How to Treat SAD with Light

Seasonal affective disorder, known as SAD, is a form of depression that occurs during the months of the year when there's less daylight. About four to six percent of the population suffers from SAD, according to FamilyDoctor.org, Symptoms include sadness, inability to concentrate, increased anxiety and weight gain. Special light boxes help mange SAD symptoms by stimulating brain chemicals associated with mood, much in the same way natural sunlight. It also helps reset healthy sleep schedules.

Things You'll Need

• Light therapy box (prescribed or over-the-counter)

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor for a specific light box prescription from a trusted source. They can be purchased over-the-counter, but light therapy boxes are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the boxes come in different sizes and emit varied light strengths.

• 2

  Buy a light that emits at least 10,000 lux, which is a unit of measure for illuminance and illuminance emittance. Lights that emit less light, like 2,500 lux, are still effective, but you'll need to sit under them for longer periods of time, according to MayoClinic.com.

• 3

  Position your light box so you comfortably can sit or lie down underneath it with the light directly pointing at your eyes and face from 12 to 14 inches away.

• 4

  Sit under the light box for 30 minutes each morning. If the box is less than 10,000 lux, sit under it for the amount of time recommended by your doctor and the light box manufacturer.

• 5

  Combine light therapy with psychological talk therapy and depression medication for best results, according to MayoClinic.com. Continue treatment until well into the spring to reduce the risk of relapsing into a depressive episode by stopping too soon.