Light box

[Georgina89]

Have been looking at them on Amazon lately, but before I buy one I would just like to know if anyone uses one and if they think they work?

I haven't been diagnosed with SAD, but suffer from anxiety which makes me really miserable, lethargic etc. I definitely feel better in the summer months. So was wondering if this would help.

Worth every penny as long as you use it properly! Can you get one somewhere with a 30 day refund thing or borrow one from someone for a few days?

Thanks for the reply. I don't know anyone who uses one, but will look into the 30 day refund option.

Georgina89, hope you're OK. I know how horrid anxiety can be.
Can I just ask mindless how you can make sure you use a lightbox properly? I've also been thinking of buying one, but don't know much about it. Many thanks.

My DH struggles badly in the winter, to the point that last year he saw his GP about depression. He bought a Lumio lightbox and it was worth every penny! He uses it each morning while its darker for about 15 minutes while he has his breakfast and he is a new man. We were very sceptical about it, but were amazed by how quickly it made a difference.

He bought a clock that slowly lights up to wake up more naturally, that kind of helps but more so if you happen to be facing it.

He's also making more effort to get out of the office for walks at lunch time which has also been a great help.

Thanks for all your help. Will definitely get one now.

Yea, generally don't use close to bedtime as it can interrupt sleeping patterns (I use mine first thing in the morning, as it really helps with waking up process) and don't use it for more than 10-20 mins when you first get it as it can give you headaches (or migranes in my case!) You can then build up the length of time you use it for. I think they recommend 30-45 mins a day but I could be wrong. Just read the instructions it comes with. Good luck OP.

I have ordered one now. Bit worried about the headaches/migraine side affects as I do suffer with migraines.
mindlessmama how many migraines did you get with your light box? Is it best to start with a shorter time and slowly build up to avoid them?

My sister and I get maigraines (although I get them rarely these days) and we both bought these lights independently.

She lives in a cave (well, its oop north and very dark in winter) and uses hers when there's little daylight. She swears by it.

I use mine when I'm low and there's noone else around (ie a bit of peace) and sit with a cuppa and something nice on the radio on.

I don't think it will affect your migraines as long as you aren't staring into it. Can you ask your doctor?

I've ordered one now, so will just use it and see what happens!

I think you're supposed to sort of look across the light, not directly into it - it is very strong and I can see how you'd get a headache if you looked straight at it.

Definitely use in the morning, or when you get lower in the day - I sometimes use DH's before the school run because that's when I know I get tired and could do with the extra boost.

They might be different strengths, I don't think ours is meant to be used for much longer than 20 minutes a day.

Yes, I used to just forget about it and leave it on for far too long the first week I got it (guilty for not ready the leaflet) I stopped using it immediately until headaches cleared (a few days) and then started afresh building up from 5 mins a day for a week to 10 mins etc. I generally have it on while I do my make up and have a cuppa in the morning so prob 20-30 mins and haven't suffered with headaches since then (although it is a bugger of a good light to highlight bad skin!)
Every type of light is different though so read whatever info comes with yours. hth

Mine is on a table to the side of my nice armchair so its to my side, slightly behind me.