Do SAD lamps really help?

[MagpiePi]

I tend to struggle with the gloom and cold of winter and was wondering whether to get a SAD light. I wfh for 3 days a week and often find it difficult to get out during daylight hours on those days.

I do lots of exercise including walking/running on non-work days and generally get out after work during the summer but I find it much, much harder in the winter.

I'd love to hear any positive or negative eperiences with SAD lamps.

SAD lamps do work. I get a burst of energy that helps and the light also helps with skin issues so not just a placebo effect!

I am big fan of both the lumie alarm clock and a big light-of-a-thousand-suns SAD lamp - I have a conviction that it has to be really really bright to actually work, but I haven't got any research to back it up. Definitely gives me that "ping!" feeling I associate with having a sugary snack or getting a nice message, lifts the mood!

I think I might get one and see if it helps.

Thanks everyone for your replies

I hope they help as I bought one last week. Like you, I WFH during the week and it's already gloomy on cloudy days.

I've only had SAD for the last 2 years but last year I cried solidly for 2 weeks and I wrote a "2023 SAD Plan"

My care package is coming together!

Autumn/ Winter used to be my favourite months until 2021! No idea what changed...

Today has confirmed my decision. It’s gloomy and I’m sitting here in trackies, long sleeve t, heavyweight hoody and I’m bloody freezing and realising it’s going to be like this and worse for the next 8 months or so.

I fucking hate the English winter.

@Dorksdirectdotcom Its good to have a plan. Mine is mostly about keeping warm.

Just buy a bright daylight bulb? 6500k at 1150lumen is good.
Like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Energizer-Daylight-Bayonet-Fitting-Energy/dp/B01NALH2KE/ref=asc_df_B01NALH2KE/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=205189078920&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15324507521168209222&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046330&hvtargid=pla-464140917747&psc=1

Love love love my Lumie alarm clock.

I did use a SAD lamp but was never that religious about it - but it does work and I would feel phenomenly energised by it.

Bright daylight bulbs are not the same and do not deliver the same brightness.

Iirc, a full spectrum light needs to provide over 10000 lux to be effective. You also need to use SAD lamps relatively close to your eyes for X minutes for treatment.

Agree btw that SAD lamps and the sunrise alarm clock are great investments.

They still help though and good if a SAD light is beyond budget.

There was a Sliced Bread episode (BBC Sounds podcast) on these a couple of months ago

Not sure about the effect on mood but I get very tired and they definitely keep me more awake at my desk

Are there any SAD lamps that people recommend. I want to get one for my DH.

I've wanted to get a wake up lamp for years but don't know what impact it would have on DH. He gets up an hour after me so doesn't want to be woken up by it.

Depends how deeply your DH sleeps. I have my Lumie on the floor on my side of the bed and DH is oblivious to it.

I have a lumie one but if there are more choices out there now, just make sure you pick one that delivers >10,000 lux (often certified medical devices) and choose a design that you think best suits your habits/space/budget

That's a really good idea

I’m thinking of a Lumie vitamin L which gives 10,000 lumens. Used ones seem to be £40-£50 on eBay, new, around £65-£70.

I think Lumie and Beurer are a reputable brands.

@MagpiePi the Vitamin L is the one I use as my office lamp. It's brilliant.