Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Lamp

[elfs]

In non-paranoid news, Omaha and I bought one of those blue lights that supposedly fights seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It was recommended to me by my physician several months ago, and this week I've been trying it out. The thing was pricey, over $120, and I wondered if it was worth it.

I have no idea if this light will make me happier in the long run, if my brain will get the "there's enough light, be merry, be cheered!" signals that it's supposed to put out.

But I do know this: when that light goes off at 6am, I am awake. This thing shocks me into consciousness with all the force of a Love Hammer. I am awake the way the voice of God wakes you up. It's a forceful, do-stuff, get-going awake. And I stay awake. I am not tempted to go back to bed.

Which, actually, is the effect I was seeking. So, barring tragic side effects (a decline in creative or productive function, frequent headaches or other health issues, loss of libido: you know, the critical things) quite possibly a decent investment.

Comments

[aprivatefox.livejournal.com]

Do you have a link to this lamp online? (Or enough information to head over to a store and pick one up myself?) I've been having trouble with getting out of bed as the Seattle days get shorter, and this sounds like a ringing endorsement.

[elfs.livejournal.com]

We just bought the Philips goLite Blue from Costco. It was, so to speak, what the doctor ordered.