Once daylight savings time hits, sufferers of SAD tend to start seeing the symptoms pick up. In order to avoid dealing with the dreaded symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, you should start using your light box at least a few weeks before you usually start to notice the symptoms It is recommended to start using your light box towards the middle or end of September in order to get ahead of the game and possibly avoid SAD all together.
Everyone is different, but the hope is that using the lamp earlier in the year, will help your body produce enough serotonin to stop the lack of energy and mood shifts that come with SAD or a seasonal depression disorder. When your eyes absorbs the 10,000 LUX light from a light box, it causes your brain to release serotonin (also known as the ‘Happy Chemical’). This chemical is what gives you energy and lifts your spirits. Being exposed to a light box for about 30 minutes every morning can give you the lift needed to get you through daylight savings depression during those dreaded winter months. And who knows, you may even start to enjoy that time of year!