SAD light machines

[kriskwery]

Why are they so expensive?

[KebabMeister]

Can't a natural daylight light bulb do the same trick?

[slimfandango]

No, it cannot. No offence, but I get pretty annoyed when I hear rumours (semi official) flying around about short bursts of light, or normal bulbs having the same effect. They just don't. You need full spectrum light.

Go to your GP. Unfortunately, you'll then probably need to see a psychiatrist, who will probably propose and SUPPLY a light box.

I think they're expensive �150? because of the specialist bulb. But worth it. Anyway, try GP.

[slimfandango]

Would you want to die at 45? I wouldn't. There's all this talk of giving up smoking and taking exercise to avoid a premature death. But if you think about it, it's funny that lots of people with SAD (and it's very prevalent in northern countries) 'lose' about 1/4 of their life to SAD. The winter months are just ****. It's not just depression...lots of mental functions go with it. If you have it (you'll know if you're feeling much better now that it's March), go see your GP.

[londondave]

We keep reptiles and in their tanks are Vitamin D3 lights which replicate sunlight, surely this is the same thing??

[kriskwery]

Ummm - spotting cheapish "machines" on eBay, though perhaps I'll wait til summer when people won't be thinking of such things and I can be well prepared for another winter of less discontent!  Something else which intrigues me though is ...... can one do anything else whilst exposing oneself to this super bright light for (?) an hour a day?  Is it compatible with watching tv, using the computer, reading a book?  And what about "lux" (ie. brightness level) - what is the most efficacious (cor, big word) lux-ness?  Any ideas??

[undercovers]

i am the proud owner of a sun visor - now this isn't any old 80's style risor - oh no my friends - this comes with a small array of bulbs under the vizor that when illuminated shine the full spectrum of light on your face. It was a bit cheaper than the whole SAD lamp thing and allows me to wonder the house, read, watch telly etc without having to just sit still... also really confuses door to door sales men when I greet them with my happy illuminated face

[kriskwery]

Ah, undercovers!  That merits the questions:

• Where did you get it?
• Can I get one too?
• If not, will you give me yours?!

Sounds just what I need - I like to my mysterious & eccentric too ! ! !

[kriskwery]

Ooops - correction

I like to BE mysterious of course!

And pedantic ...........

[undercovers]

to deal with your supplimentary questions (1) i can't remember where i got it - some small company in cambridge that makes them but i'll have to check and get back to you (2) I'm sure they would be more than happy to post one off to you (3) get you mitts off my vizor!

[kriskwery]

Well, thank you Stephen G! 

I've checked the web site (http://www.fullspectrumlighting.co.uk/index.htm for anyone else following this thread) and this seems to be a good & reasonably priced option .... �17.99 inclusive of p&p for a 60W or 100W "Full Spectrum Daylight" bulb which can be plugged into any lighting socket.  It certainly seems a more satisfactory way to achieve the objective that sitting in front of a very expensive (even on eBay!) machine.  I'll probably wait til next winter now but am committed to the idea.  Cheers!