Seasonal Affective Disorder Support Group

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as S.A.D., winter depression or the winter blues is an affective, or mood, disorder. Most SAD sufferers experience normal mental health throughout most of the year, but experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer. The condition in the summer is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seasonal mood...

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AK32 02/03/2013

Anyone have suggestions on how to get on a good schedule or in a good habit of using the SAD lamp? I have it all set up on my nightstand, with a book right there so I can read during, and I set my alarm every morning to wake up a little early so I can use it before my kids get up. But, I have not been successful in making a habit out of it. I have probably only done it about 4-5 times in the past two weeks. It's kinda an oxymoron, because people with SAD often have extreme fatigue and struggle with getting out of bed, so to expect them to wake up early and get less sleep seems a heavy request.
I've been trying to make myself go to bed earlier, but it's still hard to wake up.

blueviolet725 02/03/2013

I have mine by the computer. I get a cup of coffee, turn them both on and check the emails, come here, do some work...and done.
Yes. It has to be a habit. Do you have any kind of set routine you can fit it into?
The whole not getting up thing is why some folks use those dawn simulator lamps...which I have never tried. I have a husband who stomps around (that IS his quiet walk) and he gets me up most days.

If you don't do it first thing, it is ok...some people here even use it twice a day, again in the afternoon.
do you have to get dressed and do your hair for work? even plugging it in in the bathroom (if it won't blow fuses) while you are getting ready may give you 10 minutes...Lets see what others say....

Springsun 02/03/2013

Hi AK32, I am in the same habit as Blue. I have my light box by my computer. I start each day with coffee and emails. I love Blue's idea of using it while you get ready in the mornings. It is easier if you incorporate using your light box into your established daily routine. Good luck to you.

AK32 02/03/2013

Yah. Its just hard for me cuz i have 2 small children (2 and 4). So as soon as they're up i dont have a spare second to myself. I also work full time so getting ready for work while juggling them can be a challenge in itself, dont really yave time to sit in front of the mirror for 10 min.
Not to be a nay sayer, im just trying to figure out how to work this out. And i do want it to work out. Appreciate all your suggestions. Keep 'em coming

Springsun 02/04/2013

Hello again, do you work at a desk? Could you take your light to work?

deleted_user 02/04/2013

I do it over breakfast, an idea for you might be to have it facing the bed, and turn it on without getting out of bed? You may not get the full effects this way, but the bright light might give you a start to get up, or once it kicks in you may wake up easier and be able to modify the plan?

blueviolet725 02/04/2013

at the breakfast table..if you sit closest, it won't hurt the children...or can you take it to your job?
Just having it on in the room would be some help, while you get dressed...and have the little ones get dressed in there too. anything is better than nothing.
I always wanted to try one of those visors...

AK32 02/05/2013

Thanks all. I do have it by my bed, turned toward my bed and have been trying just to wake up and read while I "bask" in the glow. I will try thefighter's suggestion of just turning it on and seeing if that helps me to wake up. If that doesn't work, I'll try bringing it downstairs to the breakfast table or my end table in the living room.

Thanks so much for your help, it's really great to have some friends to rely on :)

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