Seasonal Depression has been recognized as a powerful influence in our seasonal health and wellbeing. Many are affected by this condition, bringing sleep disorders, low energy, poor mood, and sometimes a crippling decrease in energy.

What exactly is seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder? This condition, commonly referred to as S.A.D. occurs when the days shorten, and darker skies are predominant. Areas like Seattle, Washington may be higher in S.A.D. cases since the winter skies are commonly grey and cloudy.

Many of us work within enclosed buildings with little outside light. We travel during darker hours, sometimes in both directions. With little exposure to natural light our brain does not receive the stimulation it needs for the natural daily cycle. We further disrupt this cycle with exposure to indoor lighting during the evening and night. Light affects our internal production of melatonin, a natural substance that affects our mood and sleep patterns.

One form of treatment for seasonal depression is therapeutic bright lights. Many physicians now prescribe these units, and many insurance companies will pay part or all of the cost. Therapeutic bright lights offer a high intensity light that stimulates the brain and turns off the production of melatonin, a natural substance produced by the brain that influences our energy and mood.

A good quality therapeutic light unit will produce the light equivalent to one hundred 100 watt light bulbs, without the heat that would be produced by regular incandescent bulbs. This may seem like an excessive amount of light, but it is far less than the lux or light output produced by the sun on a clear day.

How does this bright light therapy affect us? When we are exposed to light our brain naturally decreases the amount of melatonin introduced into the blood stream. This natural transition should occur on its own, but our lifestyles give us exposure to light during darker hours, during the time that the body should be resting.

Will you notice a difference using therapy bright lights? Many report an increase in their energy soon after starting their bright light treatments. Mood and depression level out, and the brain functions more clearly with a stronger ability to concentrate.

Before you begin any therapy or treatment program you should consult with your eye care specialist or physician. Light therapy should not be used if you have certain eye conditions. Medications you are currently taking should be discussed, and if you are prescribed any new medication you should report that you are using light therapy and ask if there on contradictions with that new med. In addition you should compare the light output and energy use of different units to find the quality and economy unit that will serve you best.

You can use therapeutic bright lights as a part of your usual routines. Read the paper or a book during your session, or use it as a quality light for applying makeup or shaving. Use it while eating your breakfast, and think about how much higher your energy will be throughout the day. Brighten up your day with therapeutic bright lights.