Natural Light Cure For Jet Lag And Sad
Thousands of people every year go into a sort of depression, once fall comes. Thousands more suffer from jet lag which is the curse of modern day travel. These two problems are closely related in that their causes are similar. There is one solution for both problems and that is the use of a sad light box or lamp.
What role can a sad light box play in preventing jet lag or helping you to overcome SAD? Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that tends to occur (and recur) as the days grow shorter in the fall and winter. It is interesting to note that when there is snow on the ground, this condition is less common and the reason is because of the light!
The precise cause of seasonal affective disorder isn’t known, but genetics and your age may be factors. The general recommendation for most people with seasonal affective disorder is to begin treatment with light therapy in the early fall, as soon as the earliest symptoms start. Light therapy in seasonal affective disorder is independent of time of day or circadian phase.
Our biological rhythms need natural light and sun. Changes to our clocks will occur when the days shorten or when our natural biological rhythms are disturbed, eg. on a long haul flight. So, when the natural light is fading, it is a really good idea to use a table lamp without turning on the main light.
You will need a specially made light box if you are to have natural light therapy -a normal table lamp will not do ! A thirty minute daily session during the fall and winter are usually sufficient. If you find that light therapy is improving your condition, then you can continue using it until spring comes.
How many times has a holiday or a business appointment been ruined by jet lag ? It can last for days after arrival. Every time we cross a few time zones quickly, then we are likely to suffer from this condition. It can have negative effects on your judgement in a business deal and can also make you feel even more depressed when you are trying to get used to your normal routine, once back at home.
Your body clock will not be able to keep with the aeroplane as it crosses several time zones very quickly so it will end up out of sync with the destination time. In addition changes to night and daytime come very quickly and the rhythms which normally decide our eating and sleeping routine are all out of gear. In addition, the rhthym of our body temperature will be skewed as well.
The best way to recover from jet lag and a SAD, is to invest in a sad light box or table lamp. No faddy anti-jet lag diets which you have to start way before the journey and continue afterwards. Some people take sleeing pills which can lead to fatal blood clots. Melatonin has been known to be effective. But the best, most natural way is the sad table lamp.