UK Retailer Boots Cater for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) As Winter Draws In

There was a time, not so long ago, where many would scoff at the very
idea of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) but, what with statistics from
NHS Direct stating that up to 1 in 8 people in the UK alone suffer from
mild SAD type symptoms and 1 in 50 have been diagnosed as suffering from
full blown SAD, the principals of SAD have gained enormous ground in
terms of acceptance and, to that end, UK retailer Boots have just rolled
out an entire range of SAD clocks and lamps primarily consisting of
devices from Lumie designed to 'help alleviate the symptoms of SAD, from
the most mild of cases through to the more chronically affected.'

'We recognise that the often mixed weather Britain experiences can leave
many people with either unspecified feelings of ‘winter
blues’ or in more severe cases the diagnosis of Seasonal Affective
Disorder. Research shows that using a special bright light can improve
symptoms of SAD and as we believe that the turning back of the clocks in
October can signal the start of winter for many, we feel this is the
perfect time to introduce this range of SAD lamps and clocks that could
help lift people’s spirits,' says David Hurst, Healthcare Buyer
for boots.com.

According to Boots' press release:

SAD lamps work on the principle that SAD is directly correlated to the
amount of exposure to sunlight that individuals experience, which is
reduced in the winter months. One theory is that light stimulates
hormone levels in the specific part of the brain that affects mood,
appetite and sleep patterns. Therefore if those people who suffer from
SAD can increase their exposure to light through light therapy, then
their mood could be lifted to levels consistent with that of the spring
and summer seasons. Lamps and lightboxes used in light therapy have a
very intense light - for example, an ordinary light bulb gives out light
measuring between 200 - 500 lux, whereas a light therapy lamp tends to
have a minimum output of 2500 lux. It is thought that light therapy
helps symptoms of SAD in up to 67% of sufferers.

The clocks work on the principle of using gradually increasing simulated
natural sunlight, therefore aligning your internal bodyclock and
increasing the hormones that produce energy, leaving your body more
refreshed and alert. The SAD lamps and lightboxes can be used to help
the more chronic symptoms of SAD by creating a brighter light for use at
any time of day; the theory is that being in close proximity to this
light can increase the levels of melatonin and cortisol, to help induce
a positive mood and stimulate energy levels.

The new range of SAD lamps, clocks and lightboxes comprise of eleven
products (ten of which are from Lumie) and range in price from pound
sterling49 to pound sterling195 and are available now.

US reader? Suffer from SAD? You may be interested in these SAD lamps,
lights and lightboxes on Amazon.