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vremya
10-21-2009, 04:55 PM
My psych has recommended that I try a Seasonal Affective Disorder light box. Has anyone ever used one? Even better, anyone know where I can get one real cheap?
seebs
10-21-2009, 05:06 PM
I don't know about that exact category, but I am told that the lights used for things like hydroponics can work.

I mostly just use a variety of different kinds of full-spectrum bulbs.
Master Taran
10-21-2009, 05:06 PM
Sorry to hear this. But welcome to my world. Yes I have a HappyLight Deluxe Sunshine Supplement Light System. (http://www.verilux.com/light-therapy-lamps/happylight-light-therapy?utm_source=YahooPI&utm_medium=Feed&utm_campaign=CSE) Yes I know, It's not the cheapest but I've had mine for over 6 years now and haven't had to fix anything on it. Also you might try eBay.
godfry n. glad
10-21-2009, 05:15 PM
To Craigslist!

Never used. It's been hinted at, but never undertaken. My brother however, had an early light box and swore by its effectiveness. I'd be tempted to use seebs' method. Obtain several "full spectrum light" bulbs and make one room into an "enlightenment room".
vremya
10-21-2009, 05:23 PM
I found a blog by a guy who made one from parts from IKEA, so I may go that route.
vremya
10-21-2009, 05:24 PM
HappyLight Deluxe Sunshine Supplement Light System. (http://www.verilux.com/light-therapy-lamps/happylight-light-therapy?utm_source=YahooPI&utm_medium=Feed&utm_campaign=CSE)

I love that it's called HappyLight.
Dingfod
10-21-2009, 05:27 PM
Never have, probably should.
godfry n. glad
10-21-2009, 05:52 PM
IIRC, no reading and no computer when you're with the lights one hour a day. That would be the tough part for me. My brother practiced his music.
Dingfod
10-21-2009, 05:54 PM
Why no reading or computer?
godfry n. glad
10-21-2009, 05:57 PM
From what I remember, they want you to get retinal exposure to low-level, full spectrum light. Reflected off of walls or pages, or blocked entirely by monitor light, interferes with the process....not nearly as effective in stimulating the necessary seratonins.

I'm winging it here, so MT, step in and correct me if I'm off-base.
Dingfod
10-21-2009, 05:59 PM
I read somewhere that it's light absorption through the skin that does the trick, the article cited a study where the light was applied to the back of the knee joint where the skin is thin and obtained the same result. Off to Google it.

Googled. (http://www.gi.alaska.edu/ScienceForum/ASF13/1377.html)

Again. (http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/279/5349/396)
Master Taran
10-21-2009, 06:13 PM
From what I remember, they want you to get retinal exposure to low-level, full spectrum light. Reflected off of walls or pages, or blocked entirely by monitor light, interferes with the process....not nearly as effective in stimulating the necessary seratonins.

I'm winging it here, so MT, step in and correct me if I'm off-base.I have mine on top of the entertainment unit about 8' away. I keep it on during the day while Garnet is at work. For some reason it gives her headaches. But I think Dong is correct. I use my laptop a read while it is on and it still does what its supposed to.
godfry n. glad
10-21-2009, 06:22 PM
This How to Use a Light Box (http://www.ncpamd.com/seasonal.htm#How%20the%20Light%20Box%20is%20used) is more what I remember.

I did not remember anything about the distance from the light source, but I do remember bro had to face the light without impediments (reading was out). His flute did not get in the way.
godfry n. glad
10-21-2009, 06:56 PM
I read somewhere that it's light absorption through the skin that does the trick, the article cited a study where the light was applied to the back of the knee joint where the skin is thin and obtained the same result. Off to Google it.

Googled. (http://www.gi.alaska.edu/ScienceForum/ASF13/1377.html)

Again. (http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/279/5349/396)


That would augur for "happybeds", wouldn't it? Converted tanning beds with appropriate full spectrum lights. Basically, being sandwiched, fully nude, between two light banks.

Anything worth doing, is worth overdoing....but it could just be going on a hunt for the wild melanoma. "Full spectrum" means UV, burning possibilities, and potentially carcinogenic, doesn't it?
Dingfod
10-21-2009, 06:59 PM
It is possible that the time required to get the effect would be much shorter the more skin that is exposed to the light.
Plant Woman
10-21-2009, 08:28 PM
I use Vitamin D for SAD and get outside and exercise as much as possible during the winter.
Master Taran
10-21-2009, 08:41 PM
I use Vitamin D for SAD and get outside and exercise as much as possible during the winter.Outdoor exercise for me in the winter is bundling up and shoveling the drives and sidewalks.
Plant Woman
10-21-2009, 10:37 PM
I feel your pain.
viscousmemories
10-22-2009, 02:01 AM
Texas isn't looking half-bad now, eh suckers?!

Seriously though I used to consider getting one of those when I lived in Michigan because the winters just dogged me, but I haven't had that problem since I left.
godfry n. glad
10-22-2009, 02:30 AM
Texas isn't looking half-bad now, eh suckers?!


Half-bad? Nooooo....I still consider it ALL bad (with the possible exception of the miniscule confines of Austin).

Were I in Texas, I'd be deeply and clinically depressed...probably really close to suicide...no 'season affect' about it.

Sock....Are you glad now that you're not in the Bay area?
viscousmemories
10-22-2009, 02:35 AM
:rolleyes:
godfry n. glad
10-22-2009, 02:48 AM
Watsamatter, SUCKER?

Is it Texas weather or Texas politics that has your eyes rolling?
Shake
10-22-2009, 05:26 AM
HappyLight Deluxe Sunshine Supplement Light System. (http://www.verilux.com/light-therapy-lamps/happylight-light-therapy?utm_source=YahooPI&utm_medium=Feed&utm_campaign=CSE)

I love that it's called HappyLight.

Yes, very appropriate.
Garnet
10-22-2009, 11:55 PM
Texas isn't looking half-bad now, eh suckers?!

Seriously though I used to consider getting one of those when I lived in Michigan because the winters just dogged me, but I haven't had that problem since I left.

Talk to me after this winter. I usually had the opposite problem. To much daylight fuxors my sleep patterns. My first few winters in Michigan, I came a live in the winter. It was great! I was sleeping well and this had a noticeably good effect on my moods.

That is, until last winter when I noticed that I was acting more like MT did before he got the happy light. :sadcheer:
Kael
10-23-2009, 12:19 AM
Winter is awesome and the only downside is that you can't go climbing or hiking. Oddly enough, I don't ski or anything despite living in Utah, but I enjoy winter nonetheless.
viscousmemories
10-23-2009, 01:10 AM
Watsamatter, SUCKER?

Is it Texas weather or Texas politics that has your eyes rolling?

Neither. Just you being your boring, predictable asshole self.
godfry n. glad
10-23-2009, 01:12 AM
Watsamatter, SUCKER?

Is it Texas weather or Texas politics that has your eyes rolling?

Neither. Just you being your boring, predictable asshole self.

Yeah...I know. Your boring predictable asshole brings it out in me.

Stick it up your ass and spin on it, then go give George W. Bush a blow-job.
viscousmemories
10-23-2009, 01:14 AM
:laugh:

You might be tolerable if only I brought out the asshole in you. Unfortunately it's out all the time.
godfry n. glad
10-23-2009, 01:18 AM
It just seems like that to you because you're here.

Wait...I think that's a direct causal link. You think I'm an asshole because you're here.

I liked it better when you were gone. I think you should leave again.
viscousmemories
10-23-2009, 01:40 AM
I have never left you demented old fool, I've been around since I started this forum.

It's a shame your nasty personality hasn't softened in time with your pot-addled brain.

Anyway, back to ignore for you.
Kael
10-23-2009, 04:46 AM
More awesome godfry logic: you think godfry is an asshole, ergo you want to give G.W. a blow job.

You can't make this stuff up.
Anastasia Beaverhausen
10-23-2009, 05:17 AM
:jerkoff:
chunksmediocrites
10-23-2009, 05:38 AM
Is this the thread where we debate the merits of Texans? Because all I have to say is: ZZ Top. I don't think they have a song about a light box or SAD, but if they did it would ALSO BE AWESOME.

Also, the more intelligent people we can get in Texas, the better. Molly Ivins, I miss you. Jim Hightower, keep plugging away!
Dingfod
10-23-2009, 12:53 PM
Verrry interesting. But, schtupidt!
:gestapo:
rigorist
10-23-2009, 01:34 PM
Lightboxes? Anyone?
Ensign Steve
10-23-2009, 02:20 PM
Winter is awesome and the only downside is that you can't go climbing or hiking.

You could if you lived in Texas. :giggles:
Dingfod
10-23-2009, 09:58 PM
Lightboxes? Anyone?Next thing you know, this will become a beans vs no beans Texas chili thread.
Master Taran
10-23-2009, 10:00 PM
Lightboxes? Anyone?Next thing you know, this will become a beans vs no beans Texas chili thread.:fuckyeah:
chunksmediocrites
10-24-2009, 12:55 AM
http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/gallery/files/2/0/6/8/dontmetastasizeoh5.jpg
seebs
10-24-2009, 04:41 PM
I don't know much about them. I'd have assumed they were not functionally different from full-spectrum CFLs, so a handful of those in different types would probably work. Basically, get a couple of 6500K bulbs and a couple of the regular ones, put 'em all in a lamp together. You can get a multiple-bulbs lamp at Target or K-Mart or whatever for like twenty bucks. Set 'em up over a couch and nap.

Only other thing I can pass on: Crazy research result I read once, don't remember where, said that a bunch of attempts at fixing jet lag with lighting revealed that the back of the knee seemed to be responsive -- like, your body might use that to detect "day". So wear shorts!
Corona688
10-24-2009, 05:19 PM
My psych has recommended that I try a Seasonal Affective Disorder light box. Has anyone ever used one? Even better, anyone know where I can get one real cheap? I used one for a while. Having a stark white light a few feet from my face in the morning was more like being interrogated than therapy.I don't know much about them. I'd have assumed they were not functionally different from full-spectrum CFLs, so a handful of those in different types would probably work. Good guess. When my dad's broke down, all it needed was a standard fluorescent ballast...
seebs
10-24-2009, 05:29 PM
I should clarify:

I am prone to SAD. Last year, around January, I set up the light in my room (I have a central light fixture with several bulbs) with two 6500K bulbs and three regular bulbs. I have felt much better ever since. I just keep the bright lights on most of the time. If I feel burned out, I add a couple more.

I'd feel bad about the power use, but 6 CFLs is less power than two incandescents would have been.
Corona688
10-24-2009, 05:29 PM
Anything worth doing, is worth overdoing....but it could just be going on a hunt for the wild melanoma. "Full spectrum" means UV, burning possibilities, and potentially carcinogenic, doesn't it? I don't think "full spectrum" bulbs reproduce the UVB section of the sun's output, they're not tanning lamps. Ordinary glass absorbs UVB, so it's pretty hard to make by accident too. They produce some UVA, as do nearly all fluorescents by nature, but that's harmless -- blacklight.
Plant Woman
10-24-2009, 09:03 PM
I am prone to SAD.

So am I and using Vitamin D 4000 IU's a day and exercise helps me. To sit under lights is just something I would have a hard time doing. I hate flourescent lighting but maybe the recommendations for a mixture of them would work. I just don't want to spend the money for those specialty lightboxes. They are a rip off, IMO, over priced and gouging those with a medical condition.
Corona688
10-25-2009, 01:15 AM
They are a rip off, IMO, over priced and gouging those with a medical condition. Nearly every piece of medical equipment in existence is.
seebs
10-25-2009, 08:12 AM
I got great results just mixing the CFLs. They are much better than incandescents.