SAD - light boxes. Do they really work?

[Time2Hibernate]

I was chatting to a friend who was really up beat and happy. She said she'd been suffering with effects of study / exams, menopause onset etc and that she'd been told about the lightboxes which she's been using and she thinks it has really helped.

I've been feeling really tired, lethargic and generally rather down, so thought it sounded ok. Until I looked at the prices of the things on the internet.

Before I consider this any further, (not wanting to purchase something that sounds good and then is useless) has anyone used one and are they effective?

We have one, as both me and DP struggle with depression and possible SAD. It does help, I can't say it's a dramatic change though. Have actually got the light on right now.

If you really have SAD, yes, they definnitely help: dh has it, and the change in our winters since he's been using a decent lightbox (teeny ones not as much good, unfortunately) is huge.

The classic is to gain weight, be tired and lethargic and generally depressed, achey, etc. DH's version is to get thinner, feel dreadful, not sleep properly at night, ache and be pale and miserable. 20 minutes of light and he's standing upright again, able to get on with normal life and energetic. Amazing.

Also even if you don't actually have SAD but just think that you do, the light box will make you think that you are better. The placebo effect is a wonderful thing. Quite an expensive one in this case though. It's probably bet to go to the doctor and eliminate any other possible reasons why you're not feeling well.

Has anyone had a 'dramatic' change or is it all a bit of an off-chance?

I think it needs to be done with a combination of things.

For me personally, I use the SAD box in combination with anti-d's.

Although if you wanted something that'd make a bigger difference I found that yoga in the morning gave me a lot more energy etc and I only had to do it for 10 mins to get that effect. It's definitely cheaper.

Also, just thought I should add, you don't need to do any weird contortionist poses to get the effect, it's the breathing that seems to help most.

It totally depends on what the cause of the problem really is, iyswim. dh did have a dramatic change - and does every time he uses it, especially at the start of the light diminishing season (round October, then his body seems to adjust a bit by December).

My aunt, otoh, has a moderate degree of SAD/depression and finds her light box helpful but not life changing - I suspect hers isn't quite so clearly biochemical/light related as dh's (though I'm no expert).

My lightbox only cost me £125 and is portable - I use it most days of the week for half an hour. The only faff is it needs to be charged up every 2 days.

Ithink they are great I wouldn't be without it and I never moan about the dark now!

They also help you not crave carbohydrates in the winter since that tendency is regarded as mild SAD.

They are said to boost weight loss well am not so sure about that!