Hot toast of the day...Verilux Sunshine Simulator

Posted on Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Filed under Lifestyle, New technology

Now who out there has got a case of the winter blues? If you're like me, then you're stuck three months living in the middle of a beautiful, hazy gray inversion which does wonderful things for your tan. Heck, I have friends that are polynesian who end up after winter being whiter than me, and I am pretty palid looking.

Many out there actually get pretty depressed due to S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) during the wintertime, and this company is proposing something will counteract those effects.&nodysp; A little dose of sunshine (aoout 30 min a day) is what this company says you need to fight S.A.D. How do you get that when you live in a place like me...make sunlight!

Source: http://www.amazon.com/

The National Institute of Health has released the following findings regarding the effects of light exposure (in blue) over time. If this happens to you during the month of January especially, you may be a good candidate to get a daily dose of sunlight.

Source: http://www.blogger.com/goog_1262735921485

One customer who reviewed the light stated:

I ordered the HappyLite about 4 months before they even shipped the product, because it was the first reasonably priced (and sized) light to help treat SAD. Living in Minnesota, I tend to get depressed in February, so wanted to see if the light would help. Starting in Oct/Nov 2003, I began turning it on at desk height at my work for the suggested amount of time. I did not use it on weekends.

Anyway, I think that it helped me keep from sinking so low with the SAD blues in February, but it did not completely keep SAD away. I spent 4 days on the beach in Florida during the 3rd week of February, and that helped the most.

I will indeed use the light again this winter, because it helps--but does not eliminate--SAD for me.

Source: http://www.amazon.com

Bottom Line - If you can get away to Florida during the winter, go for it...but if you are less fortunate like most of us, then you will have to make due with other means...

Source: http://www.allmoviephoto.com

With all this talk of S.A.D. it really makes you wonder...do Vampires suffer from S.A.D. ?? I know they don't exactly get a lot of sun...it would explain a thing or two about this whole phenomenon...

Just a thought....

Anyway, back to the reviewing...Pros for the Verilux HappyLite include the chic ambience it can give to your home. Sleek design and small, it can fit in most spaces, which means you can take it where you want. If it does work for you, then it is more than worth it if you can improve your mood for the 3-4 months you are stuck with winter. Finally, Verilux has a pretty nice three-year guarantee with their products, where they will replace it, no questions. That's a lot of self-trust...

Cons include the inability to take this portable...it solely runs on power from outlets, so you are limited in that respect. But more than likely, how many times are you going to attach it to your dashboard? One of the biggest setbacks for many people is the cost - running at $180 for this version, and even a tidy sum for some of the smaller versions, if you don't have the money, then you'll just have to scour sunlight in your backyard. But if you do have it, then no problem...it's yours!

Bottom Line - Great investment for those affected by S.A.D. - especially for an improvement in mood and function, the price will not matter if you can chase away the winter blues. The bulbs and the products itself are supposed to last for years, supposedly well over 10 years, which means replacement issues and costs associated with replacements should not be much of a problem. With high customer ratings, it seems that those who use it would agree that it is worth the investment. Sleek design and small size means you can put it anywhere and not feel too ashamed of yourself...you can even take it to your next party if you'd like...

Toast Rating: (Out of 5)