Junk or Gems? What science says about the news: melatonin, SAD lights
[From my current newsletter - Please let me know if you enjoyed this and would like me to make more content like it! I'm here for you.] Hi friends! I'm finally back from my honeymoon (almost a month in Indonesia! Pics to come!) and I've missed writing you. Thanks for being patient while I frolicked with my new *husband.* :) Let's jump back in with a little research round-up -> 2 TOPICS CURRENT MAKING THE NEWS: .... *Light therapy for the SADs: what actually works and features to look for* Light therapy is everywhere these days - here we’ll chat about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) lights…and ask “Does the hype hold up?!” SAD lights are the broad spectrum “white” lights that recapitulate sunlight to a degree.* And yes, they remain one of the most evidence-based tools for managing seasonal depression/ the winter blues, which impacts about 5% of adults severely (and many more subtly). Research consistently shows that around 60–80% of people with SAD experience significant benefits from structured morning light exposure, but results depend heavily on using an effective device. There’s a lot of crap being marketed at us these days, so here’s what to look for: The critical metric is that it’s bright enough: 10,000 lux delivered at a practical distance—ideally from 16 to 24 inches—allowing for 20–30 minutes of exposure soon after waking to optimally support circadian rhythm alignment. Be aware that many consumer light therapy lamps advertised as “10,000 lux” actually only reach that intensity when positioned just a few inches from the eyes, which is unrealistic for most users. When choosing your light, check not just the lux rating but also at what distance that lux level is achieved. Ensure the product includes UV filtering to safeguard vision, and opt for a lamp with a good-sized illuminated area — typically at least 12 x 18 inches. The Verilux HappyLight, for example, meets these criteria with user-adjustable brightness, UV-free LEDs, and good pricing.