The press release was timely, since literally two days before, I had pulled out the sunlight-simulation lamp I had bought last year in an effort to combat any negative effects from the dismal weather, which is only set to get more dismal as we approach autumn and winter.
Light Therapy
Such devices are generally marketed as a solution to season affective disorder (SAD), which is characterized by low mood or depression in the winter months. Other symptoms that may come with this condition include fatigue and cravings for carbohydrates.
There is at least some evidence that suggests that taking steps to ensure decent sunlight (or equivalent) exposure during the winter might have real benefits for individuals who are not suffering from the symptoms of SAD. It is possible, or course, that lack of sunlight may lead to changes that are not severe enough to be labeled as SAD, but nonetheless may have adverse effects on well-being.
This idea was reported in a piece of Finnish research published in 2000. Here, light therapy was administered to office workers, some of whom had symptoms of SAD, and some who did not.
Office workers are a good population to study in this sort of experiment because they can be prone to lack of sunlight in the winter by virtue of the fact that they can find themselves going to and from the office in the dark, and may get stuck in the office at lunchtime too. It is feasible, therefore, for office workers to get very little sunlight exposure through the working week.
Enhanced Well-Being
As expected, light therapy was found in this study to improve SAD symptoms. However, it also seemed to benefit, in terms of vitality and mood, “healthy” individuals who were not sufferers of SAD. This study was hampered by relying on self-reporting of symptoms, whereas more formal assessment of symptoms might have given a more accurate picture of any benefits.
However, if lack of sunlight can cause depression, logic dictates that it may also cause more subtle health and well-being issues that might respond to increased exposure to light therapy or sunlight. It might also be that light may enhance mood and well-being in individuals who are not necessarily suffering from a lack of sunlight.
Get Out
My belief is that many of us can benefit from being mindful of the need for sunlight exposure during the darker months. For office workers, this may mean making an effort to get out at lunchtime. If this can be coupled with some exercise such as walking, this is even better, as exercise has been shown to help improve symptoms of SAD too.
This might be fine on a crisp, sunny day in the winter, but is simply not practical for most people when it’s bucketing down with rain, or the ground is covered in snow.
For these reasons, I do see that sunlight-simulating lamps are worth considering. Small, portable units are now available that can deliver a good dose of light in as little as 10 or 20 minutes. Using one may well ensure that the winter months do not seem as bleak as they might otherwise be.
References:
Partonen T, et al. Bright light improves vitality and alleviates distress in healthy people. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2000; 57:55–61.
Dr. John Briffa is a London-based physician and author with an interest in nutrition and natural medicine.
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