Does anyone use a SAD lamp to improve Vit D?

[sarahstevenson]

[LouiseRoberts]

Hi Sarah

Interesting thread on this here:

thyroiduk.healthunlocked.co...

Louise

x

[sarahstevenson]

Many Thanks for the link Louise

[Hidden]

My understanding is that light boxes do NOT improve vitamin D levels. However, I bit the bullet and invested in a Philips go-LITE a month ago, and can confirm that it definitely does improve mood and energy levels, in my case within just a couple of days. I wouldn't say it has totally restored my energy levels, but it has certainly made a significant difference.

It isn't cheap at £200, but is neat, portable and has a rechargeable battery so can easily be used away from home.

[PinkNinja]

A good SAD lamp can be a really good investment if you are a sufferer. I find it makes a huge difference. Unfortunately, as Sue-F says, I don't think it does anything for vitamin D levels. It is supposed to help regulate melatonin levels to what they should be in relation to the circadian rhythm though.

[nobodysdriving]

I don't suffer with SAD, or actually I suffer from something similar and it is the exact opposite, I am depressed in the SUMMER and all I want to do is stay home until it's dark!!! I HATE HATE HATE the sun with a vengeance and I stay away from it as much as possible, I wish it was autumn all the time, not so bright, not so warm not so cold LOL

However I have bought one of those alarm clocks which wake you up with a light, it's from 'Lumie' who also do SAD lights....I am going to pick it up this evening, I am hoping that it will help me wake up better in the morning and not so 'shocked', my alarm clock makes me JUMP and shoots my heart rate to 120 for a minute from the shock! not a nice way to wake up HAHAHAHAHA

[PinkNinja in reply to nobodysdriving]

I have one of those too It really helps me wake up better, although mine went a little loopy the other day. It is one of the early ones though so it's getting old, and I just had to unplug it and plug it back in again and it was fine. I usually find I wake up before the beep.

My brother also has one (a newer version that never goes loopy). He got his after his new neighbour moved in. He told her that if his TV (with surround sound and the works) bothered her, she should just let him know and he'd make sure he kept it down. She said she didn't hear the TV, it was his alarm clocks (yes, clocks!) that she would hear. He is such a heavy sleeper that he used to need 4 alarm clocks, all of them really loud, to wake him in the morning! Now he has his lumie clock, he only needs the two

[nobodysdriving in reply to PinkNinja]

great, am looking forward to using it now

this is the one I bought:

johnlewis.com/231686152/Pro...

[PinkNinja in reply to nobodysdriving]

Oooo! That's fancier than mine. I've got one of the early analogue ones

[sarahstevenson]

Many thanks for ALL replies - sorry for the delay in mine ! I have been wiped out following 2 hours work on Friday and then visitors to stay for one night only. So frustrating !

[sarahstevenson]

MANY THANKS Ted for your comprehensive amswer _ I have so far skim read the ncbi article - my pain levels are worse in the evening and then wake me in the night so could indicate I am not naturally producing as much melatonin as needed to facilitate sleep.

I am currently taking

T3 15mcg@ 6:30 : 10mcg@11:30 10mcg17:30

NAX x 1 NA x 2 Floradix x 10ml before breakfast

Vit B12 endo prescribed and Vit D 800mcg after breakfast

Vit C 1000 and Ferrous Gluconate 300 both endo advised with evening meal

This seemed to be OK but pain etc is now increasing to similar but lower level symptoms which I had 28 years ago post an iron infusion following a post partum haemorrhage - resulting in catastrophic reactive arthritis for 2 + years. I had had periods of inflammatory arthritis type illness through childhood.

I have one kidney as other was removed in 1995 due to PUJ obstruction - may have caused adrenal damage.

My homeopath has done a vega test and advised the Vit D is interfering with the iron uptake.

My ferritin has risen to 56 from 5 in Feb 2012 with supplements and

my Vit D3 25 hydroxy is now 88 n/mol no range given Feb 2012 just advised LOW

Vit D2 is now "<10" no explanation with this text.

I shall read the ncbi article more thoroughly in the morning light and look at more magnesium than floradix is providing

Thanks again

[sarahstevenson]

THANK YOU TED will get my reading glasses on - much appreciated

[sarahstevenson]

thanks Ted have now summarised your message and am ready to read up properly. Working this am so it is a mission for this afternoon - hoping I'll be awake

Have decided to order lamp anyway on 30 day approval - can always send it back - we use a carrier for our business so not too pricey to return for us - feel as though I am craving some light!

[sarahstevenson]

Back again Ted

D3

1. Tricky to read on my screen but looks as though at August 2012 level of 88 then to get to 125 ish I would need to be taking 2,400iu. My concern on this amount is having had a nephrectomy ( removal of kidney) due to PUJ obstruction could I be increasing the risk of calcium deposits by increasing D3 too much? I don't know whether the obstruction was tissue or stones. I was too poorly at the time to ask.

2. The evidence for D3 not working well with my other meds including the Ferrous Gluconate is from vega testing only and is a personal result for me.

3. I am on a very low fat diet having refused gall bladder surgery and trying to only have good fats. After reading your message before work this amI tucked in to toast and butter with Vit D yum May be the restricted fats are taking a toll. Thought if I eat them for breakfast with the Vit D may be i'll use them better through the day.

Iron

Lots to read in this article. Especially interesting to me, I think is the link to rheumatoid arthritis and the explanation that the blood levels can be low but the levels in joints too high. Will have to read and re read with notes to fully understand - only have chemistry to A Level but think there are significant factors in this area. Your lactoferrin suggestion is certainly interesting. I have found Ferrous Gluconate so much more helpful than sulphate until the last few weeks maybe time for another switch. Dr BDP suggested Spatone as another possible more easily assimilated source. I haven't swapped yet as I was trying to be methodical in changes.

You're right - although I'm taking Floradix liquid rather than the tablets but magnesium still isn't listed - my mistake. For others who would like to see ingredients here's the link.

hollandandbarrett.com/pages...

It would be interesting to know more about precursors to melatonin production to ensure I'm maximising best absorption.

Thank you !!!

[sarahstevenson]

thanks for that - I have taken on board your comments re D3 - but lamp might wake my husband who can sleep through ALL alarm clocks ringing phones and other tortures in the morning as well as providing some extra brightness ! will test and see.

[Julius02]

Ref omega 3 and magnesium for depression... how much are we talking here to provide noticeable benefits?

[helvella Administrator in reply to Julius02]

This thread is very old and you are very much less likely to get a helpful response here. Maybe consider writing a new question/post?

[sarahstevenson]

Noticed my post has re emerged ...... sitting here with my Lumie SAD lamp on, by my computer .... love the light especially in early morning when I try to catch up on admin stuff ......can't say it changes VIt D etc but does help me to feel better in myself.

Also notice when I am in work areas with poor lighting I struggle ... was invigilating exams yeterday in a dimly lit exam room poor students!