psychologist, or physician. Do NOT self-diagnose.

[kgg]

bosslady

thanks so much




Do you use these lights?

[bosslady]

Kgg, Happy to help!

I do not use them in my home, but our administrative offices are all lit with these lamps. When we first relamped with them several years ago, the positive feedback from employees was tremendous.

I know that you can buy home lighting units for the treatment of SAD, but they can be expensive for a person who is just using it themselves. I'm in PA myself, and I know what you mean about the lack of natural sunlight so far this summer! I don't know of any tanning salons that offer it as a service, but if you decide to - I hope its successful!

[Drew]

Vodka has worked in Russia for years to combat S.A.D.

Alaskans and Canadians use strong Beer and Canadian Mist with great results.

Cigarettes seem to help with the depression too.

[bosslady]

That's exactly why I don't worry about whether I have them in my house or not!