Winter blues is a real thing. Seasonal depression affects thousands, and many do not understand the cause or treatment. What are the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder? Low energy, sleep disorders, a bad mood, depression, and a low energy level.

Seasonal affective disorder is also know as S.A.D., and occurs when the days shorten and darkness prevails. Areas with a higher number of cloudy days, such as Seattle, Washington, may influence the number of cases of seasonal depression.

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.

A common treatment for seasonal affective disorder, or S.A.D., is bright light therapy. These units use specially designed ballasts and lights that provide the high-intensity light needed to trigger the decrease of melatonin in the body. Melatonin is a sleep drug naturally created by the body. During the day Melatonin causes decreased energy, lethargic mood, and sleepiness.

A quality bright light unit will give sufficient light to stimulate the brain and turn off melatonin production. Compared to incandescent bulbs, the better light box emits the equivalent to 100- 100 watt light bulbs. This is a safe quality of light, and is far less than the naturally occurring daylight on a sunny 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.

What happens when bright light therapy is used to treat seasonal depression? Many report a higher energy level. The craving for carbohydrates decreases as well. Mood improves, for the better, and the ability to concentrate improves. Use of these bright lights is recommended in the morning to trigger the brain to shut off the nighttime needed melatonin.

If you are interested in using bright light therapy for your seasonal depression you should consult your doctor or eye care specialist. There are some eye conditions that would prohibit the use of light therapy. You should review the output and energy use of the units available as well. There are a variety of sizes and light output, as well as a range in prices.

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.