Posted by Shortelise on January 22, 2005, at 12:36:29
In reply to Re: depressed again » Shortelise, posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2005, at 22:38:12
gg,
No small wonder my post reminded you of Shakespeare - Shakespeare and I are obviously made of the same cloth. :-)
I heard something about light therapy and the backs of knees some time ago - I just looked it up and found this reference:
"A recent study, published in Science showed that 13,000lux of bright light applied to the back of each subject's knees could shift their sleep-wake cycles. Researchers used a small low-heat light blanket called a BiliBlanket. This blanket is used to administer phototherapy to newborn infants who have a toxic buildup of Bilirubin in the bloodstream. It costs over $2500 even with a physician's discount. If this is possible, then it might theoretically work for SAD. This study needs to be replicated with individuals of different skin types, and it needs to be specifically tested for SAD. If it were effective and if the price came down, one might be able to use a light blanket for a few hours before waking instead of sitting in front of a light box with eyes open." http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/sad.asp
Yesterday I used the box for 1/2 hour, and this morning I woke up ready to go two hours earlier than I have been waking up. But yesterday, after I used the box, I went to sleep for about three hours. I think I'll give into my need to sleep, and hope that the light helps get me back to a normal sleep pattern.
I read "The typical symptoms of SAD include depression, lack of energy, increased need for sleep, a craving for sweets and weight gain" and that is SO much what I've been going through.
Thanks for writing, letting me know that the light box helps you. I feel optimistic. I also need a nap.
ShortE
poster:Shortelise
thread:445021
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050122/msgs/445697.html