Seasonal Affective Disorder light box

1 Redstone SAD light box, 10,000 lux 1 Redstone SAD light box, 10,000 lux 1 Redstone SAD light box, 10,000 lux

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

1 Redstone SAD light box, 10,000 lux
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

1 Redstone SAD light box, 10,000 lux
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

1 Redstone SAD light box, 10,000 lux
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

1 Redstone SAD light box, 10,000 lux, used as part of light therapy to help alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a seasonal pattern that can produce a wide variety of symptoms which each person will experience differently. These include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, feeling low, sad, anxious or angry, changes to sleep and appetite patterns and symptoms of depression.

The exact cause of SAD is not understood, but it is often linked to reduced levels of sunlight through the winter months. It is suggested that this can cause a lack of serotonin or an abundance of melatonin. Light boxes are said to work by creating a simulation of sunlight, allowing the melanopsin receptors in the eyes to trigger the release of serotonin. Each person who uses light therapy for SAD must purchase their own light box as these are not available on the National Health Service. Some people find them beneficial while others do not. More research is needed to fully understand the condition’s causes and treatment.

Details

Category:
Therapeutics
Object Number:
2018-422
Materials:
plastic (unidentified) and metal (unknown)
Measurements:
overall: 300 mm x 100 mm x 480 mm,
type:
lamp - lighting device
credit:
Rochelle, J-M.