Many believe that daylight lamps help treat seasonal affective disorder, also known as winter depression. How true is this belief?
To answer this question, the German Goods and Products Testing Authority conducted a test that included 19 lamps, five of which received a “good” rating, and most of the others received a “satisfactory” rating.
The test reached the following results:
– For light therapy, it is recommended to use 10,000 lux for 30 minutes, to ensure that light reaches the eye. Tests have shown that many lamps only achieve this illumination when sitting very close to them, sometimes less than 10 cm away.
– To get the same effect with a lower lux level and a more comfortable distance, you should sit in front of the lamp for a longer period. It is necessary to keep the eyes open and look directly at the lamp constantly.
– Even with prolonged use of the daylight lamp, there is no danger to the eyes or skin. If side effects such as sleep disturbances, headaches or nausea occur, the distance can be increased or the exposure time shortened.
– It is preferable to use cool white light with a high blue component; Because it closely resembles natural daylight, while colored light modes or dimming functions do not provide any therapeutic benefit.
– Daylight glasses are not a substitute for a flashlight; They provide little light, are uncomfortable, and are expensive.
Improvement of psychological condition
According to the German Society for the Treatment of Depression website, 60% of patients with seasonal affective disorder noticed an improvement in their health after one week of light therapy. Therefore, many begin preventive treatment as early as October.
It is noteworthy that winter depression is usually diagnosed in the fall or winter, when other atypical symptoms appear, such as increased cravings for food and an urgent need for sleep, in addition to the traditional symptoms of depression such as anhedonia and lack of motivation. Light therapy appears to be particularly effective
For this type of depression.