SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is a mood disorder or type of depression that occurs in the Winter months when the amount of sunlight is much less. In order to combat this condition, SAD light boxes are used to introduce strong lighting into the home for a therapeutic effect. SAD light boxes mimic the sun’s intensity at noon, 10,000 Lux. Natural spectrum bulbs for regular lamps come no where near this light intensity and therefore do not have the therapeutic effect used to treat SAD. These light boxes are easy to use, just turn them on for ½ hour twice a day where you are reading, doing computer work, cooking, or using the vanity. There are a variety of styles to choose from and are light and easy to carry around. Dawn/dusk simulators are also used for the treatment of SAD. What they do is simulate the length of the slowly rising and setting sun in the summertime to help reset the body’s natural or circadian rhythms during the winter months. The light gradually increases in intensity to full illumination at dawn, and gradually decreases in intensity at dusk. Learn more about SAD and get your FAQ answered.