I have the Verilux. Its basically a lamp that provides a light similar to sunlight. The only worry is mania, but Im more depressed than manic so it hasnt been an issue for me.
I do about 30 min when I do it and sometimes a bit on the lower setting if Im dragging in the afternoon. It's on amazon. This is the kind I have link here
Yes cannot recommend this enough. My psychiatrist suggested it and I was skeptical but I actually started to look forward to doing it in the morning, i really struggle with getting out of bed when I have seasonal depression and using the light made it easier to get my day started.
If you’re going to buy one make sure it meets the specs for actual therapeutic use though, a lot of the smaller ones on Amazon are too dim or they’re small enough that you’d have to sit 2” away from it to get the recommended amount of light. I have this one and I believe you have to sit 20-24” away to get 10,000 lux, anything smaller and you have to put your face right up next to it.
Yup. Right there with ya. Don’t give up! They are pretty pricey, but you should try a Happy Light. Sometimes if I can’t do anything, I’ll turn that on in the same room with me and it gives me a little more steam. They also help with insomnia. My doctor told me they need to be at least 10,000 lux. I’ll attach the link to the one I’ve been using for about a year. Again, it’s definitely not a cure-all but it helps me quite a bit. You obviously still have to push yourself but it feels a little less impossible.
Verilux® HappyLight® Full-Size - UV-Free Therapy Lamp, Bright White Light with 10,000 Lux, Adjustable Brightness, 2 Interchangeable Lenses, Detachable Stand, and Wall Mountable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094HBU6I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_FoCcGbEKF91FY
There are cheaper ones but this is the specific one my doc recommended because his wife uses it. But he said cheaper ones probably work too as long as they have at least 10,000 lux.
Light therapy boxes seem kind of dumb but have seen a lot of people report success using them. Not sure about any sort of peer reviewed studies.
Something like this I guess Verilux® HappyLight® Full-Size - UV-Free Therapy Lamp, Bright White Light with 10,000 Lux, Adjustable Brightness, 2 Interchangeable Lenses, Detachable Stand, and Wall Mountable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094HBU6I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xYYQFbBHSKDN5
As others have said, I think worrying about damaging/burning the skin while in the sun for 10-20m in the morning to affirm your circadian rhythm is being overly cautious. The sun doesn’t produce enough radiation to do that in 10-20m in the morning.
That said, one hack I use to supplement sunlight for this purpose (especially in the winter) is a white light therapy device (aka SAD lamp) that emits the full visible light spectrum at 10,000 LUX. Here’s the one I use that I’m very satisfied with:
Lag time is about 2-6 months so if you were taking it before, it's probably not your lapse in the holidays that has you down. Definitely keep taking them, but try including 30+ minutes of moderate exercise 3+ days a week, and get a happy light to use for 1-2 hours in the morning. Try this one out: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0094HBU6I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews
Take a break from them?
I had the same thing. Melatonin stopped working years ago for me.
I used a sunlamp(a light that simulates sunlight). (https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Full-Size-Therapy-Energy/dp/B0094HBU6I). I leave it on during the day when I work inside. I turn it on in the morning, and turn it off at around 8-9pm. It seems to work better than melatonin. I know its not a supplement, but might be a good thing to try.
YES! Do it. This is the one I have. My p-doc says it has to be at least 10,000 Lux and that bipolar people should use it in the afternoon, not morning. It worked for me like a charm. I use it in my office and turn it on after I eat lunch, and I can tell when I need to turn it off because it starts making me a little hyped up. Sometimes when my mood is great I can tell right away I don't need it. But there were some days last winter I had it on all afternoon. I have never used the high-energy lens, though. I think that would be too much for extended use.
This is the one I have - I love it! I've never used the high-energy lens, which is probably why I could leave it on for extended periods of time. https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Full-Size-Therapy-Energy/dp/B0094HBU6I/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=lux+happy+lamp&qid=1604966939&sr=8-6
I buy 5000 IU Vitamin D. I take 1 a day in the winter, 2 a day in the summer.
Two years ago, my doctor told me to get this light: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094HBU6I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_O85LFbP3A6NKP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I turn it on in the morning when I wake up and it helps my brain wake up.
I want to get a sunrise alarm clock to help with waking up.
SAD usually starts for me with the time change. Getting outside when it's light, plus vit D, plus exercise, plus the light all help.
Maybe try a Verliux lamp, or one specialized for seasonal affective disorder? I've never tried it personally, but an old family member of mine was gifted one of these since she could hardly leave the house. Seemed to work well - might be cool to have on a desk, or wherever you spend a lot of alone time.
I have this one
I don't have anything to compare it to, but I like it. It's quite easy to move around with you and very bright.
Mine ^ is CFL Full Spectrum. LED white would work just as well, probably be longer lasting (i've already replaced the bulbs), and doesn't have the drawback of emitting harmful UV rays (no UV filter needed).
This has been a good light, no complaints. You can have it shipped directly to your mom. It's adjustable, which is really nice. http://www.amazon.com/Verilux-VT20WW1-HappyLight-Intensity-Interchangeable/dp/B0094HBU6I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1448157376&sr=8-3&keywords=happy+light
Maybe this should be her Christmas present?
https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Full-Size-Therapy-Energy/dp/B0094HBU6I
I think this one checks all your boxes
Not OP, but I got mine on Amazon.
I got this one a while back. Works great