SAD stands for seasonal affective disorder which is a mood disorder affected by the seasons. This may mean that a person experiences low mood or symptoms of depression during the colder months. Sun lamps, or SAD lamps, are commonly used to alleviate such symptoms, but do they work or is it just a placebo effect?

 

SAD lamps mimic the appearance of sunlight through their warm glow. They are often also used to aid people with vitamin D deficiency, or those with sleep disorders. During the winter months, a person’s circadian rhythm may become disrupted, leading to a disturbed sleeping pattern or habits. Furthermore, an absence of sunlight can affect the way hormones such as serotonin are produced, which can affect a person’s mood. 

Different lamps have different levels of intensity levels which is compatible with different needs. Moreover, some contain UV light or LED lights which could also be beneficial or damaging depending on what a person is looking to achieve through light therapy. 

However, the effects of a SAD lamp could be achieved by simply absorbing as much natural sunlight during the day as possible. 

It is important to remember that, with all treatments, you should first talk to your medical health professional for the best recommendations and research before going through with anything. People with light sensitivities should be careful with this form of treatment. 

While there is evidence to suggest that SAD lamps may help with seasonal depression, there is also contradicting research which suggests otherwise. This type of light therapy is thought to be a short-term solution for such symptoms and cannot guarantee an improvement of mood. 

If purchasing a sun lamp, you must also consider if the particular lamp or light box is designed for treating SAD, and be cautious with any that emit UV light as this can be damaging to the skin. 

Overall, no steps should be put in place without talking to a health professional and it is important to remember that everyone is different and what works for someone else may not work for you. 

 

Sources

Barrell, A. & Dresden, D., 2022. SAD lamps: 5 of the best. [Online] 
Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sun-lamp

Cleveland Clinic , 2020. Will a SAD Sun Lamp Actually Make You Happy?. [Online] 
Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-sun-lamps-best-to-improve-your-winter-mood/

Mayo Clinci , 2021. Mood disorders. [Online] 
Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mood-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20365057#:~:text=Overview,being%20excessively%20happy%20(mania).

Mayo Clinic , 2022. Seasonal affective disorder treatment: Choosing a light box. [Online] 
Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/in-depth/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/art-20048298

NHS inform, 2023. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). [Online] 
Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad#:~:text=Treatment-,Introduction,lack%20of%20interest%20in%20life.

NHS, 2022. Season affective disorder (SAD). [Online] 
Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/