Positive spin offs of using a lightbox

I have written in other threads how, during this fourth winter of use, the effectiveness of my lightbox in reducing SAD symptoms seem to have reduced.

However, on the upside, one benefit that continues is that it seems to kill cold and flu germs. Since starting to use it in December 2003, I have not had a single day's illness through colds or flu in winter (but have had a few at other times of the year when not using it).

Has anybody else derived this benefit?

John

Hi John and Suzie ~ yes I was beginning to wonder about the efficacy of my trusty lightbox when hubby took a look at it's bulbs and discovered that they were most definitely on the dingy side. So, those replaced I can now actually appreciate how much more effective my good old box is! (I put up a post recently to remind people to replace their bulbs ... in fact I think that 2 years is a good time to replace them.)

As for coughs and colds, hardly get them since I had my tonsils out!

Hang on in there, it will soon be over (says she who finds March/April the very worst winter months, probably even more of a struggle as normal people are getting all chirpy and busy busy busy whilst I remain exhausted, lethargic and could remain motionless for days on end given the space!).

I am sorry John ... somehow, and I wish there was some research on the subject, I feel that people who suffer from any form of depression, be it SAD or seasonal bipolar like me, well, we struggle with colds more than the average bear. Our heads tend to be like lead anyway and a cold, which upsets everything in that area, is the icing on the cake of misery really. It's the same with broken nights, the following day I barely function, I just get through somehow in a surreal little bubble questioning whether I am me or not all day... not fun.

So for a few days just expect nothing of yourself and that will actually help, pretend the world is on hold.

Be well soon.