Apnea and S.A.D.S.?

[Virtus Velox]

I suffered with SADS (seasonally affected disorder syndrome)**ironic acronym for depression causing lack of light huh?!**, for over 22 years in the NW. Then I found light therapy. Resolved that issue for me in less than 3 days, an incredible result occurred.
On my first interview with my RT, she, unsolicited btw, mentioned SADS being turned around. I've been watching for the usual 'triggers' that tell me the disorder is lurking near by and here it is the middle of September and NO triggers!
I would love to not have to sit in front of 10,000 lux of light twice a day until May.
My query is...are there others here that have experienced a reduction or better yet, an elimination of SADS?
Happy Virt

[Virtus Velox]

Dang! No one from northern hemisphere? Can't believe I'm the only one using CPAP with SADS

[grumpygirl]

I often wonder if I may be suffering from something like SAD. The winter months seem to be a time when I feel most depressed. I don't like taking SSRI's so I was wondering what kind of light you use and where did you get it?? How much does one cost. I have given a lot of thought to trying one this winter. THANKS for any help..

[jnk]

. . . trying one . . .

". . . In milder cases, you may be able to take measures on your own, such as spending more time outdoors or sitting closer to bright windows while at home or in the office. . . . Because increased sunlight improves symptoms, light therapy is often a main treatment for many people with seasonal affective disorder. However, light therapy hasn't been officially approved as a treatment by the Food and Drug Administration because of a lack of definitive evidence about its effectiveness in clinical trials. Before you purchase a light therapy box or consider light therapy, consult your doctor or mental health provider to make sure it's right for you. . . ."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/season ... nd%2Ddrugs

And . . .

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/season ... nt/DN00013

[jskinner]

I was wondering what kind of light you use and where did you get it?? How much does one cost.

http://www.apollolight.com/golite.html

[Virtus Velox]

I often wonder if I may be suffering from something like SAD. The winter months seem to be a time when I feel most depressed. I don't like taking SSRI's so I was wondering what kind of light you use and where did you get it?? How much does one cost. I have given a lot of thought to trying one this winter. THANKS for any help..

Dang, got some nice replies and redirects for info there Grumpy Thanks folks!
Mine are not nearly as fancy as all those but I'm sure they work just fine. Mine is a bit more "down and dirty" if you will
I took two shop light frames the long ones that hold 4 bulbs each, stuck them side by side, built a wood frame around them and wala! I use pure white light and I sit them about 18-20 inches away. The light MUST be taken obliquely, NOT directly in the eyes. Makes no difference bottom, side, top...which ever is more convenient for you.
I used to sit under them while doing morning emails for about 30-40 minutes, then evening about 20 minutes. In three days Grumpy, 19 years of depression went away! That December I was sent first class to Paris and London for the incredible sales quota I beat Normally in December I was in the proverbial fetal position in my house, unable to do squat. It is such an insidious bastard SADS. Makes it all seem like it is my fault. So you can imagine my shock when in 3 days, that all went away!

My excitement now is, as I'd said, NOT feeling ANY of the SADS triggers that I normally feel at this time of the year

You can go fancy Grumpy or low ball it like me...just remember...10,000 lux strength is what you need and use obliquely, not directly.
Please, Please...do check out info that our friends have shown as well as other info you can find via Google on the subject. I received my light training from a professor of physics in U. of Washington, Seattle.
Virt

[lookin4sleep]

I suffered with SADS (seasonally affected disorder syndrome)**ironic acronym for depression causing lack of light huh?!**, for over 22 years in the NW. Then I found light therapy. Resolved that issue for me in less than 3 days, an incredible result occurred.
On my first interview with my RT, she, unsolicited btw, mentioned SADS being turned around. I've been watching for the usual 'triggers' that tell me the disorder is lurking near by and here it is the middle of September and NO triggers!
I would love to not have to sit in front of 10,000 lux of light twice a day until May.
My query is...are there others here that have experienced a reduction or better yet, an elimination of SADS?
Happy Virt

Hey, VV, I have been suffering from this disorder for quite a while now, but have just started the xpap therapy, so don't know if it will solve or improve this for me. The next few months will tell, as this is the time when I usually lose all my organizing abilities and things go to . Us Northern Hemispherers have to stick together!
Chris

[Virtus Velox]

Hey, VV, I have been suffering from this disorder for quite a while now, but have just started the xpap therapy, so don't know if it will solve or improve this for me. The next few months will tell, as this is the time when I usually lose all my organizing abilities and things go to . Us Northern Hemispherers have to stick together!Chris

Here here Chris! I agree
Have you tried light therapy?

[Virtus Velox]

Good Morning you bunch of Hosers!
Just checking in to let you all know how very much I appreciate all the help I've received from this site
The date is 9th of December, 2008 ... thanks to CPAP and this site, I HAVE HAD NO, NONE, NADA, ZIPP, triggers of S.A.D.S.!!!
This is the first time in my LIFE at this time of the year, that I do not have winter depression due to SADS, the first time I have not used my light therapy system in over 17 years.... AND I FEEL GRRRRREAT!
I finally got the right size full face mask and sleep like the gods of Valhalla! My only regret??? I hadn't found this CPAP 20 years ago
I love you hosers and wish you the very best of Christmas joy
Virt

[mindy]

I have SAD and use the Feel Brite light visor for 1/2 hour every morning from August through April. It helps. The light is supposed to shine right in the eyes at least some of the time (as long as it's the right kind of light). My doctor (a specialist in this field) told me that if I sit in front of a light box (which I did for awhile), I could read but needed to look up directly at the light on a regular basis to get the full effect. Directions from the company making the light box were the same.

I still need it even with CPAP. Note that SAD is "Seasonal affective disorder" and SSAD is "Sub-syndromal seasonal affective disorder". In the US northern latitudes, about 60% of the population has SSAD but a much smaller number have SAD. I don't know if light therapy works for those with SSAD.

Mindy

edited to add: I was told to use the lights *only* first thing in the morning so they would do their job of "resetting my internal clock".

[HeirloomGardener]

Nope. Still need the light.

I think it is improved, though. It might just be because I'm only dealing with the SAD and not the drowsiness I got from the untreated OSA.

[Virtus Velox]

wow, staring into 10,000 lux light has got to be tough
The professor at UW said to always use it obliquely but things might have changed through the years on the therapy. Good luck with that. I was just sharing my joy on the results of CPAP for me. Compliance of 96.5% shouts out to me that things that I thought would never change, have definitely changed for the better!
Virt

[mindy]

wow, staring into 10,000 lux light has got to be tough
The professor at UW said to always use it obliquely but things might have changed through the years on the therapy.

Glad to hear yours is better!

It's not a constant stare - rather a regular "look" then go back to reading or whatever. I would bet that it depends on the type of light, also. I sure wouldn't want to be using lights that emit UVA or UVB!

Mindy

[jrt]

Found I still get it .Was hoping cpap use would help but nope. Looking forward to when the days get longer at the end of Dec. and for a bit of sunshine. Full spectrum lights help a bit but being stuck in the cloudy upper North is no help.

[Virtus Velox]

My lights are/were/still are (shudup!) pure white light. Of course first time I told the Dr that I'd go right out and buy the 'grow lights'! Heck I thought that was what he meant...after he sat back down from his panic attack, he clarified, "No, NO! Pure white light only!" Heh heh it was fun seeing the transition he went through though
Yes, here in the great North WET I really hear you on the clouds, but I love the climate very much now, nothing worse than a darned convert
Mindy, that sounds more like it...whew, thought you were glaring right into them
Virt