WHEN it's cold and dark outside, it's easy to get the winter blues – but a bit of light therapy can help you fend off these seasonal depression symptoms.
For many of us the lack of light during winter can lead to so-called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
People who suffer from the condition display normal mental health through most of the year but become depressed during a specific season – most commonly winter.
So if you're feeling particularly low at this time of year it might be worth investing in a SAD lamp to brighten up those dark chilly mornings.
Bear in mind that your light therapy box should be certified to treat SAD.
To be effective, it also needs to emit light of at least 2,500lx – although most light boxes are now 10,000lx.
The brighter the light, the shorter the amount of time you will need to sit in front of it, according to consumer group Which?
Here are our suggestions:
SAD Light Therapy Box
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Duronic SADV1 SAD Light Therapy Box for Seasonal Affective Disorder, Amazon £64.99 – buy here
The Duronic SADV1 is perfect for those suffering from winter blues.
Compact and lightweight, it will give you the recommended 10,000 Lux power to help better your health and wellbeing.
Easy to use, your surroundings will become instantly brighter, with just a touch of a button.
Bodyclock alarm
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Lumie Bodyclock Alarm Clock with Sunrise and Sunset Features, £39.99, Amazon – buy here
We love the circular design of this Lumie lamp which will really make a statement in your bedroom.
The bodyclock alarm wakes you with a natural, gradually brightening light, helping you feel refreshed and energised all day.
At 14 x 19 x 13 cm, it's quite compact and it can easily fit on your night stand.
It's also a very safe investment as Lumie lamps have been scientifically tested, and are recommended by Sada, the UK charity for SAD.
Portable LED SAD lamp with storage bag
- Ultra portable led sad lamp with storage bag, £59.99, JD Williams – buy here
We love this product for its design and portability. Looking like an Ipad, the overall illumination surface on this compact model is approximately 20cm.
It comes with a handy clip in a bright green colour to create a stable base for your lamp wherever you go. You'll also get a carry and storage pouch.
Most importantly it has been medically certified so you know you'll be making a good investment.
According to the manufacturer, spending around 1 hour a day in front of the daylight lamp for a week, will be enough to relieve the complaints associated with winter depression including: sleep disorders, extreme fatigue and the tendency to eat a lot of carbs.
Daylight Slimine SAD lamp
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Daylight Slimline SAD Lamp, £120, Argos – buy here
Although its pricey, this Beurer daylight lamp impressed us with its incredible feature.
Its simple slimline design means it will make a nice addition to your room without taking up too much space.
Among its many functions, the lamp can stimulate daylight over 10,000 lux at a distance of 15 to 20cm.
It also has a LED timer with five levels of treatment time (15 to 120 minutes), and features a dimmer with 10 brightness levels.
As we mourn the end summer, the time has come to update our wardrobe and get ready for the winter months. Check our top fashion buys for this autumn and winter season.
And if you're looking for a new pair of shoes to wear this season, here's our guide of the best ankle boots available on the high street right now.
If you're already tired of the cold weather and you're not tied to school dates, now is the perfect time for a holiday.
Whether you decide to take a staycation or travel a little further, these great September holiday deals will get you reaching for your suitcases.
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