SAD - any useful advice?

[DimpledThighs]

My dad has this really badly - so badly they usually go to Australia for January. I have realised how much strain this is putting on my mum and I need to do something proactive.

I have asked him about using those strong lights but he won't. I am thinking about buying him one of those lights that comes on gradually in the morning to wake you up. They are £80 which is a lot of money for me, but I thought if i bought it and set it up next to his bed he would have to use it.

I was wondering if anyone has ever used/seen anything like this and if they work at all - I really want to help him.

Thanks.

Hiya,
Ive heard good things about those lights... I'd pretty much say it was worth a go xXx

I might just get it and put it there and see what he says. I can always try it myself if he doesn't like it.

I suffer a bit too, but mainly it's my sleeping - I am nowhere near my dad's league!

thank you for replying!

I have got a LIte Pod which I think was good value for money as well as being slightly smaller than the others I checked. It is making quite a big difference, I'm nowhere as bad as I'm normally are at this time of the year... actually I'm not using it everyday anymore but still feel fine.

The lights that wakes you up gradually in the morning is not very effective to deal with SAD, but it helps. However.... 80 pounds for one may be a bit expensive, I think you cna get it in the internet for far less than that.

I bought a full spectrum lightbulb off ebay and it is a lot cheaper. You put it in any normal light fitting. Put SAD lightbulb in the search. Check the strength of the lightbulb because you need a certain strength to treat SAD - it will tell you in the description. A more affordable way to give it a try.

I have a light box, mine is quite a big one so you don't have to use it for more than 1/2 hour a day which is useful if you have small children to chase around after. it does work, to some extent.

I also have some "biobulbs" which you put in normal light sockets, they come from Ecozone.com in sets of 5 for £50, so not cheap but they do simulate natural light.

Exercise, even when you/he don't/doesn't feel like it. In the middle of the day when it's brightest, and outdoors, if possible. A daily walk or run or cycle ride. I don't always stick to this but it does help.

thank you - this has all been very helpful. I do suffer from this mildly - it mainly effects my sleep, but my father is out of this world at this time of year. Problem is that he is quite resistant to try things and has rejected the light therapy. I was thinking that he may agree to the dawn simulator, but only if I buy it and set it all up and he just finds it there. If I suggest it it will be turned down imediately!

thanks califrau - was it one of those lights to simluate daybreak or was it a light box thing?

thanks califrau - was it one of those lights to simluate daybreak or was it a light box thing?