The season of winter can sometimes be a very depressing time of the year. Depression-like symptoms can be triggered due to the lack of sunlight coupled with the experience of continual rain or snow. Often, during these times of inclement weather, an individual is forced to stay indoors. Sometimes this condition is known as cabin fever or, more scientifically, can be labeled as Seasonal Affective Disorder.
A treatment that has shown promise in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder is through the use of a sun lamp. In addition to this particular disorder other individuals with certain conditions have benefited from the use of a sun lamp. Those other conditions have included individuals who experience non-seasonal related depression and those who are homebound for a number of reasons.
What Is A Sun Lamp?
A sun lamp is an electrical device that simulates sunlight by emitting the short wavelengths found in the ultraviolet spectrum. A sun lamp receives its power through a 120 volt outlet. Also, sun lamps come in various sizes and can include a standing sun lamp as well as those that rest on a tabletop.
In addition, an added feature on some sun lamps is a timer. This timer, once set, will safely control the therapeutic time spent under than the sun lamp.
It is also important to note that there are a variety of light bulbs that are used in the light generating process. These bulbs come in different wattages. It is important to select the right wattage to meet your needs and maintain your personal safety. Also, these light bulbs will share with the consumer the number of hours of production that the bulb is estimated to provide.
Treatment Process
The treatment process in the utilization of a sun lamp involves the individual sitting or lying in proximity of the light generated from the sun lamp. The distance between the individual and the sun lamp should reflect a distance of no less than 18 inches. Often, treatments begin with sessions of 30 seconds and continue to progress in length. Generally, treatments occur on a daily basis and sometimes range in duration of up to 30 minutes.
It is critical that the eyes of the individual utilizing the sun lamp are protected. Therefore, it is not uncommon to have a set of protective eyewear included in the purchase of a sun lamp from the manufacture.
Skin Disorders
In addition to helping treat the symptoms related to Seasonal Affective Disorder, there are other medical benefits derived from the use of a sun lamp. One of these benefits is the effect that it can have upon certain skin disorders. Specifically, the treatment of acne, through the use of a sun lamp, has shown promise.
Other Possible Benefits
Other benefits of sun lamp treatment may include other conditions that are related to depressive states. Those conditions include Alzheimer s disease, eating disorders, post-partum depression, etc.
Also, the use of a sun lamp has provided benefits to those individuals who experience sleeping disorders.