The winter season usually causes people to be in a celebratory mood and more energetic because of Christmas.However, to some people, winter brings a negative effect.The cold weather causes some individuals into a kind of depression called seasonal affective disorder or SAD, or more commonly known as winter blues.

Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder caused by lack of sunlight affecting the hormone in our bodies called melatonin, which is responsible for our sleeping pattern.Mild to severe depression, lethargy, sleep problems, anxiety, self-isolation, difficulty in concentrating, and tendency to overeat are among the most common symptoms of SAD.

Exposure to as much sunlight as possible is one of the things people experiencing winter blues should get.One of the most recommended treatment methods, especially for those who don't have the luxury of time or sunlight, is light therapy.Light therapy lamps of various models, including those that can be used at home, are now available in the market.

Light therapy lamps are light boxes consisting of fluorescent bulbs in a box covered in diffusing screens, and emitting at least 2,500 lux.Patients who use light boxes that offer as high as 10,000 lux need less exposure time.Exposure time in the light depends on the intensity of the light box and how far the patient sits from it.

A winter blues patient simply sits under the light box for a specific period of time, depending on the prescription of his physician.It is important for the patient to go through a psychiatric evaluation before undergoing treatment as this will determine the intensity of his depression and the length of light therapy he needs.The positive effects of light therapy will be noticeable if the treatment is done consistently and on prescribed schedule.

Although light therapy is generally free from long-term physical damage, people experiencing winter blues may endure minor side effects of light therapy.Chronic anxiousness, headache, nausea and eyestrain, especially at the beginning of the treatment process, are among these side effects.Other common side effects are irritability, difficulty in sleeping, fatigue, agitation, and other mild irritations.However, these side effects clear up in just a few days.