Din Luminette
Summer is known for its vibrant energy and sunny beaches. However, this seemingly perfect season can sometimes bring unexpected challenges, such as a dip in mood that’s similar to winter blues. Known as "summer mood," this condition can cause feelings of sadness and lethargy even when the sun is shining brightly.
In this article, we'll explore the concept of summer mood in-depth, discussing what it is, how light therapy can serve as an effective treatment, and how to select the right bright light therapy device to help boost your mood.
Summer mood and light therapy
What is summer mood?
Summer mood is a seasonal affective disorder or sadness during the summer months. As stated earlier, it has many similarities with winter blues, mainly because they both happen during particular seasons.
Some of its symptoms include sleep problems, lack of motivation, anxiety, and, in extreme circumstances, thoughts of self-harm.
However, summer mood is not triggered by a lack of sunlight but most likely by high temperatures, increased humidity, disruptions to routines, and heightened social expectations during the summer.
Summer mood may be a one-off event for some and a recurring yearly situation for others. In either group, light therapy is an effective option to fight against summer blues.
What is light therapy?
Light therapy uses a special type of light to help improve mood and energy levels . It's commonly used to treat Seasonal feelings of sadness, such as summer or winter blues.
The process involves sitting near a light box (or sun lamp), emitting bright light simulating natural sunlight. This light is much brighter than what you regularly have indoors, as much as 10,000 lux, but still safe for your eyes and body.
The idea behind light therapy is that exposing yourself to this bright light can trigger chemicals in the brain that regulate your mood and sleep patterns. Notably, it can help reset your body's internal clock, which can be disrupted for different reasons, including jet lag and change in routine.
How light therapy works for summer mood
Three major triggers of summer mood include a change in routine, extreme heat, sleep problems, and social anxiety. Let’s explore how light therapy can help with these issues.
Extreme heat
Just as extreme low temperatures cause sad feelings during the winter months, high temperatures, accompanied by high humidity, can cause significant mental health discomfort, leading to mood disturbances .
Heat can also lead to trouble sleeping. The reality is that sleep and mental health are closely connected .
Light therapy can counteract these effects by providing consistent and controlled light exposure, similar to the sun, that can help regulate your mood .
Light exposure can also help maintain a stable 24-hour internal clock, which is often disrupted by longer daylight hours and heat , ensuring good sleep.
Changes in routine
Changes in routine, common during the summer due to vacations to new time zones and longer days and shorter nights, can affect your sleep pattern , leading to fatigue and irritability.
A perfect example of this disruption is the effects of jet lag, where the body’s internal clock is out of sync with the external environment.
Light therapy can help reset this internal clock and sleep-wake cycle, promoting better sleep and reducing the feelings of exhaustion and mood swings associated with disrupted routines.
Sleep problems and social anxiety
Sleep is crucial for mental health, and poor sleep can make feelings of social anxiety worse. Research shows that many people with social anxiety are poor sleepers .
Light therapy can improve sleep quality by aiding the body’s melatonin production. This hormone regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle. When you use light therapy in the morning, you’ll most likely sleep better at night, thus reducing anxiety .
Furthermore, social anxiety can also increase during the summer due to heightened social activities. For example, the influx of tourists can cause considerable stress for local residents . Light therapy can help alleviate stress associated with increased social activities by improving sleep and stabilizing mood.
Advantages of light therapy for improving summer mood
Not a one-off treatment
Light therapy is not a one-off treatment; its benefits can accumulate over time with regular use. It can quickly become part of your daily routine for many years, providing an alternative light source similar to the sun and helping you avoid vitamin D deficiency.
This ongoing exposure can lead to sustained improvements in mood, productivity, focus and concentration, energy levels, and improved sleep quality, making it a valuable long-term solution for seasonal depression and general well-being.
It’s important to stress that light therapy does not negate the need for a mental health professional. Always consult one when experiencing severe mood disorders or other serious mental issues.
Non-invasive
Unlike some treatments that involve medications or complex procedures, light therapy simply requires sitting near a lightbox or wearing a light therapy device.
This non-invasive nature makes it a gentle yet effective option for many people, minimizing the risk of side effects, especially when you’ve chosen a safe and effective blue light therapy lamp.
Inexpensive
Another significant advantage is that light therapy is relatively inexpensive. While the initial cost of purchasing a light box or light therapy device might seem high, it is a one-time expense. There are no ongoing medication costs or frequent doctor's visits. This makes it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
Also, considering you can use light therapy for many years, this investment will continue to yield long-term results.
Flexible
You can easily integrate devices like the Luminette into your daily routine. For example, you can use the Luminette while performing regular activities such as reading, working on a computer, or eating breakfast.
This flexibility means you do not have to set aside a particular time for treatment without being productive, making it easy to adhere to and consistently use.
How to use light therapy to boost summer mood
Using light therapy to enhance summer mood follows the same protocol as when dealing with winter blues.
Place the device in a convenient location where you can comfortably spend time each day or wear it as instructed if using the Luminette , for example.
Consistency is essential for light therapy to be effective. As such, we recommend setting aside the same time every morning for your daily sessions. Each session is typically between 20-30 minutes. But consult your product brochure for directions.
Light Therapy Lamp Drive is an innovative light therapy lamp designed for busy individuals, allowing you to conveniently conduct your phototherapy session while on the road. This device is ingeniously crafted to attach seamlessly to the sun visor of your vehicle. With a simple flip of a switch, it provides an effective light therapy session as you drive to your destination.
For those who find themselves spending at least 20 minutes behind the wheel each day, Drive is a perfect companion, offering a unique solution to integrate wellness into your daily routine. This is especially advantageous for individuals who embark on long night drives, as it helps to counteract the effects of darkness and fatigue.
Drive emits a safe, bright light into your eyes, meticulously designed to enhance your alertness without interfering with your driving. By doing so, it delivers the full spectrum of light therapy benefits, which include regulating the production of melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, thereby promoting a state of wakefulness and heightened alertness. This makes it not only a functional tool but also a valuable ally in maintaining your overall well-being and mental sharpness during your travels.
How to choose a light therapy device
When choosing a light therapy device , your number one priority is safety.
Choose light boxes free from ultraviolet (UV) light and short wavelengths that can harm eyes and skin. Devices with CE and IEC 62471 certifications comply with these safety standards.
Next, you want to ensure the product is effective, particularly in treating sad feelings caused by seasonal changes. Devices like the Luminette light therapy lamp have been independently tested by third parties and proven to work.
Opt for models with adjustable brightness to suit individual sensitivity and allow gradual acclimatization.
Finally, choose a design that fits your lifestyle. A portable device seems more handy in this scenario, especially when traveling during summertime.
Takeaway: Embrace a brighter summer with light therapy
Summer light therapy offers an effective solution for managing summer mood issues. It helps address key triggers like disrupted routines and sleep problems, regulating mood and improving overall well-being.
Light therapy's non-invasive, cost-effective, and flexible nature makes it an ideal addition to your daily routine.
Remember, consistency is vital for the best results. In addition, always prioritize safety when selecting a light therapy device.
With light therapy, you can enjoy your best mood in summer. Get a Luminette today to boost your summer mood.
FAQs
Does light therapy really work for summer mood?
Summer mood is another form of seasonal disorder. Mental health professionals recommend light therapy as an effective alternative to traditional mental health treatment techniques.
How long does it take for light therapy to work?
You can start feeling the effects of light therapy from 4-7 days after your first use. It’s imperative to remain consistent to get the best results. Use daily, every morning, for about 30 minutes. And for a device like the Luminette lamp, those 30 minutes can still be productive; you can have breakfast, engage in light exercise, and work on your computer.
Is light therapy safe for everyone?
Light therapy is generally safe. However, you must use the devices as stipulated by the manufacturer and follow guidelines such as how long each session should last. Furthermore, ensure the devices do not emit UV light that can damage your eyes or the skin around them.
Can I use light therapy in combination with other treatments?
Light therapy is a non-invasive solution with no risk of contradicting other behavioral or therapeutic treatments. As such, you can use it with other treatments.
How much does light therapy cost?
Light therapy cost varies per device, but expect to spend anywhere between $150-300. The total price will depend on the size, light intensity, and additional features like battery power, portability, material quality, and more.
