As I understand it there’s not solid evidence (either way) for how much they help with SAD, but they do help with vitamin D production. However, take care, because they specifically work by shining UV light on you, so the UV-free ones won’t work and overuse will raise your chances of skin cancer just like any regular UV light from the sun. I was specifically advised not to use them because a medication I’m on makes me more vulnerable to it, but in other circumstances like folk with psoriasis they’re actively used by the NHS as a treatment
I can only speak from personal experience but, they do make me feel more awake. I have never come across or used a UV emitting one so it isn’t the vitamin D aspect. Definitely take that as a supplement. I think it works for the same reason you aren’t supposed to have bright or bluish lights at night. Instinctive trigger to be more awake.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24849810.sad-lamps-work-buy-use/
They actually work do they? I always assumed they were a gimmick
As I understand it there’s not solid evidence (either way) for how much they help with SAD, but they do help with vitamin D production. However, take care, because they specifically work by shining UV light on you, so the UV-free ones won’t work and overuse will raise your chances of skin cancer just like any regular UV light from the sun. I was specifically advised not to use them because a medication I’m on makes me more vulnerable to it, but in other circumstances like folk with psoriasis they’re actively used by the NHS as a treatment
I can only speak from personal experience but, they do make me feel more awake. I have never come across or used a UV emitting one so it isn’t the vitamin D aspect. Definitely take that as a supplement. I think it works for the same reason you aren’t supposed to have bright or bluish lights at night. Instinctive trigger to be more awake. https://www.thenational.scot/news/24849810.sad-lamps-work-buy-use/