February 24, 2012
— Ace You know, those lamps that are supposed to mimic sunlight?
I've had one for two days now. It's too early for me to make any conclusions about it. It could be all placebo effect.
But... working.
Is it just a placebo? Let me know.
Posted by: Ace at
07:48 AM
| Comments (238)
Post contains 52 words, total size 1 kb.
Posted by: steevy at February 24, 2012 07:49 AM (7W3wI)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 07:50 AM (nj1bB)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 07:50 AM (nj1bB)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 24, 2012 07:51 AM (i6RpT)
Posted by: Clutch Cargo at February 24, 2012 07:52 AM (Qxdfp)
Posted by: ontherocks at February 24, 2012 07:52 AM (ZJCDy)
Posted by: GMan at February 24, 2012 07:52 AM (sxq57)
Had one, but it broke before I'd used it enough to feel any difference. I should get another one. Even with the mild winter, we still had so many cloudy days that it really affected me.
Posted by: Mama AJ at February 24, 2012 07:52 AM (XdlcF)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 07:52 AM (nj1bB)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at work at February 24, 2012 07:53 AM (mfbqu)
Posted by: BJ at February 24, 2012 07:53 AM (K25Ot)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 24, 2012 07:53 AM (i6RpT)
Posted by: huerfano at February 24, 2012 07:53 AM (fIuC0)
Posted by: Lickmuffin at February 24, 2012 07:53 AM (D8lMF)
Working in the algea paddies all day is all the light therapy you need.
Posted by: Jimmah at February 24, 2012 07:54 AM (845uI)
Posted by: fastfreefall at February 24, 2012 07:54 AM (timQz)
In a National Geographic article about Siberia? They were dosing the kids in the winter to prevent rickets.
But you need a UV-emitting bulb for that (were those taxed by Obamacare, or just the act of renting one in a booth?), not a full-spectrum bulb.
Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 24, 2012 07:54 AM (/kI1Q)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 11:52 AM (nj1bB)
Late nights on twitter with lots of valu rite will do that to an ewok.
Posted by: Hedgehog at February 24, 2012 07:54 AM (3jGS1)
It is not a placebo. My neurologist recommends it for MS patients with severe fatigue. The MS psychiatrist I see also recommends it to his patients whether they have MS or not and I live in San Diego where the sun shines all the time for the most part. It does work especially in areas of the country where you think the dreary weather will never end. Give it time.
Posted by: mpfs at February 24, 2012 07:54 AM (iYbLN)
BUT...I feel the same way about sunlight therapy. Shit seems to work. My justification for believing it's effective when I dismiss most everything else of this type is that it worked for me too, and I came to it with intense skepticism, believing utterly that it wouldn't do a damn thing. I wasn't 'primed' to believe in its efficacy. Not exactly scientific, but whatever.
Now I'm trying to convince this chick I know that if she methodically rubs my schlong all over her face it will improve her complexion. I call it "Charles Blow Therapy."
Posted by: Jeff B. supports SMOD/Coldcuts '12 at February 24, 2012 07:54 AM (DN+j9)
Posted by: dfbaskwill at February 24, 2012 07:54 AM (ndlFj)
Posted by: Clutch Cargo at February 24, 2012 07:55 AM (Qxdfp)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 24, 2012 07:55 AM (i6RpT)
Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at February 24, 2012 07:55 AM (+lsX1)
Placebo? I have no clue but it was only 100 bucks and I feel better using it. More energy and better sleep.
Which light are you using?
I heard Obama gave 50 trillion to some start up company to make Rainbow Unicorn lights that run on algae and can be recharged if you push your Chevy Volt real fast.
Posted by: blindgoose at February 24, 2012 07:55 AM (a6qEC)
Posted by: the slob at February 24, 2012 07:55 AM (a/Plk)
My Dad works outdoors and gets Seasonal Affective Disorder really bad in the Midwestern winters. I always tell him it is just the extra time he has to spend with Mom that is killing him. Either way, he started using a tanning bed and it really helped him out. He thought the broad spectrum light made him feel better said it kept him feeling warmed up, I don't know. It seems to work for him and he swears by it. I just had to convince him to stop telling the damn neighbors he tanned in the winter.
Posted by: gulfkraken at February 24, 2012 07:56 AM (WBfjO)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at work at February 24, 2012 07:56 AM (mfbqu)
That Obama fellow is going to ruin it for all of us.
Posted by: Nemo and Friends at February 24, 2012 07:57 AM (ndlFj)
Make sure you're eating oranges as well to ward off scurvy...as one pirate to another.
Are you sure you're not contributing to global warming?
Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at February 24, 2012 07:57 AM (Ec6wH)
Posted by: pep at February 24, 2012 07:57 AM (YXmuI)
Its not a placebo if it works. ok that's more reality than scientific, but the IPCC does not care, Light Therapy or the Sun has nothing to do with the temperature of the earth.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 24, 2012 07:57 AM (r+9M6)
Click on my name to link Mayo Clinic.
Verilux makes very good lights also.
Posted by: mpfs at February 24, 2012 07:58 AM (iYbLN)
Posted by: joncelli at February 24, 2012 07:58 AM (RD7QR)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 11:50 AM (nj1bB)
I think when you actually feel great it's real, when you feel actually great it's placebo, or perhaps some form of SCOAMF pathology.
Posted by: ontherocks at February 24, 2012 07:59 AM (ZJCDy)
Posted by: SFGoth at February 24, 2012 07:59 AM (dZ756)
Before we get all pumped up on artificial sunlight, letÂ’s try a little testÂ…
Ace, how do you feel about Sarah Palin now?
LetÂ’s not flush the horse tranquilizers down the toilet yet.
Posted by: jwest at February 24, 2012 07:59 AM (FdndL)
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at February 24, 2012 07:59 AM (8y9MW)
I will say I heard it does work for people with chemical problems that cause depression or manic episodes.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 24, 2012 07:59 AM (r+9M6)
I've had one for two days now. It's too early for me to make any conclusions about it. It could be all placebo effect.
But... working.
Yes over the last several million years of human existence. The human body has figured out a way to determine if sunlight was shining on it and it's time to wake up. Just be thankful you don't have inverted circadian rhythm. Then you would have to shine the bright light on you to go to sleep.
Posted by: MikeTheMoose Now Researching How to Awaken Azathoth at February 24, 2012 07:59 AM (0q2P7)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 07:59 AM (nj1bB)
Aren't those banned under ObamaCare?
Actually, I've never heard of this: que es?
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at February 24, 2012 08:00 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: learflyer at February 24, 2012 08:00 AM (9vscO)
I'm disappointed. I had expected amphetamines to be the reason.
Posted by: Jeff B. supports SMOD/Coldcuts '12 at February 24, 2012 08:00 AM (DN+j9)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 08:00 AM (nj1bB)
Posted by: steevy at February 24, 2012 08:00 AM (7W3wI)
I wish it would stay dark for 22 hrs a day.
****
Twilight fan?
Posted by: WalrusRex at February 24, 2012 08:01 AM (Hx5uv)
I've got self-diagnosed Seasonal Affective Disorder, so I try to get out in the winter as much as I can.
Check out my picture on the Yahoo group, I dares ya.
Posted by: fluffy at February 24, 2012 08:01 AM (vRSeu)
Posted by: Sharkman at February 24, 2012 08:01 AM (RtpCp)
Posted by: andycanuck at February 24, 2012 08:01 AM (WOB8h)
Posted by: MostlyRight at February 24, 2012 08:01 AM (ZG8Ti)
Posted by: Penfold at February 24, 2012 08:01 AM (1PeEC)
Posted by: Chicago Voter at February 24, 2012 08:02 AM (qZb8X)
Posted by: San Antonio Rose at February 24, 2012 08:02 AM (yLfyz)
---
Ok. What the hell is it doing?
You have more energy? Relaxed? Orgasm?
Posted by: RioBravo at February 24, 2012 08:02 AM (eEfYn)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 08:02 AM (nj1bB)
I happen to love the darkness and hate the sun.
I wish it would stay dark for 22 hrs a day.
Posted by: soothsayer at February 24, 2012 11:57 AM (G/zuv)
Welcome to Nome! Did you bring beer and sled dogs?
Posted by: joncelli at February 24, 2012 08:02 AM (RD7QR)
I am a die hard skeptic, so tend to automatically fall on the its a placebo side. For example, chiropractors... total bullshit. But I know a number of people that go to them and claim it helps.
Ok, whatever, if you think it works for you, fine.
Posted by: AndrewsDad at February 24, 2012 08:02 AM (C2//T)
I wish it would stay dark for 22 hrs a day.
Are you being facetious? Because I feel the same way. I VASTLY prefer the dark to the daytime. All my friends and family joke about it. I like artificial light. The sun is my enemy. My office blinds are always shut tightly. Overcast days are my favorite ones. I've actively considered the idea of moving to Seattle because I hear it rains so much out there.
I think it reflects the darkness of my soul.
Posted by: Jeff B. supports SMOD/Coldcuts '12 at February 24, 2012 08:02 AM (DN+j9)
Posted by: booger at February 24, 2012 08:02 AM (29wvc)
Posted by: RioBravo
Rio,
You are thinking of the Orgasmatron in Woody Allen's "Sleeper.:
Posted by: mpfs at February 24, 2012 08:03 AM (iYbLN)
Posted by: The Chap in the Deerstalker Cap at February 24, 2012 08:04 AM (qndXR)
Anyone notice how many ads for increasing testosterone there are now?
Got me thinking about the power of Google and how Google created a new unique business phenomenon.
My theory: The increase and popularity of testosterone ads are a result of research from Google hits on "how to raise my testosterone."
Here's the strange part: The more ads people hear and see about raising testosterone are causing more google searches for "raising testosterone" and thus leading to more commercial adverts and products for raising testosterone.
The phenomenon is a circular reaction -- endless, really. And Google is the catalyst.
Posted by: soothsayer at February 24, 2012 08:04 AM (G/zuv)
Overall I would rate this as NOT junk science.
Posted by: GnuBreed at February 24, 2012 08:04 AM (BhuDE)
Posted by: mrmmosh at February 24, 2012 08:04 AM (K332w)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 08:04 AM (nj1bB)
Americans going overseas and expecting foreigners to act like Americans = bad. Americans expecting foreigners over here and act like Americans = bad.
Americans = bad.
Posted by: WalrusRex at February 24, 2012 08:05 AM (Hx5uv)
Oh. I thought that came from trashing on some no-name journalist on twitter.
You're saying the smiling came first for a change? It must be a miracle.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at February 24, 2012 08:05 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Cricket at February 24, 2012 08:05 AM (DrC22)
Posted by: The Robot Devil at February 24, 2012 08:05 AM (136wp)
Sunshine = Vitamin D.
Low levels of vitamin D cause server fatigue and with it depression especially in people with autoimmune disease. My sisters levels were so low she was using the light therapy and 50,000 mg of vitamin D twice a week to keep her levels up. She feels much better now.
Posted by: mpfs at February 24, 2012 08:05 AM (iYbLN)
Posted by: Elephant Liberation Front at February 24, 2012 08:05 AM (mP3uM)
Sharkman,
Being a life long Seattle area resident, I have to ask... Have you reviewed your elected officials recently? Seattle citizens, total pussies.
Posted by: AndrewsDad at February 24, 2012 08:06 AM (C2//T)
Posted by: tasker at February 24, 2012 08:06 AM (r2PLg)
Here is my way way way unscientific guess on these things. They work until you overuse them, then that light becomes the new set point and sets you back to where you were.
I predict I will be proven right when Odumbass gets us back to that science without the politics he talks about. Sometime in the next century.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 24, 2012 08:06 AM (r+9M6)
Posted by: Kevin in ABQ at February 24, 2012 08:06 AM (BvTwT)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 08:06 AM (nj1bB)
Posted by: Jean at February 24, 2012 08:07 AM (WkuV6)
Yep. Once every month or two I crawl out the cellar, see the moonlight, howl, and slink back inside. Light therapy hurts!
Posted by: s☺mej☼e at February 24, 2012 08:07 AM (udEUT)
Posted by: steevy at February 24, 2012 08:07 AM (7W3wI)
I think light therapy falls into the same category.
So, if it makes you feel better, go for it! But just realize it may be your expectations making you feel better and not the actual light.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at February 24, 2012 08:07 AM (f9c2L)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at work at February 24, 2012 08:07 AM (mfbqu)
Posted by: Lilikoi at February 24, 2012 08:07 AM (M8mn0)
Posted by: Ammo Dump at February 24, 2012 08:07 AM (WUWb9)
But all of the smoke he's blowing up ours is blocking out the light rays.
Posted by: andycanuck at February 24, 2012 08:08 AM (WOB8h)
Posted by: The Poster Formerly Known as Mr. Barky at February 24, 2012 08:08 AM (qwK3S)
Are you typing with one hand also?
Posted by: Tami at February 24, 2012 08:09 AM (X6akg)
Posted by: SantaRosaStan, with algae between his knees at February 24, 2012 08:09 AM (UqKQV)
Posted by: Moe Ron at February 24, 2012 08:10 AM (yWDpP)
Posted by: SantaRosaStan, with algae between his knees
You owe me a new keyboard pal.
Posted by: mpfs at February 24, 2012 08:10 AM (iYbLN)
Posted by: Schrödinger's cat at February 24, 2012 12:08 PM (phlKA)
meh === Cocaine did the same for me
Posted by: Siggy Freud, M.D. at February 24, 2012 08:10 AM (UqKQV)
Posted by: steevy at February 24, 2012 08:10 AM (7W3wI)
Take B-Complex, preferably from a reliable company like Solaray. B-Complex is pretty much the only vitamin supplement that actually does anything. A number of depression/anxiety symptoms come directly from B vitamin deficiency.
It also makes you piss like a highlighter.
Posted by: The Mega Independent at February 24, 2012 08:11 AM (hdBV+)
Posted by: Captain Jean-Luc Picard at February 24, 2012 08:11 AM (hRNwa)
Posted by: venus velvet at February 24, 2012 08:11 AM (Tw2sI)
And, here ya go:
Bright Light Treatment of Winter Depression
http://tinyurl.com/7xbe4m8
Background Bright light therapy is the recommended treatment for winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, the studies with the best placebo controls have not been able to demonstrate that light treatment has a benefit beyond its placebo effect.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at February 24, 2012 08:11 AM (f9c2L)
Posted by: t-bird at February 24, 2012 08:11 AM (FcR7P)
Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at February 24, 2012 08:12 AM (+lsX1)
It was in offices inside of a warehouse that had no windows.
Some folks decided to do a study on us re: attitudes and productivity, unbeknownst to us. There were 17 people who worked there.
After about a year, one weekend, they replaced the lighting in our offices with those "SAD" lights. Studied us for another 6 months, and and concluded that productivity increased by 18%, and the entire crew related/got along better with their co-workers.
Soon they replaced lighting in the entire facility for those work spaces with little or no natural sunlight. I wish I had still been there when they finished the entire plant study, to find out the results. But I moved and left the job.
That all I know. Grain of salt, anecdotal, 2 cents, and all that.
Posted by: jem at February 24, 2012 08:12 AM (0oYHO)
****
I am a House M.D. fan (although this last season has made that awfully hard). This week's episode was about a guy that got booted in the nuts and who suffered from low testosterone. He became a sensitive new castrato and was happily married. When they tried to treat him with testosterone injections, he declined because he wanted to remain a polite, gentle, loving castrato instead of the horrible aggressive male he was before.
What incredible horseshit!
Posted by: WalrusRex at February 24, 2012 08:12 AM (Hx5uv)
Posted by: mike at February 24, 2012 08:12 AM (xVnt3)
That explains so much. Not kidding.
Oddly enough I have a perfectly healthy, tan complexion. I don't look like an ashen-faced zombie or anything...I think it was just that, as a kid growing up, I always associated grey cloudy days with the most fun, because it either meant 1.) snow, which = party time!, or 2.) rain, which meant I could stay in and read or play a video game without feeling guilty for not being outside. Now I simply associate nighttime and the right kind of 'mood' lighting with increased productivity and fun.
Funny how those deep-set childhood impressions remain with you all the way into adulthood.
Posted by: Jeff B. supports SMOD/Coldcuts '12 at February 24, 2012 08:12 AM (DN+j9)
Posted by: steevy at February 24, 2012 08:12 AM (7W3wI)
I seem to recall some indications that the SAD/light deprivation stuff as being a cause for depression was essentially shown to be pseudo-science.
Which doesn't mean that not getting enough sunlight is not a bad thing, but it would be more about how you feel... rather than whether your mood is clinically depressed... if that makes sense.
Just my opinion, but if I were clinically depressed, I'd go to a shrink and get some anti-depressant medication. And therapy, but that's the hard part, so I can understand why people tend to avoid it.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 24, 2012 08:12 AM (TOk1P)
About Mormon undergarments
Light Therapy
and finally the lyrics to Blinded by the Light
This is a good day
Posted by: kawfytawk at February 24, 2012 08:13 AM (uI/kq)
I like seasons. Don't think I could do the Alaska or deep south living and be happy. All 4 seasons.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 24, 2012 08:13 AM (r+9M6)
Posted by: t-bird at February 24, 2012 08:13 AM (FcR7P)
Posted by: weew at February 24, 2012 08:14 AM (ElfHn)
Posted by: mike at February 24, 2012 08:14 AM (xVnt3)
Posted by: Ammo Dump at February 24, 2012 12:07 PM (WUWb9)
Me too, bitch.
Posted by: Charles M Blow at February 24, 2012 12:09 PM (hXJOG)
I call it a sport fucking injury.
Posted by: Charles M. Blow at February 24, 2012 08:14 AM (Hx5uv)
Posted by: Jeff B. supports SMOD/Coldcuts '12 at February 24, 2012 12:12 PM (DN+j9
yes, yes, tell me about your toilet training. Strict? Very strict?
Posted by: Siggy Freud, M.D. at February 24, 2012 08:15 AM (UqKQV)
Shit, is that whats doing it? I started taking a few vitamins and was wondering what had me pissing like a glow stick.
Posted by: Berserker at February 24, 2012 08:15 AM (FMbng)
I have the slow wake alarm clock, which I think works great.
Posted by: taylork at February 24, 2012 08:15 AM (5wsU9)
Posted by: tasker at February 24, 2012 08:16 AM (r2PLg)
I...I can't remember. The only thing that comes back to me are images of screaming, crying, a dark closet, and a belt.
Oh god, what happened to me??!?
Posted by: Jeff B. supports SMOD/Coldcuts '12 at February 24, 2012 08:16 AM (DN+j9)
White laser. Light therapy?
Posted by: JR at February 24, 2012 08:17 AM (gWOju)
Posted by: dananjcon Wine Connoisseur Moron Extraordinaire at February 24, 2012 08:17 AM (8ieXv)
Yeah, me too. I get my Seasonal Affect Disorder when the days get longer. I can't fall asleep when it's light until 10 p.m. early enough to wake up to go to work by 8, but not working is not an option (I suppose I could always go on SSDI. Bleh.)
Fucking Daylight Savings Time. We have too much government.
Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 24, 2012 08:18 AM (/kI1Q)
http://tinyurl.com/87mneh7
http://vitamindhealth.org/
Posted by: O-Dub at February 24, 2012 08:18 AM (ncf7D)
re: Cortisol
This is a very interesting hormone that deals with stress and may lead to fatness -- perhaps the key factor in being fat.
Posted by: soothsayer at February 24, 2012 08:18 AM (G/zuv)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 08:18 AM (nj1bB)
I have one on my desk at work I have been using for two months. I have more energy and my mood is elevated. I get the winter blues and this helps. I also use two natural light reading lights on my desk made by Verilux. I soak my feet in a bowl of algae while at my desk and find that I am less dependent on food for fuel, too.
Posted by: Mike at February 24, 2012 08:18 AM (tT9Vt)
Posted by: tasker at February 24, 2012 08:19 AM (r2PLg)
Posted by: Janir at February 24, 2012 08:19 AM (HOjYi)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 08:19 AM (nj1bB)
But to do that we'd need this hypothetical source of light to be massive, however. On the order of magnitude of our own Sun.
Posted by: andycanuck at February 24, 2012 08:19 AM (WOB8h)
The hard part is finding a therapist who isn't a complete idiot.
Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 24, 2012 08:20 AM (/kI1Q)
I like seasons. Don't think I could do the Alaska or deep south living and be happy. All 4 seasons.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 24, 2012 12:13 PM (r+9M6)
Of course you get all 4 seasons in Alaska. They just don't happen to be evenly distributed throughout the year.
Posted by: joncelli at February 24, 2012 08:20 AM (RD7QR)
Posted by: Clubber Lang at February 24, 2012 08:20 AM (ZPrif)
Posted by: Berserker at February 24, 2012 12:15 PM (FMbng)
Yep, I think it's Riboflavin (B2) specifically. ****ing Riboflavin.
Posted by: The Mega Independent at February 24, 2012 08:21 AM (hdBV+)
but, in mid-Summer it hardly gets dark, even at midnight. Very seasonally disordered
Posted by: SantaRosaStan, with algae between his knees at February 24, 2012 08:21 AM (UqKQV)
Posted by: Travis at February 24, 2012 08:21 AM (/gUgY)
re: the google "hit/ads" theory
Youtube is the same way. Shysters are analyzing Youtube's user's search data and titling vids to match the popular search terms. But the vids are a nothing more than a way to get eyes on website address that hawks some product.
Posted by: soothsayer at February 24, 2012 08:21 AM (G/zuv)
Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 24, 2012 12:20 PM (/kI1Q)
The vast majority are dopey lib Bambi voters. Go figure.
Posted by: The Mega Independent at February 24, 2012 08:21 AM (hdBV+)
House is stealing plotlines from My Name is Earl? Tune in next week to watch Dr. House pretend to be a psychic and solve crimes for the Santa Barbara P.D. Hilarious!
Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at February 24, 2012 08:22 AM (+lsX1)
Darn tootin' they work. And if you take Placebex™ before you do your light therapy, you'll feel twice as good!
As it happens, I have a supply of Placebex right here that I can send to you if you send me a Paypal. $2 per pill (actually, each pill is a small cube, packed with crystalline white Placebex goodness). That's only $100 for fifty Placebex cubes!
Why pay expensive pharmacy prices? Send that Paypal right now, before you forget.
Posted by: J. Moses Browning at February 24, 2012 08:22 AM (GiEaA)
Posted by: Clubber Lang at February 24, 2012 08:22 AM (ZPrif)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 12:19 PM (nj1bB)
You want the D3.....it's more effective.
Posted by: Tami at February 24, 2012 08:23 AM (X6akg)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 08:23 AM (nj1bB)
Ok morons, somebody go invent a light therapy light that is programmed to turn on and off based on one's location and the rising and setting of the sun.
You'll be a zillionaire!
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 24, 2012 08:23 AM (r+9M6)
Posted by: Lilikoi at February 24, 2012 08:24 AM (M8mn0)
So if a lot of people search for "light therapy" on Google, entrepreneurs will interpret that data as an opportunity to provide a product with a pre-existing demand!
Then more ads...then more Google searches...then more ads...and so on.
F'n Google, it is running our lives.
Posted by: soothsayer at February 24, 2012 08:25 AM (G/zuv)
Posted by: tasker at February 24, 2012 08:26 AM (r2PLg)
I have used a light therapy on and off in the winter for years, and it makes a huge difference. In just a couple days, I'm feeling happier, more awake, and energetic.
Make sure not to use it too much, though. Ever see that old Northern Exposure episode where the town residents discover it and start wearing visors with the lights in them 24/7? After a few days, they start wigging out. Pretty funny stuff.
Posted by: shinypie at February 24, 2012 08:26 AM (Kz85k)
Also eat more fat during during the darker months. So, moar bacon. (seriously)
Posted by: s☺mej☼e at February 24, 2012 08:26 AM (udEUT)
Posted by: tasker
Okay. Give him a lumbar puncture without anesthetic to confirm it. Or any other painful test you can think of. Oh, and get me a photo of Cuddy's jugs--it's been six months now.
Posted by: dr gregory house at February 24, 2012 08:26 AM (WOB8h)
>>>Vitamin D3 is inactive biologically and needs to be changed, or hydroxylated, twice in the body to become active." <<<<<
How do you get your body to do that?
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 24, 2012 08:27 AM (r+9M6)
Posted by: MostlyRight at February 24, 2012 08:27 AM (ZG8Ti)
Posted by: mama winger at February 24, 2012 08:27 AM (P6QsQ)
for some people, this 'side effect' never goes away, even after you stop taking it
Posted by: SantaRosaStan, with algae between his knees at February 24, 2012 08:28 AM (UqKQV)
I recently purchased the portable GoLite and have been using it daily for about the last 2 weeks. 30 minutes at 50% intensity per session. I already feel much better. More energetic, my mood has improved, and I've regained assertiveness with my soon-to-be-ex-client at work. I've been working on a software project for the last few months, and I've let the client and the "friend" who recruited me really take advantage of my SAD-induced meekness when it came to the ridiculous workload they were dumping in my lap. They've both taken me for granted, which I resent, and now it's come back to bite them in the ass, as I'm starting a new job in a few weeks.
Posted by: Thom Sirveaux at February 24, 2012 08:29 AM (PxzSs)
I've had one for two days now. It's too early for me to make any conclusions about it. It could be all placebo effect.
But... working.
Maybe. But beware the Hawthorne effect.
Posted by: Jay Guevara at February 24, 2012 08:29 AM (3Tgf2)
Posted by: tasker at February 24, 2012 08:30 AM (r2PLg)
Posted by: Charles Blow at February 24, 2012 08:31 AM (hdBV+)
There are lots of studies, plus I've felt the lack when I lived in Chicago - the overcast months of Jan and Feb were awful, I used to call them "Suicide Season".
And it wasn't the cold - Bitterly cold but clear and sunny days felt way better than the interminable 30 degree overcast with drizzle.
Posted by: Oldcat at February 24, 2012 08:32 AM (z1N6a)
That and dentists.
Posted by: tasker at February 24, 2012 12:26 PM (r2PLg)
Norway ain't Sweden ( but used to be part of it ). They did have the same severe restrictions on alcohol sales as Norway. Maybe still do.
All of far-northern Europe and Ireland / Scotland has the same Winter-Summer humongeous seasonal light swing.
Posted by: SantaRosaStan, with algae between his knees at February 24, 2012 08:32 AM (UqKQV)
Posted by: Lilikoi at February 24, 2012 08:32 AM (M8mn0)
I was Promised Global Warming! Down with winter.
Ace, don't let them talk you into moving. Someone has to live up there and it won't be me.
Posted by: Pecos at February 24, 2012 08:33 AM (2Gb0y)
Also, it occurred to me with all the Catholic bashing on here lately (well it feels that way to me at least) that I should share a link to a blog I read all the time. The Anchoress is a great blogger and maybe it will give some insights into Catholicism, particularly during lent, to those who have no clue but want to get one. She has a great article about chris, there's a chill up my leg, matthews here: http://tinyurl.com/6lhhzkv
Posted by: jeremy lin fan at February 24, 2012 08:33 AM (oZfic)
Posted by: Oldcat at February 24, 2012 08:34 AM (z1N6a)
Oh, maybe that is it, you hydroxylate it first by taking it, then the second time it activates in the skin with light. maybe.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 24, 2012 08:34 AM (r+9M6)
Posted by: tasker at February 24, 2012 08:35 AM (r2PLg)
in NoCal, any time of year, I can run around butt-naked and despite the arrests and restraining orders there's no such symptom.
Band-width of light, or something. Emmis.
Posted by: SantaRosaStan, with algae between his knees at February 24, 2012 08:35 AM (UqKQV)
Posted by: t-bird at February 24, 2012 08:36 AM (FcR7P)
I do think you have to take more than the recommended daily value. My multi-vitamin has 800, which is 200% recommended daily value, plus I take extra sometimes.
Posted by: Lilikoi at February 24, 2012 12:32 PM (M8mn0)
My doctor has me taking 10000 every day. He said that you lose the ability to get D from the sun with age. I get some in the multivitamin too.
He's a tad goofy about supplements, but the extra D seemed to help with energy.
Posted by: Oldcat at February 24, 2012 08:36 AM (z1N6a)
in NoCal, any time of year, I can run around butt-naked and despite the arrests and restraining orders there's no such symptom.
Band-width of light, or something. Emmis.
Posted by: SantaRosaStan, with algae between his knees at February 24, 2012 12:35 PM (UqKQV)
In northern latitudes the sun goes through a thicker slice of atmosphere due to it being low in the sky. Thus it is weaker all around.
Posted by: Oldcat at February 24, 2012 08:38 AM (z1N6a)
Posted by: Lady in Black at February 24, 2012 08:39 AM (F+Xfj)
Posted by: Lady in Black at February 24, 2012 12:39 PM (F+Xfj)
Non-witch doctors say this too - it is a real syndrome, even distinct from D deficiency.
Posted by: Oldcat at February 24, 2012 08:42 AM (z1N6a)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 08:46 AM (nj1bB)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 08:48 AM (nj1bB)
166 -
No question, lots of bad therapists out there, and it's sometimes impossible to know the bad from the good until you're into it, but there are many times when therapy fails, not because there therapist is a quack, but because the patient isn't ready or willing to do the hard work themself. Therapists will then get blamed for the failure.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 24, 2012 08:48 AM (TOk1P)
Posted by: Tami at February 24, 2012 08:49 AM (X6akg)
Truth. If you really want to kick it up a notch, start eating a real food paleo/primal type diet and see how you feel in a few weeks.
Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at February 24, 2012 08:49 AM (+lsX1)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 12:46 PM (nj1bB)
That might well be D deficiency, as well as lack of sun. The sun helps the mood, but out here in SoCal i had a period of foggyness that seemed to go away when the doc started having me take Vitamin D.
Posted by: Oldcat at February 24, 2012 08:49 AM (z1N6a)
Posted by: HoneyBadger at February 24, 2012 08:53 AM (v3pYe)
Posted by: tasker at February 24, 2012 08:54 AM (r2PLg)
Posted by: Pecos at February 24, 2012 08:58 AM (2Gb0y)
Posted by: montgomery burns at February 24, 2012 09:01 AM (K/USr)
Posted by: tendstl at February 24, 2012 09:02 AM (U/Lx6)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 09:04 AM (nj1bB)
Posted by: christmasghost at February 24, 2012 09:04 AM (ibzsd)
But can't you make a deal with either the co bloggers or some of the early morning commenters to send you blog posts that you can put up so you can wake up nicely without having the immediate worry of the blog?
Posted by: jeremy lin fan at February 24, 2012 09:05 AM (oZfic)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 09:17 AM (nj1bB)
Posted by: BumperStickerist at February 24, 2012 09:22 AM (h6mPj)
Nice to see Giuliani out there again.
Posted by: jeremy lin fan at February 24, 2012 09:24 AM (oZfic)
Posted by: ace at February 24, 2012 01:17 PM (nj1bB)
Sorry, didn't realize, been swamped with work myself lately.
Ace, I'm praying hard core for you, I feel you need the prayers.
Posted by: jeremy lin fan at February 24, 2012 09:26 AM (oZfic)
I live in the PacNW, like the dark, rainy weather, but I think the winters affect the husband; plus his boss is a total asshat, so these lights might help.
I worked with a girl years and years ago, her name was Sunny, (ironically), who had SAD. Said the lights made a huge difference for her, and you could kind of tell during the winter when maybe she hadn't used the lamps enough.
Reviews on lamps, please! =)
Posted by: Linlithgow at February 24, 2012 09:30 AM (Gim9y)
Posted by: yakima canutt at February 24, 2012 09:33 AM (YCLbv)
I know it helps me drive away the winter blahs, and where I am winter lasts 6 months.
Posted by: cranky-d at February 24, 2012 09:43 AM (H2G0R)
Hyperthyroid (overactive) is more immediately dangerous than hypo (underactive). Hyperthyroid is life threatening and often(usually?) you have to kill the thyroid gland and then go on replacement thyroid hormone the rest of your life. I think VodkaPundit detailed his experience with hyperthyroidism. Megan McArdle has written a lot about her hypothyroidism.
I'm hypo and have been taking replacement for years. When I finally stumbled into the docs office I was in constant pain, the slightest exercise made me feel like I'd just gone through a 2-a-day football practice. Constant aching pain just sucks balls.
The guidelines for TSH levels (thyroid stimulating hormone) have gone down in recent years. High TSH levels = low thyroid. It's an indirect measurement. Your body is sensing low thyroid hormone, so it's sending out lots of TSH which is supposed to stimulate the thyroid gland. But when the thyroid isn't working it doesn't respond.
My TSH levels are at the high end of the normal range, and I've tried upping the dose to get where the new range says I should be. But, man, too much sucks even worse than too little. Felt like I was gonna explode out of my skin. Was completely unable to deal with normal frustrations. I went from a relaxed dude all my life to a hair-trigger temper. Had to quickly go back to the old dose and stay in my house for a few days while I calmed down. Sadly, I'd rather be tired and fatigued then feel out of control like that. I had so much energy I just paced for a few days. Made me want to punch anybody who looked at me side-wise.
If I remember VodkaPundit's story he talked about having an over-active thyroid and just freaking out while trying to park one day and being cut off by some old lady and just having to restrain himself from raging on some old lady and thinking, wtf is wrong with me?
Hypo usually means weight gain (though not in my case) while hyper often mean serious weight loss since the person literally can't sit still.
I'm not a doctor, just what I've gathered over the years. Never got anything like an explanation for why my thyroid went haywire. Best hypothesis seems to be just an unlucky infection, possibly a virus which triggered a faulty immune response.
Posted by: linsanity at February 24, 2012 09:43 AM (ZPrif)
Posted by: osurks at February 24, 2012 09:49 AM (G4dDt)
Posted by: moki at February 24, 2012 09:49 AM (dZmFh)
Posted by: OxyCon at February 24, 2012 10:01 AM (ur8o6)
Ace,
Glad to see its working. As a psychiatric NP who also lives in Wisconsin (long winters) I have seen only positive effects of light therapy for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Good luck. A couple of studies below.
Improvement in depression scores after 1 hour of light therapy treatment in patients with seasonal affective disorder. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2012 Jan;200(1):51-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22210362
Neuropsychobiology. 2011;64(3):152-62. Epub 2011 Jul 29.Bright-light therapy in the treatment of mood disorders.
Posted by: Barbara at February 24, 2012 10:05 AM (HL5r2)
Posted by: OxyCon at February 24, 2012 02:01 PM (ur8o6)
I read a book while walking. Yep, it can be done.
Posted by: Oldcat at February 24, 2012 10:05 AM (z1N6a)
I just get into a tanning booth once or thrice a winter, especially after long rains.
Perks me right up!
Posted by: whitehall at February 24, 2012 10:18 AM (FmPSC)
Posted by: Cast Iron at February 24, 2012 10:36 AM (EL+OC)
Posted by: Adc at February 24, 2012 10:41 AM (VCCe8)
Posted by: Y-not on iphone at February 24, 2012 10:59 AM (YI8V1)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at February 24, 2012 11:07 AM (r4wIV)
I didn't use light therapy but my boyfriend did and it regrew his arm.
Posted by: Adrian Barbeau at February 24, 2012 11:22 AM (2Ynt1)
The light-lamps do work. Their effect is differential based on the underlying pathology or condition being treated. I've seen them used to great effect, given the low-cost, clinically in seasonal-affective and bipolar depression.
I can speak more to the underlying mechanism if you'd like, given that my work is in this field. The gist of it is your body has two "clocks" -- a genetic one inside your cells and a blue light-dependent one. Using these two systems an animal can migrate and your body can (re)synchronize the clocks to the external world. Biology is sloppy, evolution occurs in a box where energy is super scarce, so any signal (information) which uses energy and evolves inevitably gets tons of other functions 'tacked on' -- and so we now have tremendous amount of gene regulation which is tied to this light-dependent signal and influences all kinds of biology and psychiatry.
Add to this that humans have taken to starring into an artificially lit 5K lumen LCDs while they score some mad nasty skank tail as Chas Blow all night -- and there is a big departure from what we evolved in. Anyways, the light in the morning helps by keeeping a regular cycle as the weather, time of year and Chas Blow all-nighters upsets the synchronization.
Like I said, if you're really interested I can explain a bit more, but up to you. Also, it was neat seeing Ash Jogalekaron on here! I've chatted with him around, nice guy.
Posted by: Uriah Heep at February 24, 2012 11:49 AM (JdSQO)
"The myth of the eight-hour sleep"
Interesting article this week about a theory that the natural sleep pattern for humans is actually two, four hour periods...with an hour or so in between. It changed with the advent of street lights and electricity providing the ability to do things at night. The amount of artificial light we are exposed to after sunset delays the body's natural trigger to begin releasing melatonin. Another theory is this may be a link to high cancer rates as melatonin apparently helps prevent cancer. Somewhere else I read that it is specifically the blue spectrum that delays the melatonin, so some people apparently wear blue blocker glasses a few hours before bedtime to help trigger the natural sleep progression despite sitting in front of bright tv and/or computer screens.
Sounds plausible...but like light therapy....who knows?
Posted by: phxjay at February 24, 2012 12:32 PM (c+W7U)
Posted by: O-Dub at February 24, 2012 12:41 PM (ncf7D)
Posted by: Y-not at February 24, 2012 01:44 PM (5H6zj)
Posted by: Y-not at February 24, 2012 02:30 PM (5H6zj)
This is probably too late to get read, but...
I was diagnosed with a Vitamin (actually, it's a hormone) D deficiency several months ago, so I started looking it up online SO EVERYTHING I SAY HERE MUST BE TRUE!
From what I learned, it's been linked to depression, arthritus & other immune disorders, digestive disorders, etc. Which would explain why my intestines turn into the waterslide from hell every February. It also explains my mother who sits inside all day and suffers from pretty much everything on the list.
I'm not saying that this is the same thing as SAD, but it might be part of what's bugging you. I watched some videos by Michael Holick (he's selling a book of course) that seemed pretty legit. He seems to think that not only are many people not making enough naturally, but even the ammounts that the government suggests we get every day aren't enough. He has his own chart here. He claims that doctors are so terrified of Vitamin D overdose (too much can be dangerous) that they don't prescribe enough. My doctor doesn't even checked my levels, he just prescribed 1,000 IU a day and left it at that. I supplement that
Another thing the good Dr. Holick says is that "going out and getting a walk" won't cut it (maybe for SAD, but not for Vitamin D) because at northern lattitudes durring the Fall & Winter, the sunlight that does reach us (I live in WA) has passed through so much atmosphere that it doesn't have enough energy, or the right wavelengths, to stimulate D production. And clouds make that even worse, so up here we're pretty much screwed. He claims that even durring the Summer you can only get the right ammount/wavelength of sunlight between 10am and, like 3pm.
Anyway, hope that helps. And please keep us updated on your lamp, I'm thinking of getting one for my wife and myself. We're not SAD as such, but the long Winter months do tend to wear on a person.
Posted by: 29Victor at February 24, 2012 03:45 PM (ES9R7)
Posted by: Violet Bailey at February 28, 2012 05:21 AM (DfA7g)
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Posted by: steevy at February 24, 2012 07:49 AM (7W3wI)