Escape winter blues by using SAD lamp in the O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library – St. Thomas Libraries Blog
News & Events

Escape winter blues by using SAD lamp in the O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library

The Wellness Center, in partnership with the O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library, has placed a light box (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) lamp) in the library as a resource for students, staff, and faculty.
The lamp is located in the northwest corner of the reference room on the first floor of the O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library. Students and staff are welcome to use the lamp on a walk-in basis. Before using the SAD lamp, you are asked to read the information on the Mayo Clinic Web site regarding use of this therapy.
SAD is often called the “winter blues.” During the low-light months of winter, many individuals experience decreased energy. The combination of decreased sunlight and spending significant time in dimly lit offices or classrooms can have a negative impact on one’s mood and sense of well-being. The light-therapy box may assist some individuals in achieving a happier mood and increased energy.
It is recommended that you use the lamp for a period of 20 to 30 minutes each day, preferably first thing in the morning. You should be seated at a distance of 13 inches from the lamp, and it should be placed directly in front of you. You do not need to look directly at the light, although it is not harmful to glance up at it periodically.
Please note that some medications, such a lithium, melatonin, tetracycline, St. John’s Wort, phenothiazines, hematoporphyrins, acme creams, creams with retinoic acid and chloroquine, can make you very sensitive to light.

Previous Post Next Post

You Might Also Like