Home LivingWellnessSAD lamps: Why using one while doing yoga could prevent seasonal affective disorderHow to increase your serotonin levels through yoga and light therapyWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Home LivingWellnessSAD lamps: Why using one while doing yoga could prevent seasonal affective disorderHow to increase your serotonin levels through yoga and light therapyWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

How to increase your serotonin levels through yoga and light therapy

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Lumie)

Woman sitting in front of a Lumie SAD lamp while drawing

(Image credit: Lumie)

Seasonal affective disorder affects 0.5-3% of the world’s population which is a substantial number of people suffering when daylight hours reduce.Symptoms of SADconsist of fatigue, tiredness, depression, low mood, lack of concentration, difficulty making decisions, low energy and increased sleep. This is not an exhaustive list and it can affect people in a variety of ways.

Solutions of how to cope with and manage the symptoms of SAD often involve light therapy and this is where thebest SAD lampscome in.

What do SAD lamps do?

SAD lamps are designed, and some are medically certified, to boost the levels of serotonin in the body. The light they emit helps to increase serotonin production in the body with this light being measured in lux – the higher the lux, the brighter the light. A bright light helps to decrease feelings of tiredness, as it inhibits the production of melatonin which is the hormone that induces sleepiness, and boosts the feel-good hormone, serotonin.

Serotonin is responsible for mood regulation, digestion and memory, amongst other things. In terms of seasonal affective disorder, stimulating the production of serotonin can stave off low mood and even depression. It’s considered a good idea to sit in front of a SAD lamp for 30 minutes to an hour every morning during the darker months of the year when there is less natural light throughout the day (seehow to use a SAD lampfor more details).

(Image credit: Lumie)

How to use a SAD lamp, sleep & wellness tips

(Image credit: Lumie)

What does yoga do for your mood?

Like SAD lamps, yoga and meditation can boost the levels of serotonin in the body. Exercise, including yoga, is a way to increase serotonin production which can lead to feelings of happiness. Research has demonstrated that consistent yoga practice can lead to enhanced levels of serotonin.

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(Image credit: Form)

Woman doing yoga on Form Pro Travel yoga Mat on a rooftop with London skyline in the background

(Image credit: Form)

Can yoga and light therapy help tackle seasonal affective disorder?

The great thing about SAD lamps and yoga is that you can combine them for a double effort in boosting your serotonin levels. The amount of time required to sit in front of a SAD lamp is the same length as a decent yoga practice – 30 minutes to an hour. Rather than just sitting, you can give your body a helping hand and regulate your nervous system while soaking up the light from your SAD lamp, all helping to boost those levels of serotonin.

There is the added benefit of a SAD lamp adding a level of cosiness to your practice. Although it’s a bright light, if you’re practicing yoga in the early hours of the morning during winter, this bright light is a welcome addition as it creates an atmosphere for your practice while also waking you up. In a way, it can act as motivation to practice during the dark, cold winter months as your body will crave that bright light as it feels good for you. Otherwise, dragging yourself out of bed in winter to get on youryoga matcan really feel like too much effort but with this bright light, your yoga mat will be calling you.

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