A Sun Lamp for SAD: Does It Work?

The dark, cold winter months can take a toll on mental health. If you’re sleeping too much, feeling depressed or have your days and nights mixed up during the winter, you might want to consider using a sun lamp.AdvertisementCleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. PolicyThe light delivered through a sun lamp is often particularly effective for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), according to family medicine practitionerRobert Cain, MD.“Long periods of dark and a lack of sun exposure gets your sleep-wake rhythm thrown off and sun lamps help reset it,” says Dr. Cain.So, should you use a sun lamp for depression? Dr. Cain explains how one may help with SAD and other medical conditions.What is a sun lamp?A sun lamp is a device that mimics natural light. It may also be called a SAD lamp, a light therapy box or a light box, and might be referred to as lig...