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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by april8 on October 22, 2004, at 22:50:29
Hi,
I just bought a Winterbright box for SAD and have been sitting in front of it for 4 days in a row, 1/2 to an hour a day in the morning.
How long do others sit in front of theirs?Also, does anyone start craving carbohydrates? I find it hard to eat anything other than carbs, it is a huge switch from the spring and summer in terms of what I eat, does anyone else have that happen?
I have SAD pretty bad and it usually gets worse after the upcoming daylight saving change,
Does anyone else get fearful when the light changes, one of my big symptoms is fear and anxiety, I have PTSD and when the light changes I feel pretty unstable.
Write me with any comparisons, I am curious if anyone else has similar issues when the light changes..
Posted by gardenergirl on October 24, 2004, at 16:57:11
In reply to Any light box users right now? How is it so far?, posted by april8 on October 22, 2004, at 22:50:29
I've been using a light box for about three to four weeks now. I did notice an effect right away. I can't say I noticed an increase in carb cravings, as I am on Nardil, so carb cravings are the norm, expecially chocolate. Ugh.
I have a floor lamp, and I have it next to my bed. It is dimmable, which is nice, because I can also use it as general lighting. It also has a snake arm so that I can bend it right to where I need it to get to 12 inches from my face. I just wish it worked with your eyes closed, because then I would meditate while sitting there. But I haven't mastered meditating with my eyes open. I try to use it first thing in the a.m., but I've been pretty bad about sleep lately...staying up too late, so I tend to want to sleep for the extra time. Plus, I feel guilty about turning it on when my hubby is still asleep. (of course that may get him out of bed sooner, which lets me get the bathroom sooner...hmmmmm).
I can't say I have anxiety or fear when the seasons change. Mostly I just react to gloomy days with depression. So my all around depression gets worse in the winter. I'm hoping this is a good adjunct.
Good luck to you.
gg
Posted by jujube on October 26, 2004, at 17:29:04
In reply to Any light box users right now? How is it so far?, posted by april8 on October 22, 2004, at 22:50:29
I have been using my lightbox for a few weeks now, and am not sure if it has made a difference or not. I know I am not as tired as I was, but I am still feeling quite down. I have it on while I am working on the computer for about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes in the morning. I haven't been craving carbs, and I am usually a big carb eater. Unlike you, I actually feel quite relaxed when it is dark outside. I am the type of person who loves going for long drives at night (I don't do the driving because it relaxes me so much). Have you talked to a therapist about your increasing fears when it grows darker? It might help you overcome the fear and anxiety. Or, at the very least, help you develop some good coping mechanisms.
Take care.
Tamara
> Hi,
> I just bought a Winterbright box for SAD and have been sitting in front of it for 4 days in a row, 1/2 to an hour a day in the morning.
> How long do others sit in front of theirs?
>
> Also, does anyone start craving carbohydrates? I find it hard to eat anything other than carbs, it is a huge switch from the spring and summer in terms of what I eat, does anyone else have that happen?
>
> I have SAD pretty bad and it usually gets worse after the upcoming daylight saving change,
> Does anyone else get fearful when the light changes, one of my big symptoms is fear and anxiety, I have PTSD and when the light changes I feel pretty unstable.
> Write me with any comparisons, I am curious if anyone else has similar issues when the light changes..
Posted by jujube on October 26, 2004, at 18:49:13
In reply to Re: Any light box users right now? How is it so far?, posted by gardenergirl on October 24, 2004, at 16:57:11
Gardengirl,
I had read somewhere that you can use a lightbox when you meditate (with eyes closed). The light would go through the skin (eyelids). Perhaps this is erroneous information, who knows. Just something to think about so you can perhaps enjoy your light therapy and meditation at the same time.
Tamara
> I've been using a light box for about three to four weeks now. I did notice an effect right away. I can't say I noticed an increase in carb cravings, as I am on Nardil, so carb cravings are the norm, expecially chocolate. Ugh.
>
> I have a floor lamp, and I have it next to my bed. It is dimmable, which is nice, because I can also use it as general lighting. It also has a snake arm so that I can bend it right to where I need it to get to 12 inches from my face. I just wish it worked with your eyes closed, because then I would meditate while sitting there. But I haven't mastered meditating with my eyes open. I try to use it first thing in the a.m., but I've been pretty bad about sleep lately...staying up too late, so I tend to want to sleep for the extra time. Plus, I feel guilty about turning it on when my hubby is still asleep. (of course that may get him out of bed sooner, which lets me get the bathroom sooner...hmmmmm).
>
> I can't say I have anxiety or fear when the seasons change. Mostly I just react to gloomy days with depression. So my all around depression gets worse in the winter. I'm hoping this is a good adjunct.
>
> Good luck to you.
>
> gg
Posted by jeopardy on October 27, 2004, at 19:10:01
In reply to Re: Any light box users right now? How is it so far? » gardenergirl, posted by jujube on October 26, 2004, at 18:49:13
FYI...go to www.apollohealth.com and take the circadian rhythm assessment test. It will tell you what time you should use your light. I've always used mine in the mornings...but the test informs me to use it around 6-7 pm. I bought a second light for my desk. It's different from my other light box. This one is small but powerful. It emits blue light and is programable. I got it at Costco for only $150.00
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