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If you suffer from a lack of energy, feel depressed and find your motivation waning, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or the Winter Blues. Seasonal depression is a medical condition caused by the seasonal change in the amount of available sunlight we are exposed to each day. The Verilux HappyLight Deluxe Sunshine Supplement Light System effectively addresses the symptoms of SAD by activating your natural mood enhancers with up to 10,000 LUX of Natural Spectrum daylight to increase energy levels and lift your spirits. The HappyLight provides the maximum light therapy brightness recommended by the National Institute of Health so you get an entire daily dose of “sunshine” in just 30 minutes.
30 minutes a day can help your “Winter Blues.” View larger.
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How to Use the HappyLight Deluxe
Plug into a properly grounded outlet and turn the unit on using the on/off switch. Allowing a few minutes for the bulbs to achieve full illumination, position yourself facing the HappyLight. Light therapy consists of sitting close to the Sunshine Simulator with your eyes open. However, do not stare directly into the unit. While staying oriented toward the light, feel free to engage in other activities such as reading, checking emails, hobby making and crafting, sewing, needlepoint, painting, or working at a computer or desk.
Usage time depends upon your body and how it responds to light. Typical exposure is 30 minutes per day. The ideal exposure time is in the morning, soon after waking. You should experience results within a week of daily exposure. It is recommended that you limit your exposure to the light during the evening, as it might affect your ability to fall asleep. Each person’s sensitivity to light is different. It is important to establish a distance and schedule that is comfortable for you. We recommend you use the light regularly and at about the same time each day. It is not necessary to sit in front of the unit continuously. You can divide the time into several mini sessions. Continue to use the HappyLight daily until you feel an improvement in your mood and activity level.
How Light Therapy Works
Verilux Natural Spectrum light will help you feel like you’re on a beach in the Caribbean. Full spectrum or natural white light is effective in assisting with mood and sleep disorders associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder or the Winter Blues. Light therapy promotes the body’s natural energy enhancers to lift spirits, sharpen concentration and improve energy levels. Verilux is the leader in developing products that emulate natural sunlight using full spectrum lighting technology. The HappyLight Deluxe bathes you in invigorating Natural Spectrum “sunlight” helping to address the effects of reduced exposure to natural light.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the “Winter Blues”, or seasonal depression, are medical conditions caused by the seasonal change in the amount of available sunlight. People who suffer from these mood disorders experience normal mental health throughout most of the year, but experience depressive symptoms in the darker winter months. Loss of natural light can be the result of long winters, rainy weather, night shift work, airplane travel and subsequent jet lag, or just a lifestyle that dictates too much time indoors. Symptoms of Winter Blues, or winter depression, are sluggishness, sleep problems, memory loss, the inability to concentrate and loss of mental acuity, depression, confusion and sexual dysfunction. Symptoms of the “Winter Blues” (a milder form of SAD) includes a lack of energy, depression, listlessness and cravings for sweets and carbohydrates.
Verilux HappyLite Deluxe Sunshine Simulator Reviews
Used HappyLite winter of 2003
I ordered the HappyLite about 4 months before they even shipped the product, because it was the first reasonably priced (and sized) light to help treat SAD. Living in Minnesota, I tend to get depressed in February, so wanted to see if the light would help. Starting in Oct/Nov 2003, I began turning it on at desk height at my work for the suggested amount of time. I did not use it on weekends.
Anyway, I think that it helped me keep from sinking so low with the SAD blues in February, but it did not completely keep SAD away. I spent 4 days on the beach in Florida during the 3rd week of February, and that helped the most.
I will indeed use the light again this winter, because it helps–but does not eliminate–SAD for me.
Light therapy that works consistently
I got a Happy Light about 6 weeks ago, and it has worked very well for me. I’ve made the mistake a few times of skipping my morning light session and I can always tell by evening – but the next day, after using the lamp, I’m back to normal. I’ve been dealing with SAD for years and put off buying a lamp, but they are worth every penny.
I noticed another reviewer was skeptical a short time after starting to use the HappyLight. FWIW, it can take a week or so for the light therapy to really take effect. Light therapy is also ineffective for 20% of SAD sufferers, so it may not be a problem with the lamp. But my advice is to give it time – if you’re part of the 80% it helps, you’ll get there with consistent use.
