Do you suffer from depression during the winters? Well, if you do, maybe you should consider switching to LED lighting.

Now, you’re probably confused and wondering what has lighting or winter got to do with depression.

Well, let us break it down for you. Winter depression is an actual thing. It’s referred to as SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder and is known to affect over a thousand people every year. Though the exact causes are unknown, medical experts have noticed a connection between the lack of sunlight and SAD.

In order to treat the condition, doctors prescribe what’s known as light therapy, where the patient exposes himself/herself to light. The light exposure stimulates the production of serotonin, which is a mood elevating hormone.

Now, since most people stay indoors during the winters, the kind of lighting starts to play a key role with regard to depression. In fact, poor lighting increases the production of melatonin, which can cause disturbed sleep and lead to depression.

How LED lighting helps

The main benefit with LED lighting is that it emits high-quality light, especially when compared to options such as CFLs/Energy Saving Lamps. LEDs also offer options in terms of light color. You can have LED lamps that emit light similar to daylight, which can have a profound impact on one’s mood.

One patient, named Christine, had been diagnosed with SAD. Though she was prescribed light therapy, the issue wasn’t completely resolved because she was still spending the rest of her time under fluorescent energy saving bulbs.

In fact, she even claimed that the light was so dull that it reminded her of the gas lamps her grandmother used to use. Making things worse was the fact that these CFL lamps would get burnt out soon.

However, when Christine switched over to LED lighting, she noticed a tremendous change in her mood. The better quality lighting, she claims, had a very positive impact on her mental status. Other than that, she also saved money on her utility bills. Previously, she had to switch on a series of lamps to create enough lighting in her house.

Now, she just switches on individual LED lamps.

More than just lighting

Don’t get us wrong. LED lamps are great, but, they aren’t the only solution. If you do have depression or feel that you do, please visit a doctor for proper help. LED lighting is just one part of the treatment for SAD. A doctor will be needed to cover the remaining aspects of the problem.