SAD Lights - Let The Sunlight Shine

SAD is a mood condition, sometimes called the winter blues, that is related to shorter days that come with seasonal changes. We get less sunlight in winter, December through March in the Northern Hemisphere. While it can be hard to put your finger on, because it can be subtle, suffers report lethargy, insomnia, depression, food cravings and other changes.

SAD is related to the hormone melatonin, which helps the body regulate sleep and moods. It is produced during dark hours, so the body makes more of it when we get less sunlight. December, January and February are the months when SAD is most prevalent. Women are four times more likely to feel this condition.

Some of my friends and relatives in the Northern Europe really feel these symptoms. While Michigan is at 41 to 48 degrees north latitude, the UK is at 51 degrees and higher, comparable to Newfoundland in Canada. The sun goes down around 4 pm in the afternoon near the winter solstice and in London they get less than 8 hours of daylight on Dec. 21.

Ireland spans similar high latitudes, and has short winter days with little sun. The first time I went there was January a few years ago. When the sun came up around 9 am, it seemed to creep up, and the same when it went down. We get lots of clouds around the Great Lakes, so gloomy winter weather is nothing new. But this was far more pronounced.

These lamps come in many variations. There are versions that look more like office desk lamps, so that you can fit the lamp into the purpose and décor of the room where you will want to use it.

I have my extra lights in my office, and it helps me work more efficiently on long winter nights to turn them on.

SAD floor lamps that offer full spectrum lighting are also available. These are useful for reading and stitching as well. When I was doing counted cross stitch, I used a light like this to help me see the fine linen threads and the colors accurately.

There are plenty of books to help you understand SAD. If moody feelings, even depression, are dragging down your daily life in the winter months, check out some of the offerings of authors and researchers.

There are a lot of books, many in Kindle versions as well as print, to help you understand SAD. A few simple adjustments in your home and lifestyle can help you feel happier and more energetic when the days are short and the sun is weak.