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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by PhoenixGirl on September 25, 2001, at 16:52:05
Dark gloomy weather is going to start again soon, and I know how much more miserable that makes me. I'd like to get a "light box", or whatever you call them, that are used for seasonal affective disorder. In fact, I'd like to get them in light bulb form for work if available, and in the bigger "light box" form. Does anyone know how effective they are, where to buy them, and how much they cost?
Posted by susan C on September 25, 2001, at 18:22:28
In reply to SAD light boxes-- where to buy, what do they cost?, posted by PhoenixGirl on September 25, 2001, at 16:52:05
hi, I know this may sound contradictory, but, then, sometimes, I am. Some times LIFE is... My previous pdoc and I concluded none of my symptoms indicated SAD. But, I decided to try a light box anyway. To paraphrase mark twain, can't hurt, might help.
Previous pdoc said all of his research and experience indicated that 4 full spectrum flourecent tubs in a regular ceiling fixture sitting in front of you on your desk (? inches away from your eyes) was cheaper and the same as the fancy things sold as SAD light boxes. I did research on the net anyway and decided that I did not want to build a box. I decided on the box I got because of the combination of size, where it would go, how far away I would be sitting and it still be effective and of course, price. The bulbs in the light boxes give out more light than ones I could have bought separately in less space.
I originally got information on this from my eye doctor as he had been trying out a visor type and found it effective and useful because he could continue his morning routine (not sitting in one place) and still get the extra light. They are more expensive.
The number one thing I discovered after using it was I am getting old and I need more light to see!! and that our house in general does not have enough light during the winter. I did not notice any particular change in mood as a result of using it. I did, however, after this last major bout of depression mania and starting depakote wonder about circadian rythmns with my new pdoc and noticed a sensitivity to light, avoiding the lightbox light (it was too much with summer sun light) I live in the NW. And started my evening routine this summer by making sure I preceeded bed time by darkness and keeping lights off after 8 or so, letting the natural light be my guide. I also noticed problems with bright light outside during the day and have added wearing sunglasses to wearing a broad brimmed hat...So, now I am the opposite of SAD, where bright light activates me....? Like I said this sounds contradictory.
You can do a google search - sad light boxes. Apollo, Full Spectrum Solutions all have information and lots of choices. YMMV. This site has a comparison chart:
http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/LightComparison.htm
Thank you for bringing this up. I went to look at my box and THERE IS NO lable on it telling me who made it....so how am I going to replace the bulbs if I need to, and I just purged my email records..and and and...
So, there you are. Hope you are doing ok. I have been reading your posts on ECT. It was considered for me, but I may have seizures and current doc doesn't support getting more seizures and I considered signing up for the magnetic thing and talked to researcher who advised against it as it would require me going off all meds. Even though it is still experimental, it is not as experimental as it was two years ago. Have you looked at Alpha Stim 100? it sounds kookie, but, it worked for me for a while.
a mouse rambling in the dark
susan c> Dark gloomy weather is going to start again soon, and I know how much more miserable that makes me. I'd like to get a "light box", or whatever you call them, that are used for seasonal affective disorder. In fact, I'd like to get them in light bulb form for work if available, and in the bigger "light box" form. Does anyone know how effective they are, where to buy them, and how much they cost?
Posted by ChrisK on September 26, 2001, at 4:36:51
In reply to SAD light boxes-- where to buy, what do they cost?, posted by PhoenixGirl on September 25, 2001, at 16:52:05
I got mine through Apollo:
It worked fine but now that I have a good set of meds I've stopped using it after three years of use. Just sold it on e-bay for $235. Check e-bay every now and then and search for "SAD Light" or "Light Therapy." Just a warning with "SAD Light" you will get a bunch of goofy stuff like sad clown lamps. There have been other lights listed besides mine. You may also want to look into one of the newer visor types. They are probably the cheapest way to go if you aren't going to build your own.
Do a Google search on "Light Therapy" and you will come up with a bunch more companies.
Posted by gracie2 on September 26, 2001, at 22:27:48
In reply to Re: SAD light boxes-- where to buy, what do they cost?, posted by ChrisK on September 26, 2001, at 4:36:51
Wouldn't a Grow-Lite bulb for plants have the same effect as a SAD light box? Sure would be cheaper.
-Gracie
P.S. I expect this to be kicked over to PSB.
Posted by Tony P on September 27, 2001, at 0:43:15
In reply to Re: SAD light boxes-- where to buy, what do they cost?, posted by ChrisK on September 26, 2001, at 4:36:51
I have borrrowed a lamp from a friend, which helped me recover during the late spring when I had got my internal clock way out of whack - sleeping into the day with curtains drawn and a face mask on. It came from http://www.northernlight-tech.com/eng/default.asp
and was one of the more reasonably priced (as little as $230 Can., $230 US including shipping); it has a swivel allowing it to be easily directed. I am thinking of ordering one.The similarly named http://www.alaskanorthernlights.com/
looks like one of the best buys for intensity and quality of light but is a box style, so a little less flexible - current sale price $229 US.If you have private insurance, see if they will cover all or part of the cost.
TP
> I got mine through Apollo:
>
> http://www.apollolight.com/
>
> It worked fine but now that I have a good set of meds I've stopped using it after three years of use. Just sold it on e-bay for $235. Check e-bay every now and then and search for "SAD Light" or "Light Therapy." Just a warning with "SAD Light" you will get a bunch of goofy stuff like sad clown lamps. There have been other lights listed besides mine. You may also want to look into one of the newer visor types. They are probably the cheapest way to go if you aren't going to build your own.
>
> Do a Google search on "Light Therapy" and you will come up with a bunch more companies.
Posted by Noa on September 27, 2001, at 13:49:18
In reply to Re: SAD light boxes-- where to buy, what do they cost?, posted by Tony P on September 27, 2001, at 0:43:15
Wow, seems a bunch of us were on the same wavelength at the same time--there are three separate SAD, lightbox related threads going on at the same time.
Thanks for the input. BTW, I definitely believe this thread belongs right here on regular Babble--we're talking about a physiologically based treatment option.
Posted by Lorraine on September 27, 2001, at 18:35:26
In reply to Re: SAD light boxes-- where to buy, what do they cost?, posted by ChrisK on September 26, 2001, at 4:36:51
My pdoc told me to buy an Apollo light box. I bought mine used--it cost $250. Works great. Don't use it when I have insomnia. Great way to wake up, I've found. Good luck.
Lorraine
Posted by EricJ on September 28, 2001, at 15:36:52
In reply to Re: Apollo used light boxes--pdoc rec, posted by Lorraine on September 27, 2001, at 18:35:26
here is a link to a page you might find useful:
http://www.ling.upenn.edu/~kurisuto/sad_lights.html
this guy did some research and has some good information... I am going to try his method this year
Posted by Noa on September 28, 2001, at 15:54:19
In reply to Re: Apollo used light boxes--pdoc rec, posted by Lorraine on September 27, 2001, at 18:35:26
I just ordered one online. I ordered the Northstar 10,000 from alaska northern lights. It was on sale because they are changing the design (in apparently non-essential ways, though--there is a statement that nothing substantial will change and replacement parts, bulbs, etc. will be readily available).
The price was $229 plus another $35 for the tilt stand. I chose this one after doing some more reading, thanks to the links you guys provided, and those from akeller's SAD folder at PBtips. What I liked about it is that it provides 10,000 lux at a distance of 26". At first, I was going to order one of the desk lamp varieties or the travel size, but those either require longer time or to sit at a closer distance (like 10" or 14"). This way, I think I will only need about 20-30 minutes a day.
I am also going to order a dawn simulator, because now that it is dark when I get up in the morning, it is much harder to get out of bed. But I still need to do some more shopping around for that.
I wouldn't say I have predominantly a seasonal type of depression--ie, my depressive symptoms can occur any time of year--but the pattern has been that things worsen slightly, especially in terms of energy level, when the light is brief.
Posted by katrina on October 1, 2001, at 16:32:22
In reply to light boxes--I ordered one today, posted by Noa on September 28, 2001, at 15:54:19
Just wondering
Posted by Zo on October 3, 2001, at 16:13:25
In reply to Re: SAD light boxes-- where to buy, what do they cost?, posted by Noa on September 27, 2001, at 13:49:18
Um, before everybody goes out and spends a lot of money. . . .
Posted by Noa on October 4, 2001, at 15:39:21
In reply to Re: getting your hopes up abt. light boxes, posted by Zo on October 3, 2001, at 16:13:25
Arrived yesterday, used it this morning. Boy, is it bright! I'll keep you posted as to whether it helps me....
Posted by ChrisK on October 5, 2001, at 4:51:23
In reply to My light box arrived, posted by Noa on October 4, 2001, at 15:39:21
Good Luck Noa,
My box worked for me for the three years that I used it. Last year I found the right cocktail of meds for me so I quit using it and sold it this year. Hope it works out for you.
BTW, once you are used to it you hardly notice it's there. I would use it when I first logged on to the computer in the morning and would forget and spend 60 minutes in front of it some days - no harm done though.
Chris
> Arrived yesterday, used it this morning. Boy, is it bright! I'll keep you posted as to whether it helps me....
Posted by Phil on October 5, 2001, at 12:46:45
In reply to My light box arrived, posted by Noa on October 4, 2001, at 15:39:21
Noa, Turn that cotton-pickin thing down. Can't get any sleep here. :-0
Phil
Posted by Noa on October 5, 2001, at 15:14:40
In reply to Re: My light box arrived, posted by Phil on October 5, 2001, at 12:46:45
> Noa, Turn that cotton-pickin thing down. Can't get any sleep here. :-0
>
> PhilLOL, I was thinking about what the neighbors might think. It kind of looks like the lights they use for night-time construction on the highway, or when they are making a movie at night but trying to make it look like it is daytime--eery fake daylight. Luckily, the windows affected don't face any other residences.
Posted by susan C on October 5, 2001, at 18:23:30
In reply to Re: My light box arrived » Phil, posted by Noa on October 5, 2001, at 15:14:40
This is the end of the thread.
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