Lighting Help for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Most of us have come to spend our waking hours indoors...eliminating sunlight from daily routines. But, as science continues to discover and understand the role light plays in our lives, its use as both a therapeutic and preventative tool is becoming evident.

Our inability to perceive colors adequately, as is the case on a gray winter day or under poor artificial lighting, can negatively affect our mood and energy flow. In the winter, we invariably have less energy, while in the spring we come alive. For many, these mood swings are severe and typify a condition know as Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.). Those affected with S.A.D. act like animals prior to hibernation-increased sleep, diet changes and weight gain.

Combat these issues with options ranging from light bulbs to lamps to doctor-recommended light boxes at 10,000 lux. The Chromalux bulb, Verilux Happy Eyes Lamp and Verilux Happy Lite are all choices available as great full spectrum lighting solutions to help treat S.A.D. The Chromalux bulb has its origin in Finland where life must be sustained in almost total darkness for several months each year. With this innovative, extra-long life bulb, the light is purified, allowing colors to maintain their true color and vibrancy. It has been described as the closest thing to natural daylight.

By using full spectrum bulbs, lamps or light boxes in your home or office, you'll brighten up your area and mood allowing you to see and feel better.

Submitted by Jennifer Guerriero with the Light Center in Fort Collins, Colorado, a Lighting One showroom. To locate the Lighting One showroom nearest you, or for more Lighting One Design Tips, please visit www.lighting-one.com. Please note that some products may vary by location.

Diffusion in Your Home Lighting Design

Diffusion is where the light is softened to remove some of the glare. A white opal type diffuser will cause a light loss through the glass of approximately 30%. If the lens is more frosted or crackled, the amount of light lost is closer to 10%. Stained glass, although very decorative has a very high diffusion factor. In some cases, much of the light will not pass through the glass at all.

Keep this in mind when planning your lighting design. You need to determine the uses of the room that you will place your fixture or lamp. If you absolutely love that tiffany lamp and the colors complement your room, by all means go ahead and use it (I love tiffany myself)! However, if you plan to use the space for reading, make certain the bulb is facing where your book would be placed (such as in a torchiere) or have additional lighting in that area.

Image shown is 5905-TR, available at Lighting One showrooms.

Posted with permission from Lighting One http://www.lighting-one.com/