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 £49 to £195 and are available now.

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