Before we dive in, it’s important to understand that not all light therapy is the same. At Alaska Northern Lights, our lamps are designed to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by simulating broad-spectrum light, without any UV light exposure. These lamps work through your eyes to reset your circadian rhythm and boost mood naturally. On the other hand, our partner company Sperti Sunlamps offers FDA-cleared UVB lamps that support natural vitamin D production through the skin. While both use light as a tool for health, their purpose and science are completely different and knowing which one you need can make all the difference.
If you’ve ever felt extra sluggish, moody, or off during the colder months, you’re not alone. For many, these symptoms are more than just “winter blues.” They may point to Vitamin D deficiency, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or both. While the symptoms overlap, the causes and treatments are different.
So how do you tell them apart? And what can you do to start feeling better?
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression triggered by changes in sunlight exposure, most commonly during fall and winter. Reduced daylight disrupts your circadian rhythm and impacts the production of serotonin and melatonin, two hormones critical for mood, sleep, and energy.
Common symptoms of SAD include:
- Low energy
- Oversleeping
- Carb cravings and weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or sadness
- Loss of interest in normal activities
At Alaska Northern Lights, we’ve helped thousands of people combat SAD symptoms with clinical-grade light therapy lamps designed to simulate natural sunlight. Our lamps emit 10,000 LUX of broad-spectrum light to help reset your biological clock and boost mood naturally — without medication.
What Is Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t get enough of the “sunshine vitamin,” which helps regulate calcium absorption, immune function, and mood. While some foods contain small amounts of vitamin D, the primary source is sunlight specifically, UVB rays absorbed through your skin.
Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include:
- Fatigue
- Bone or muscle aches
- Frequent illness
- Mood changes, including depression
Although the symptoms can feel similar to SAD, vitamin D deficiency is not the same condition. It’s a nutritional deficiency and fixing it usually requires more than just bright indoor light.
Why Do These Conditions Often Overlap?
During fall and winter, many people spend less time outdoors and wear more clothing, limiting sunlight exposure. This drop in natural light can trigger SAD and reduce vitamin D production, especially in northern climates.
That’s why it’s common to experience both conditions at the same time and why a one-size-fits-all solution might not work.
Light Therapy for SAD. UVB Therapy for Vitamin D.
The key difference? SAD lamps work through the eyes and get processed through your brain, not through skin exposure. They’re safe, effective, and drug-free, but they don’t help your body produce vitamin D.
That’s where our partner brand, Sperti Sunlamps, comes in. Their FDA-cleared Vitamin D lamps deliver targeted UVB light, allowing your skin to naturally synthesize vitamin D in just a few minutes per session. It’s an ideal complement to traditional light therapy when you’re trying to cover all bases.
So whether you’re battling a low mood, chronic fatigue, or suspect a deficiency, the right light can help, it just depends on the type of light.
What’s the Right Solution for You?
At Alaska Northern Lights, our mission is to bring back energy, clarity, and joy, even in the darkest months. If your symptoms are related to mood, sleep, or seasonal rhythm, one of our 10,000 LUX light therapy lamps may be the perfect place to start.
If you’ve been told you have low vitamin D levels or are looking for natural supplementation options, check out our friends at Sperti Sunlamps their UVB lamps are a game-changer.