Lifeseasonal affective disorder treatmentSeasonal affective disorderuk tech

The Best Light Therapies To Combat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Five Ways To See The Light And Beat SAD
Kyrsty Hazell
|

Mindful of the 7% of Brits currently in the throes of the 'winter depression' or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), we've compiled the best light therapy treatments available in the UK, to help bring a ray of sunshine to these otherwise dark days.

Following the lead from our Scandinavian counterparts - who have light cafes where SAD sufferers can go and top up their vitamin D with their cafe latte - we now have a much wider choice of SAD-beating therapies at our fingers tips.

Only today scientists discovered a new gadget which helps battle the SAD blues by shining a light, via an earphone, into the ear canal.

As 'light cafes' have not yet made it to Britain, here is a selection of effective light therapies to help combat SAD, that you can use in the comfort of your own home, or even at your local spa.

Alternative Light Therapies To Help Beat SAD
Lightbox (01 of05)
Open Image Modal
This light box from Lumie is a great way to absorb (safe) light rays into your body. Ideal to use for 30 to 60 minutes at home, it helps treat circadian rhythm disorders, the main cause of SAD. Lumie. (credit:Lumie )
Light Spa Therapy(02 of05)
Open Image Modal
The Sun Meadow room, at the K West Spa, London, is a specialist light therapy which helps alleviate the symptoms of SAD. While you enjoy a relaxing massage, a UV lamp will shine on you from above, boosting the body's Vitamin D levels. Website:K West Spa. (credit:K West Spa)
Light Ear Phones(03 of05)
Open Image Modal
The Valkee ear phones hit the headlines recently as it was successfully trialed on SAD sufferers. It works by sending light sensors through the ear phones into the brain. Website: Valkee. (credit:Valkee)
Light Mask (04 of05)
Open Image Modal
A Rio Light Mask works by sending light pulses through the eyes via a soft mask. These pulses can be controlled by a remote and switches off automatically after 15 minutes. Website:Light Mask. (credit:Getty Images)
Natural Light Alarm Clock(05 of05)
Open Image Modal
This gentle light is designed to ease you out of bed. The soft rising light wakes you graduallyand has a choice of 4 natural and pleasant wake-up sounds. You can add new sounds and music via USB. Website:Philips. (credit:Philips)

Related

seasonal affective disorder treatmentSeasonal affective disorderuk techukhealth-newsSAD
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip