As you approach the shortest days of the year, you may begin to get anxious, worrying about whether the winter blues or depression will hit you again this year. Late fall and winter is the time of year when the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) manifest. This disorder is characterized by tiredness in the morning, lack of energy and lethargy, irritability, depression, problems with insomnia or falling asleep and a lack of libido. These symptoms can be exacerbated by lack of sleep, which is also a treatable condition. Seasonal affective disorder light therapy treatment is the most effective way to treat this disorder.

Seasonal affective disorder light therapy is simple; all you have to do is expose yourself to a lamp that reproduces natural sun light, preferably in the morning after you’ve slept. Depending on the bulb strength, your session should be from thirty minutes to two hours. Bulbs range in light units from 2500 to 10,000, so if your bulb is 2500 light units, then you will need to expose yourself for longer than if your bulb is 10,000 light units. It’s that easy to get treated, and medical symptoms seem to respond quickly using this method.

Around fifteen to twenty percent of the population becomes depressed in winter; from light to severe cases. Five percent of the population will fall victim to deep depression during this time with a loss of happy mood, a desire to be alone, a desire to overeat and a loss of interest for formerly enjoyed activities.

Also known as light therapy, photo therapy involves exposing the eyes and skin to specific light wavelengths using LEDs, or light emitting diodes, fluorescent light, lasers or bright lights that emit all the colors of the spectrum. This type of procedure is prescribed for a short period of time and is non-invasive. It does not require anything but eye and skin exposure to produce seasonal depression disorder relief.

Seasonal affective disorder light therapy can be done in your own home and at your convenience, with special light boxes for bright light therapy. Although they can be expensive, the rising demand from people who suffer from this condition has considerably lowered the prices of such boxes. When done under the supervision of a physician, treatment can be controlled and monitored accordingly. The amount of light, its frequency and intensity can be measured and adjusted very easily. Light therapy is safe for most patients, yet you should consult with your physician if you plan to utilize this method at home.

Lots of people are prone to depression throughout the dark months of winter. Winter depression, also known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder), is something many people seem to have to endure every year. If you are unfamiliar with this condition, visit our site to learn more about winter depression syndrome and its treatment.