light visor for seasonal affective disorder

Fifty-five patients with winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD) were treated with a light visor, a newly developed portable light-delivery system, in a controlled parallel design. A dim (400 lux) visor was compared with a bright (6000 lux) visor for either 30 or 60 minutes in the morning for 1 week.

1. What kind of light is good for seasonal affective disorder?
2. Does light therapy work for seasonal affective disorder?
3. What is the best treatment for seasonal affective disorder?
4. Can you get vitamin D from SAD lights?

What kind of light is good for seasonal affective disorder?

Typically the recommended intensity of light is 10,000 lux. How much UV light does it release? Light boxes for SAD should be designed to filter out most or all UV light. Contact the manufacturer for safety information if you have questions.

Does light therapy work for seasonal affective disorder?

Bright light therapy is an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The most common light therapy uses a special type of light, called a light box. This is much brighter than a lamp or other light fixture in your home. Light therapy is easy and safe.

What is the best treatment for seasonal affective disorder?

How is SAD treated?

• Exposure to sunlight. Spending time outside or near a window can help relieve symptoms.
• Light therapy. If increasing sunlight is not possible, exposure to a special light for a specific amount of time each day may help.
• Psychotherapy. ...
• Antidepressants.

Can you get vitamin D from SAD lights?

Even though it's a light-based therapy, sun lamps don't impact vitamin D production. Be sure to get your vitamin D through your diet and/or supplements as your doctor advises.