Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Management Calls For More Light
United States of America (Press Release) March 17, 2008 --
Bringing more natural light into our daily lives may be more important for our health than many people realize. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is known to be related to how much sunlight we receive. Individuals with SAD may experience emotional depression, a drop in physical energy, increased appetite, and increased need for sleep.
According to WebMD Medical News, our mood is influenced by a complex web of relationships between sunlight, melatonin (the sleep hormone), and serotonin (the hormone associated with wakefulness and elevated mood). As darkness falls, our melatonin levels naturally increase. And as the morning light emerges, melatonin levels decrease.
Serotonin levels increase when we are exposed to bright light -- a major reason why moods tend to be more elevated during the summer. It is known that bright-light therapy can bring benefits to people with SAD because light affects the melatonin-serotonin system and elevates mood. In fact, some researchers conclude that light therapy may help to alleviate SAD symptoms faster than antidepressant drugs. In a review of clinical trials of light therapy, Dr. Daniel Kripke at the University of California, San Diego reported that light therapy benefits not only SAD patients but also people suffering from other forms of depression.
At MayoClinic.com, suggested treatments for SAD include spending more time outdoors or sitting closer to bright windows while at home or in the office.
Chan Hoyle, marketing communications manager for VELUX America, points out that sunlight enters most homes through windows, doors and skylights. “Skylights admit 30 percent more light than vertical windows in dormers, and provide the drama of a sky view that can’t be achieved with vertical windows,” Hoyle says.
“And while increasing our exposure to natural light, venting skylights, with their natural chimney effect, utilize rising air to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), stale air, and other indoor pollutants that can also affect mood and health.”
For free information on the benefits of natural light and skylight selection, or for free house plans incorporating skylights, call 1-800-283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org.
Media contact:
Keith Hobbs - Business Services Associates, Inc. - 9413 Greenfield Drive
Raleigh, NC 27615-2306 - Phone – 919.844.0064 - E-mail – khobbs@nc.rr.com
For quick access to natural light feature material, daylighting case histories and background information, news releases, press kits and high-resolution images visit www.veluxusa.com and, from the Home page, go to the News Media section under “Professionals.”
According to WebMD Medical News, our mood is influenced by a complex web of relationships between sunlight, melatonin (the sleep hormone), and serotonin (the hormone associated with wakefulness and elevated mood). As darkness falls, our melatonin levels naturally increase. And as the morning light emerges, melatonin levels decrease.
Serotonin levels increase when we are exposed to bright light -- a major reason why moods tend to be more elevated during the summer. It is known that bright-light therapy can bring benefits to people with SAD because light affects the melatonin-serotonin system and elevates mood. In fact, some researchers conclude that light therapy may help to alleviate SAD symptoms faster than antidepressant drugs. In a review of clinical trials of light therapy, Dr. Daniel Kripke at the University of California, San Diego reported that light therapy benefits not only SAD patients but also people suffering from other forms of depression.
At MayoClinic.com, suggested treatments for SAD include spending more time outdoors or sitting closer to bright windows while at home or in the office.
Chan Hoyle, marketing communications manager for VELUX America, points out that sunlight enters most homes through windows, doors and skylights. “Skylights admit 30 percent more light than vertical windows in dormers, and provide the drama of a sky view that can’t be achieved with vertical windows,” Hoyle says.
“And while increasing our exposure to natural light, venting skylights, with their natural chimney effect, utilize rising air to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), stale air, and other indoor pollutants that can also affect mood and health.”
For free information on the benefits of natural light and skylight selection, or for free house plans incorporating skylights, call 1-800-283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org.
Media contact:
Keith Hobbs - Business Services Associates, Inc. - 9413 Greenfield Drive
Raleigh, NC 27615-2306 - Phone – 919.844.0064 - E-mail – khobbs@nc.rr.com
For quick access to natural light feature material, daylighting case histories and background information, news releases, press kits and high-resolution images visit www.veluxusa.com and, from the Home page, go to the News Media section under “Professionals.”
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