It's that time of the year when the darkness sets in earlier, and the sun is but a short-lived friend.
While some people can shake the winter doldrums, there are those who become depressed or find their depression deepen during the dark months.
This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Researchers have been able to identify several genes which work in concert with the "Suprachaismatic Nucleus", also known as our body clock, in determining our circadian rhythms.
Light Therapy has been endorsed for many years now for Seasonal Affective Disorder, and many of my patients have found it helpful. Light therapy helps suppress the winter withdrawal hormones, and produces active mood hormones. In essence, it resets the sleep/wake cycle.
I use Light Therapy in addition to the medication I take for depression.
I have my little device next to my computer and click it on and let the bright blue lights wash over me as I blog, surf and answer email. Since using the Light Therapy, I've found myself feeling much better than seasons before. The depression that usually deepens for me in the winter is nowhere to be found.
If you experience depression, it is important to have it professionally diagnosed. Once your diagnosis is validated, talk to your professional about treatments. Talk therapy, medication and their combination have shown the greatest treatment success for depression. Adding Light Therapy may bring even greater results.
Technology is so cool.
Blognote:
For an array of Light Therapy devices click this link:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_hpc/002-5555505-4180841?url=search-alias%3Dhpc&field-keywords=light+therapy
The picture above is the model I use ~ A Go-Lite P1 .
Resource
Apollo Health
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