<p>I go to work quite early in the morning while it’s still dark out. Yesterday I had to stay late and wound up driving home in the dark too. And, unfortunately, the laboratory I work in is in the middle of the hospital and has no windows. </p>
<p>In the wintertime, I’m often tired and grumpy. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we get a lot of gray days, too. It occurred to me that maybe a light box in the morning after waking up would help jump-start my day. I found a portable model made by Philips at Costco today and I plan to start using it tomorrow morning (I have to work this weekend).</p>
<p>The instructions suggest using it for 15-30 minutes starting at 50% intensity. You can read, use the computer, exercise, or watch TV while using the light. Just as long as your eyes stay open to receive the blue light. I usually sit for about that long and check my email (and this message board!) in the mornings anyway.</p>
<p>Anyone use a light box? Opinions, tips, suggestions?</p>
<p>oregonianmom, I live in Alaska, and I have a SAD light. I got it the second winter I was here, figuring it couldn’t hurt. I read the paper in front of it for 20-30 minutes in the morning, when I remember to do it. </p>
<p>I can’t say that I feel huge bursts of energy after using it, but I do think it helps to keep me on a more even keel. Mine is really, really bright.</p>
<p>There was a recent thread on this, I think, you may want to scroll down and see if you can find it. (Found it: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/599634-full-spectrum-light-boxes.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/599634-full-spectrum-light-boxes.html</a>)</p>
<p>Might as well try it, right? I think it is important to have it where it can basically shine right in your eyes. </p>
<p>And don’t use it before you go to bed!!</p>
<p>While using a light box early in the morning works best for most people, that isn’t the case for everyone. Here is a website that gives information about using light therapy:</p>
<p>[NAMI</a> | Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)](<a href=“http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Seasonal_Affective_Disorder_(SAD).htm]NAMI”>http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Seasonal_Affective_Disorder_(SAD).htm)</p>
<p>Here is a website that tells you what time of day is most advantageous for you to use light therapy:</p>
<p>[Center</a> for Environmental Therapeutics - light box - SAD – depression – insomnia.](<a href=“http://www.cet.org/]Center”>http://www.cet.org/)</p>
<p>Thanks ToS and cleveland!</p>