Light box recommendations anyone please?

[ETsmum]

Thinking about investing in one of these in the hope that it might help to lift my mood a bit, as I seem to be finding it especially hard in the dark mornings atm. Have been looking at the ones at the cheaper end of the scale on Amazon (in the Channel Islands, so would have to be mail order). Does anyone have any opinions on the alarm clock type vs a standard portable one that you can use during the day please? Also any particular makes/models found to be especially beneficial? Thanks.

[shodatin]

Actually, I don't think my DB has SAD either (but wish he'd remember to use lightbox). I have ADs myself, mainly due to physical condition, but supplement them with Berocca when feeling extra down, which works for me. All best wishes.

[ETsmum]

Foxtrot, thanks for the reply and planning to have another look on the net with dh tonight (and IF I am going to go ahead and get one get it ordered. Seem to be doing lots of procrastinating atm, but think it is because of how I am feeling). Re the VAT, we are lucky as can normally can get it removed due to living in the Channel Islands, but thanks for the tip :)

Shodatin, really appreciate you and your DB's input - thanks for posting again :) He confirms my feeling about second hand - love "pre-loved" things normally, but would prefer to fork out for new for a box I think - more chance of getting any problems with it sorted etc.

As an aside, went to the docs this am and she is upping my ad's, which I guess in my heart I know I need, but just generally feeling frustrated by the whole thing :( She DID say that even though I don't have SAD, a light box may help to take the edge off things and I really feel at the stage where I will give anything a try...

[shodatin]

Have finally got bit more information, but DB cannot remember name of the one he's got! Said it could be Lamie but unsure (probably not using it at present). He did not recommend getting pre-used model, and said Phillips make them, but expensive (?) and that's about all I'm afraid, so hope you get something that makes a difference.

[shodatin]

Am still awaitinbg DB's email - he phoned briefly earlier - but have only received gobbledegook from googlemail about non-delivery to him. Remembered he also said he bought from a German company (not an alarm clock only), but omitted to actually give me name, saying he'd emailed... There is one company selling nothing else, and they also do second-hand models. Once again, will email if /when I have more.

[foxtrottango]

I bought one for my brother last christmas, I tried to find the model for you but I can't remember. I think it was a Philips and cost around £80-£90. My brother says it is really good. One thing worth mentioning though is I did the research on Amazon and then bought it from a medical supply company. My brother is diagnosed with SAD so I ticked a box to say it was for a recognised health condition and I didn't have to pay VAT. Might be worth looking around for. Definitely worth saving the VAT as it will bump up the amount you are able to spend on the actual box :)

[ETsmum]

Ohh, thanks for the replies - was think I was going to have to plump for a decision by myself (well with dh, but he isn't always too hot on opinions)!

Shodatin - thanks for asking your DB for me, any more info would be very gratefully received. Will have a google for SAD later...have been trying not to google too much tho...don't have a dx of SAD, but have been feeling down since June. People have commented that I have seemed worse since the clocks changed though, and must admit things def don't seem to be improving (already on 2 types of ad's - low dose). Oh and re shops - tried our local Boots, which prob would be the only place to have in stock here but they only had them in over Christmas!

MoChan - really helpful, thanks. I wasn't sure what was a good make tbh, but same as you my instinct isn't to get the cheapest. Just need to scrimp a few more ££ away :) Also interested to hear what you said about the proper daytime laps providing the "therapy". I do like the idea of something I can move around...will have a look at the Lumie Zip on Amazon.

[shodatin]

Not yet received email from DB, but he recommends regular and full-sized version, now priced around £100 new on ebay (used to be £200). Suggests googling SAD.Will pass on details as received here, but am surprised there are not more shops where one can view.

[MoChan]

I don't have a huge amount of experience/knowledge on this but recently invested in a Lumie Zip because I have got worse and worse with this every winter. It seems to be helping quite a bit.

I bought this type because I got the impression that the wake up alarm type ones are basically complementary to the normal lights, and that it's the proper daylight lamps, not the alarm clocks that provide the 'therapy'.

I also got the impression that this is something that's it's not wise to buy the cheapest on. Though I certainly didn't buy the most expensive, mine was £125.

Sorry not to be more helpful - I went with the Lumie brand because they seemed very established, and also offered a thirty day money back thing via their eBay shop. I had no inclination to send it back, though, as I do feel it works.

Hope you get more replies.

[shodatin]

My DB has used them for years, so will ask him and let you know. Am surprised there are not more replies yet.

[ETsmum]

Bump, anyone please?