BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Rumncoke
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 08:36 PM

Here in the UK I have been able to get 'white light' bulbs for some years. The effect of the house lit up at night is quite striking. It looks as though the sun is shining through it, and when the sun is shining I sometimes go to turn off the light when it is not on.

Although I do not have SAD, these bulbs are much better illumination, and don't make your eyes tired when reading or doing craftwork.

A bonus is that they are low energy, so take less power than a conventional bulb for the same amount of light.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Sep 08 - 02:23 PM

OK, folks, here's the annual reminder, ESPECIALLY for fellow-northern-clime haints or mountaineers, where sunshine is in short supply.

GET YOUR SUN-BULBS OUT NOW, AND PLUG THEM IN. Set the timers. Get a light-sensitive auto-nightlight that turns itself on automatically when your favorite seat in the house is too dark, so its glow will remind you that you need some light.

Be the first on your block, and save your neighbors when they doze out!

Light up a loved one, today. And check your vitamin D levels too.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 03:27 PM

I don't want a big light box anymore-- I prefer to have the FS everywhere in the house as opposed to having to sit for 1/2 hour each day, see? They don't need to be as bright if you get it all day.

Each year we add more and more FS bulbs around the house-- the fluoro ones that are expensive but last a long time. To limit the effect of flickering, know that a roomful of flickers cancel each other out unless you have one too close to your eyes.

Hardi adds more each year at the church as well. The first few years it was just the big fluoro's overhead, at his office. Oddly, people enjoyed hanging out there, hm!?!?! Now the secretary's office has them also, and the parish house lights are being changed as they burn out, one by one. We have midweek aerobics and other activities in there so a lot of people get the benefit.

As demand increases, the prices are dropping. It pays to shop around.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 11:19 AM

Refreshing for refugees from ebbing sunlight.....

It's amazing how narrow the margin is, between too much and not enough light-- at least for me. In the summer I craved shade-- for FS but indirect light. Now, though, I had rearranged the LR for the winter configuration, but adjusting/buying/reallocating the extension cords for the DVR, etc. were such a pain that I left the sun-bulb extension cord out of the mix til "later." The playroom where I exercise the dogs, convert tapes, and organize music books has a bulb, but Sadies' toes had gotten too long to get traction on the treadmill, and after I got them clipped the schedule knocked out the AM time I'd been enjoying spending sitting in front of the warm subn-bulb out there..... all I was getting was the bulb next to the puder-- but I've been cutting down on puder time to save my eyes....

Of course I got sluggish and snarky; at the same time I'd increased a BP med that was ALSO making me sluggish and snarky. How the heck did I think I was going to evaluate the BP meds' effects if I didn't ALSO keep up the sun-bulbs?!?!? Obiviously my thinking had already been affected.... thank God Hardi can fit into spaces I can't yet, to fish out and hook up extension cords. :~)

Wakee wakee.....

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Donuel
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 11:41 AM

ALL flouresent bulbs emit UV light. All of them, even the screw in mercury bulbs.

Some tubes emit more UV than others. Bluish daylight bulbs will work virtually as well as the really expensive verilux tubes.
I have a tanning booth salon light system but its UV light is so far off the chart that I don't use it. It would actully burn your retinas if you looked at it.

Polycarbonate clear plastic panels will block over half the UV light of all flouresent bulbs. Other plastics or glass will not block UV nearly as well.

I use a combination of a pinkish grow light and the blueish daylight bulb in 2 living room tube fixtures and it is a very pleasing red blue full spectrum. I even accent those with 3 blue neon fixtures and one pink neon lamp. Downstairs I use Yellowish floursesents for a warm golden light.

I hate the stark white blue bulbs alone.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: MAG
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 06:08 PM

Thanks for all the info; I finally ordered a 10,000 lux light over the internet for $221, incl. shipping. I can't deal with the making-my-own and all. I am somewhat technically challenged and start way too many projects I do not follow through on: I buy it, I use it, it's portable and easy to set up (they tell me).

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 06:43 AM

refresh

Prices are coming down.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 03:00 PM

Current household inventory of SAD-lights:

1 supplementing light panel in the bright-sun-window office
1 old mic-stand-mounted panel in upstairs lounge/reading room
2 chairside FS fluoro's by LR recliners
12??? FS tasklight bulbs worked into variously-located lamps and overheads in oft-used task areas; one of these is small FS panel next to LR puder

===

TO COME

Timers and easy-switches for total accessibility.

A few areas of this huge house still have zero FS lighting-- now-affordable bulbs will be worked in, there.

===


TIPS

We didn't replace any as prices came down-- we spread around what we had, putting the newest/brightest ones where most needed/most attractive. Vitamin D added to daily multivitamin/supplements mix.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 03:05 PM

This feels like a year to investigate SAD lights. Odd weather, change of medications, changes in the household. I'll have to go back and read this from the beginning again.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 03:06 PM

Read it backwards-- it got smarter as it went along. :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Mysha
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 04:03 PM

Hi,

OK, so I understand you have, or had, or are going to have, all kinds of set-ups. But, ignoring the way you set it up, what is it that you did?

Bye,
                                                                   Mysha

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 04:10 PM

Frankly one should jollywell just get on with it. Plenty of shagging, cross country running and cold showers!

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 04:15 PM

Mysha, my suggestion to read the thread backwards was directed to SRS (and I forgot to say so again). I think you will have to read the whole thread from the beginning. That's the best way to sort out anything at Mudcat that doesn't make sense, because so many people contribute during a thread. Are you new here? This is mostly a music site. Welcome!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Mysha
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 04:46 PM

Hi Susan,

No, I did read from the start, though I did skip some parts with higher digit density. But I started the thread wondering what all that about a mic stand was, and I still am, wondering, except that since then somehow boxes crept into the thread as well, but have now been declared obsolete/unwanted/unnecessary(?). It's like reading that if you have books standing on the floor, you should put shelves into peppermint oil crates. About the only thing that made sense to me, apart from everyone agreeing that unfiltered sun light works very well, if you can get it, was the part about moving the furniture to get the morning sun. In the morning, I'm going to have a look into such a sunny disposition. (-:

But now that you know more, could you restart the description of what you're doing, to get from the general to the particular?

Bye,
                                                                Mysha

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Nov 09 - 07:38 PM

Mic stand = microphone stand. The old style with a big rouind, heavy base and an adjustable height. It's just what I happened to have (from our music). You can stand a flat light fixture on an easel, or anything handy. One year we wired a fluoro fixture (to hold it) into a window frame, just stood it up on the windowsill and aimed it at the seating area. You do what works with what you have, can find, or can afford to buy or order in person or online.

I'm sorry I can't type more right now-- vision issues preclude any long stuff right now. The main thing is, start with what you do understand and can do, and from there, learn what you can. Take it one light at a time.

Hardiman's specs about the lights that work can be printed to take to the store, where a salesperson can steer you to the right stuff.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 10:14 PM



As I sit here typing, I know that many who read this will not believe me. But if there is even a chance that you, dear reader, MIGHT respect my honest opinion, please-- do TRY what I am going to describe.

It's about sugar and sugar addiction. It's about sugar and serotonin. And it's about serotonin and chocolate.

SUGAR AND SEROTONIN
They say that sugar cravings in SAD are increased from one's usual sugar-craving levels. Me, I am not particularly afflicted with a sweet tooth: I might want something sweet a couple of times a year, but when the sugar-jones comes back the next day-- as it will just because of the sugar-serotonin reaction in our bodies-- for me, it's easy to override it, have something healthy, and forget about it. I LIKE sugar but I do not crave it. In fact it does awful things in my gut and I'm a little sugar-aversive as a result. (IBS in pastorwife/polyester suiting.... not a good mix.) :~)

Stick with me... this is going somewhere.


SEROTONIN AND CHOCOLATE
Chocolate....mmmm....mmmm...... Now, chocolate has real, medicinal properties to soothe the savage breast. Women with PMS know this well, tho it also can cause or worsen migraine..... some days ya just gotta have a little chocolate. (I have never met an ice cream- slinging woman who did not understand that on some days, MORE hot fudge is REQUIRED.) And I have been known to run into a powerful choco-craving. I'm sure it ALSO boosts serotonin.


CHOCOLATE AND SUGAR IN S.A.D.
Anyway, one year I had a really bad time with SAD and was driven to antidepressants. I knew that part of my winter thing was based in personal history-- the annual rekindling of memories. Anniversary-grief, I call that. I looked forward, each year, to the year's evolving grief and concomitant, evolving growth. But there was one bad year when my job, that year, did not allow me to dive in deep. And so, a great doc I had then.... cooperatively prescribed. I took Elavil. I liked it better than I had expected to. But it gave me the most awful reaction to chocolate: I'd crave it, and have "some," but instead of ONE Snickers bar, my tongue would insist on not two, not three, but four or FIVE! It was very puzzling, and my doc didn't understand it, either. Some chemical thing.


THE BIG SURPRISE
Now, here we are in SAD again, and again it's a year when I'm taking Elavil. And there's the old choco-craving again. I braced for the 5-Snickers thing-- not looking forward to the expected IBS result.

But THIS year, I'm living with a diabetic, so our house contains no refined sugar. It just happens that I taste-test any sugar-free items before I give them to Hardi, because he DOES have a sweet tooth. Also, he DOES know the difference between good sugar-taste and bad-taste. So I preview stuff as we try new things.

And that's when I learned the MOST AMAZING THING. And that is, Splenda and other sugar-free, BLENDED sweeteners...

1. Satisfy the sugar craving completely in one serving
2. Do not make me want MORE and MORE sugar all day long
3. DO come in a sugar-free CHOCOLATE syrup that is GREAT on ice cream!!!


So now, it's sugar-free chocolate sauce blended with sugar-free caramel sauce and natural, sugarless peanut butter.... on sugar-free (medium-fat) ice cream, and it's as good as ONE Snickers bar, and JUST ONE IS PLENTY.


SAY WHAT?!?!?!
Yes, this is the crazy thing. Our brains are actually fooled by the sugarless sweeteners!!!!

This changes everything about sugar consumption. Yes-- there is a difference in flavor between sugar-free and sugar. Sugar DOES taste better.

But here's more unbelievabale stuff.... that is actually TRUE. If the sugar-free version is introduced gradually, the palate adjusts-- and can no longer tell the difference. I SWAR! You mix regular chocolate with sugar-free, and you get reduced-sugar that tastes good. You then gradually adjust the mix, until it's all sugar-free. And it tastes FINE!


BRAGGING
And thus I have gained chocolate... lost the sugar that had been connected to it... AND I can even have REAL COFFEE without an IBS attack.

Another handy example was at a friend's for supper the other night. She presented a choice: sugar-free vanilla pudding? or turtle cheesecake? BOTH! Hardi and I split a sliver of sugary cheesecake and then topped it with slathers of sugar-free pudding. It was GREAT! Sweet, and creamy, and a VERY nice textural enhancement to the cheesecake.

I ain't SAD no more!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 11:47 PM

There are more kinds of sugar than you can shake a mic stand at. Xylotol is a great sugar albeit expensive. It has the great advantage of preventing any tooth decay.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 12:12 AM

The best fakes seem to be the blends, with each arti-flavor canceling out the others so all that's left is the sweetness. But I'm sure that too much of them is as bad as too much sugar-- so I think this only works for those who lack the sweet tooth.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 09:04 AM

wefresh

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 09:28 AM

I've just got out my "winter waking up lamp" out: it's time.

www.lumie.com (I've got a very simple light / clock that turns itself on 30 mins before the alarm). Last year it helped enormously.

BUT, this year it uses low energy bulbs, and I don't think they work as well. There's something "wrong" with the quality of the light.

Has anyone else noticed the same?

Paws

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Jack Campin
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 09:36 AM

Something I don't think has been mentioned on this thread: it isn't the intensity or spectrum of the light that has the most influence on its effectiveness, it's the timing. Needs to be first thing in the morning - about the time of summer sunrise.

And remember a small light close to you is just as effective as a brighter one further away. Lighting up the whole room is just wasting power - it isn't your walls and carpet that are getting depressed.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 11:44 AM

it's the timing.

That is true but not everyione's circadian clock runs on the AM light.
Some people's SAD is better heped by lighting another time of day for the really-bright light. For some it's bedtime.

Around noon, usually, for me. Think of summertime-- what time of day does one most enjoy being out and about. (Instinctive body systems at work.) It varies for most of us... But whatever that time is, that is probably the time supplemental bright light is needed. For me, too-bright at other times is a real problem. I discovered this summer that my best ambient lighting to spend any amount of time in is partial shade, with short afternoon bursts of hard light. (I use my impatiens plants to discover where to leave my chair.)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 12:55 PM

And, has anyone figured this out: Is it the light that falls on your skin that counts, or the light that falls on your retina?

If it's your skin, I would think you could benefit just by wearing skimpier clothes (indoors, I mean). Or using a tanning booth.

If it's your retina, I would think a few minutes of staring into a small bright light (if it's not too bright) would help. Maybe even turning up the brightness on your computer screen! Also, I would think a lot of blind people would be permanently depressed. Come to think of it, some (not all) blind people I have known did seem depressed!

It would depend on the kind of blindness, of course. Some blind people have their retinas intact, but their vision is clouded or out of focus.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 01:20 PM

It's both, Jim. Retina-to-brain chemistry and skin-to-vitamin D synthesis.

Retina-wise, it's the missing blue light natural light has in abundance that has been missing for so long in incandescent lighting. Being well in yellow light is like eating yellow snow. Sure that will give some relief if one is dying of thirst, but it's not as good as clean, clear water! :~)

So it's not just the brightness (specs and descriptions are upthread), but also the color rendering of the light.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 04:51 AM

To combat SAD I have tried everything from making the effort to go out in as many daylight hours as possible, comfort eating, taking vitamin suppliments to going into virtual hybernation. I had toyed with the idea of taking my vacation in the worst part of the mid winter January or February and go to a warmer climate instead but I read somewhere in a magazine article that it might not be such a good idea to do this as the blues kick in twice fold when they return because of the sudden change of climate and added to that the cost of the break which isn't going to be particularly cheap.

Maybe to just get on with it is the right way to go.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 09:22 AM

I had toyed with the idea of taking my vacation in the worst part of the mid winter January or February and go to a warmer climate instead but I read somewhere in a magazine article that it might not be such a good idea to do this as the blues kick in twice fold when they return because of the sudden change of climate and added to that the cost of the break which isn't going to be particularly cheap.

May I share the experience of a good friend: do all of the above because you never know which piece will be THE key piece till afterwards, or which ones "Life" will take out of your plan.

My friend adopted the "Vacay Hawaii" approach (he had the bucks). Not only did it help him, he found that looking forward to it as the darkness closed in kept him working his program so he could be ready to GO. Then to combat the letdown on his return he worked on maintain his tan. :~)

About half of our parish Snowbirds to Florida every winter. They leave this dark climate at dates reflecting their resources as well as how early their SAD gets to them. None of them have mentioned the rebound effect. The cycle of prep is probably why it works so well for them; you can think about how to apply that to a vacay schedule-- as you think ahead about your next vacay dates (and as the darkness increases daily).

In other words-- think smart, and flexible.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 11:18 AM

Lights have different 'color temperature' but simply put the higher the K number (theoretical Temperature of an incandescent body), the more blue light.

So look for the ones marked 'Daylight' - or 5-6000 K. You used to be able to get incandescents that had a light blue 'gel coating' that made the light appear even higher temperature, but you probably can't get them now.

LED lights also come in different 'temperature ratings' too. These ratings also apply to fluorescents, and the CFLs as well.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 08:39 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 20 Sep 10 - 03:07 AM

The coloured 'gel coating' used to be available for those who wished to create 'hippy light bulbs' - you painted patterns on clear incandescent light bulbs. Might still be available if you search in the right craft places.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Feb 11 - 11:21 AM

Related thread: ESCAPE TO THE SUN

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Feb 11 - 05:30 PM

So glad you refreshed this. I have found it very interesting. Lots of exc info. Sent the piece about the cafe to friends who are just now renovating an old building as a new venue for their wonderful cafe. They are very "new age" and health conscious so maybe...

Concerned about use of alt. sweeteners. The bad press about aspartame and others causes me to refuse sugar-free anything. But, then I don't really need to so I am fortunate. Will re-look at bit about Choc as I am a desperate chocoholic - DARK only! Milk makes me nauseous, even a small piece.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 05:40 PM

Glad you found it useful, DP.

I increased my vit. D intake this year as well.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 06:41 AM

Apart from vit D I haven't found much that can be done really apart from the gym, weather permitting, because I feel the more running around trying to combat it the worse it becomes. I just cancel out January as being a non-month just to endure it while it lasts. January is the longest and worst month anyway whatever you do February is horrible too but thankfully not so long. Suicide rate is generally higher at the latter part of January. Although November and December can be cold and dark there is something about January that makes it seem everlasting like a bottomless dark hole. It amazes me why people are so quick to take down all lighting even subtle lights as soon as the festive season is over at such an abrupt halt. Thankfully February has the optimism that spring will be nudging it's way soon I would be more inclined to remedy it just before the start of spring rather than battle against it through January.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 03:29 PM

I think the main thing that gets me through is an "ah hah" experience about 25 years ago. I was lying in bed in an increasingly cold house - wood fire was out - trying to think of ONE good reason to get out of bed. Staying warm did not make it. It was all too much trouble to bother. But I was making an effort and, finally, I remembered it was the 21 December!!!! I leapt out of bed and dressed warmly and got the fire going and took delight in the knowledge that "NOW the days will start getting longer!!" I hold on to that and focus on the lengthening of the days and then ... spring will be coming!

In Montreal, I have been told of the "February blahs" but by then, I am in "spring is coming" mode. I love October but as we get into dark November I just hang on to the concept of "soon it will be the shortest day, then the days will start getting longer". I keep as much light on as possible and use bright. cheerful, materials - throws on the furniture, pale yellow walls, whatever gives a sense of light.

We take our "D", and extra "B" because it seems to help me be warmer. Plants help me too. Preferably blooming ones, even cut flowers when possible, or necessary, to add colour or light or just something alive..

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Nov 13 - 09:53 PM

SAD lights got best with proper thyroid meds.

But here's the (belated) annual reminder, ESPECIALLY for fellow-northern-clime haints or mountaineers, where sunshine is in short supply.

GET YOUR SUN-BULBS OUT NOW, AND PLUG THEM IN. Set the timers. Get a light-sensitive auto-nightlight that turns itself on automatically when your favorite seat in the house is too dark, so its glow will remind you that you need some light.

Be the first on your block, and save your neighbors when they doze out!

Light up a loved one, today. And check your vitamin D levels too.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Nov 18 - 12:56 PM

Refresh for this year's reminder!

Here I am, halfway moved from dark PA where all my newer sunbulb lamps still are.... to Ohio, where all possible light bulbs are daylight including two big overhead fixtures.... but I detest overhead lighting.... so it's back to the old mic stand unit I brought here, 4 years ago when the move started. Same bulbs-- they never burned out.

It's rained for 2 days now, with several more forecast, and I could tell it was time. The clocks change Sunday so it's good to get a jump on this! This LR is painted blue which also helps blue-up any light bouncing around.

Oh yeah, just remembered-- that desk lamp here is my FS one. (No wonder I enjoyed Solitaire on the puder so much this morning!)

D is in my midday meds pill sorter now. Each day, my body tells me how much to take.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Nov 18 - 04:15 PM

Everyone is low on Vitamin D period

Some people need direct ( but brief) retinal exposure to sunlight at 6 AM noon and 6 PM


It resets the brain from Amygdala to Pituitary. Extra light helps too.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Mr Red
Date: 02 Nov 18 - 03:39 AM

LED lighting is good for the body clock settings. Particularly the ones with plenty of blue.

20 years or more ago when I lived with a lass who experienced cabin fever, I bought her a "Outside In" alarm clock. It switched on a light in progressively brighter intensity until at full brightness the alarm went off. She thought it was wonderful for a week, and then got antagonistic about it. And me!

The same company sold sunshade type peaks with LED down light & batteries that you could read by which were good for noon body clock re-setting, on a plane (eg). And light panels, etc. I eventually solved the problem by leaving, which pleased her too!

I reckoned she had the hibernation gene --- on boost. Anything I did was a stress to that. The best laid plans of mice and men and all that..........

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Donuel
Date: 02 Nov 18 - 05:46 AM

Here comes daylight cravings time

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Donuel
Date: 02 Nov 18 - 03:41 PM

Blue light late at night defeats efforts to reset the brain to springtime and can result in harming sleep cycles.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: Mr Red
Date: 03 Nov 18 - 12:26 PM

Yea, energy saving lamps, phones, tabs, laptops and TVs. Which is why I use a tungsten bulb in the bedroom socket. That and it is a dimmer/remote so it has to be tungsten or less efficient "energy saving" types.

And FWIW there is a TED.com video of a research doctor who was triggered to do research on daylight & vitamin D becaus his research in Aberdeen compared to the same when he did it in Australia, was a Light (ha) Bulb Moment. Daylight was the key. But he found that UVB was the catalyst to vitamin D conversion. UVA did nothing, except burn the skin. UVA is the one refered to in sunblock creams. But do they allow enough UVB through?
Australia did better in heart attack stats, when all other factors had been controlled for.

Subject: RE: BS: SAD/Winter Blues/Sun Shortage: Solved
From: robomatic
Date: 03 Nov 18 - 07:30 PM

Everyone in Alaska has SAD.

It is usually solved, for millenia now, with espresso.

We are setting the clocks back an hour this very weekend.

And voting Tuesday to send Don Young back to Fort Yukon because the SOB refuses to take a hint...