How to determine which is the best.....
 

I want to determine which is the "best" light for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Apparently this helps "replace" the lack of sunlight that is common in the northern climates in the winter. Anyway, I don't know how to determine which one is "better" or if they're all the same or whatever. All I know is it should be at least 10,000 lumens.

I know guys are really good at determining this stuff, so I thought I'd post here for any advice on how to make an educated purchase.....

Anything? Anything at all?

Get a tanning bed.

No real idea, but I'd look at the bulbs meant for either planted fish tanks or reef tanks with corals in them... There may also be cheaper ones meant for growing low light plants in offices, etc.

A friend of mine has the same problem in the winter. The light box has worked best for her. Some people prefer lamps. She got hers here: http://www.bluemaxlighting.com/light_boxes_55_ctg.htm

Move to western Oregon. After 30 years or so, it will be sunlight that gives you "Seasonal Affective Disorder". :rolleyes:

My mother spent 2 years in Inuvik, NWT. I know she went through 2-3 different lights before she landed on one that was effective. I'll ask her which one it was.

The obvious answer!

THE ORIGINAL HELIUM-FILLED LUMINOUS ARTIFICIAL SUN:

http://www.elfis.net/elfol7/e7artsun.htm

Excerpt:

"Floating as high as 50 feet in the air, turning night into day, this 2600-watt artificial sun will illuminate a 15,000 to 20,000 square-foot area with soft, ambient lighting. "

Best,

Kurt

This is mine...and effective...
http://www.northernlighttechnologies.com/splash.php

Florida...

coolchick and others,

Thanks for bringing this up, my Dr and my wife both want me to try the "light therapy" for my insomnia and I don't know which one to buy. This info helps. Thanks again!

CC,
I have a lightbox at the studio that uses daylight temp bulbs--don't know if it will help with SAD but if you wanna give it a try feel free to come and pick it up--I'm just west of Greektown. We don't use them anymore cuz' we shoot all digital now. It's all yours. I'll take a pic if you'd like...it's about 3.5 feet wide by 18" high.
Christian.

Moving here helped. I can actually tolerate the winters now that they're 65 degrees and sunny.

Gassy, that's an awesome offer. But the light has to be at least 10,000 lumens (whatever the hell that means...) and has to go indirectly in the eyes.

Thanks Kurt and Zef, I am looking at them now. Notfarnow, if you do find out, let me know. I'll pick from one of the three. And thanks for the headsup on her having to try 3 lamps...I would've probably thought it was a crock after one lamp if it didn't work.

Thanks so much guys, I didn't really know where to start....

one lumens is the light equivalence of 1 candle
10 000 lumens is a lotta candles
although it's not that much standard 100 wat regular lightbulbs (around 6 in 110v North america, around 7.5 in 220v row)
not sure if lumens is the right thing to watch for in terms of light , anti winter blues , therapy
as lumens is simply a brightness measurement

it does not specify what part of the spectrum it produces, and in terms of anti winter blues, i think one needs to look for a specific part of the spectrum , to replace certain things that are normally delivered by the sun ( other then just the light part)

Apparently I was incorrect. It's "lux," not lumens, whatever the hell that means...LOL

Kurt's link said "full spectrum." I'm guessing if they're selling these boxes for this specific purpose, I"m hoping it has the appropriate spectrum.....

Some interesting info from the Mayo Clinic.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/MH00023

i think what you want is called "full spectrum" light.
'

A friend of ours who suffers from SAD recommends this light:

http://www.truesun.com/apollo_sun_touch_plus.php

and says it's gives her substantial relief.