#3 odd knee Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - Symptoms, Light Box

Light and Sleep-Wake Cycles

A recent study, published in Science showed that 13,000lux of bright light applied to the back of each subject's knees could shift their sleep-wake cycles. Researchers used a small low-heat light blanket called a BiliBlanket. This blanket is used to administer phototherapy to newborn infants who have a toxic buildup of Bilirubin in the bloodstream. It costs over $2500 even with a physician's discount. If this is possible, then it might theoretically work for SAD. This study needs to be replicated with individuals of different skin types, and it needs to be specifically tested for SAD. If it were effective and if the price came down, one might be able to use a light blanket for a few hours before waking instead of sitting in front of a light box with eyes open.
Side Effects of Light Therapy

Potential side effects of light therapy are rare and most often include jitteriness, a feeling of eyestrain and headache. Light therapy, like antidepressant medications, occasionally will cause someone to switch into a manic state. There has been debate on whether there might be long term retinal effects, but none have been documented when lights with proper screening of UV wavelengths are used. Individuals taking certain medications such as Lithium, tricyclic antidepressants, and neuroleptics and individuals with conditions such as diabetes or retinal degeneration should be monitored by an ophthalmologist. Because this form of treatment is fairly new, many doctors recommend a baseline eye exam and annual monitoring.

References: Winter Blues by Norman Rosenthal 1993, Guilford Press
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Phototherapy edited by Rosenthal and Blehar 1989 Guilford Press
RELATED LINKS AND INFO

Diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder in Children
Other Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Psychotherapy, Light Therapy, Supplements for Depression
More on Light Therapy
Antidepressants for SAD
SAD: Enjoying the Winter Holiday Season
Overview of Types of Depression
Why Do People Get Depressed?

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