confused how often to use light therapy!!! and shiftwork

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clare
joined 12 Oct 2004
11 posts

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Posted by clare, 23:50 14 October 2004

Hi sorry to ask more questions, still waiting for light box to arrive. But i am curious a few people have mentioned they use their light box a coupld of times a day, i thought you only use it once?? I am getting confused now!!! :oops:

As i am a nurse i work shifts, the early shift starts at 7.30am which means i set off about 7.10am. I normally drag myself out of bed at 6.30, so if i need to use light therapy in the morning it means getting up at 6am!!! Now no offence but there is no way i am getting up at 6am on days off so what is the answer. Now begginning to think it wont work. Perhaps i should have more of a routine and get a 9-5 job but i like my shifts as it means i get more time off! I am also trialing doing long days 7.30 am - 9pm 2 days one week 3 the next. Not sure it was such a good idea!!!

:shock: clare xx

Anonymous
joined 22 May 2012
29373 posts

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Posted by Anonymous, 07:55 15 October 2004

Hello,
I can understand the sentiments behind not getting up at six! :( I do think though it might be important for you to try using your light first thing even if it hurts!! :twisted: I have found, for me there is no way round starting my waking cycle at a regular time (7am) because if I break the routine regularly I begin to lose the plot. When I am working till 11pm this can be a tiring day but have not found a working alternative. Could you place light on breakfast table while having brekkie etc? Could you use it at work? I am an advocate of more than once a day as i feel I normally need a top up in the early evening but other users (who will probably be arriving shortly 8) ) say once a day in the morning only. I think it is what works best for you and you might have to experiment. I view the lightbox as a way of extending the natural day to replicate summertime. Have you a copy of Norman Rosenthal's winter blues ? This book is invaluable for advice and other peoples experiences,
not all what u want to hear but hope it helps, Siddy

robbo
joined 29 Sep 2004
288 posts

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Posted by robbo, 21:59 15 October 2004

Hi Clare,
I have to agree with Siddy on this one....Sorry!
I think that using my lightbox first thing really does set me up for the day. It just seems to wake me up. If I get up and shower, eat breakfast and take my children to school without using my lightbox, by the time I get home again at 9-15, I am really tired. Hence I am up at 6 to sit for an hour in peace! I think the general rule is the more you use it, the better the effect.
I sometimes "top-up" during the early evening (usually no later than 6pm) particularly if I know I can't get an early night. As a nurse myself I am unable to use my lightbox at work, so my 2-10 shift is a killer!
Have you thought about getting one of these bodyclocks which simulate dawn? They are supposed to be very good for shift workers, although I can't speak from experience as I don't have one.

Robbo

clare
joined 12 Oct 2004
11 posts

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Posted by clare, 19:04 16 October 2004

Just a thought though robbo if SAD is classed as a disability surely they would have to allow you to use it at work??? My GP did mention SAD to me a couple of years ago but dont know if she wrote it down as a definate diagnosis or not. That way you could be exempt from working alternate shifts and nights....and ey me too 8) .

You know what though, this would go down like a lead balloon :evil: .

Clare (guess who'll be getting up at 6 every morning!) :(

robbo
joined 29 Sep 2004
288 posts

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Posted by robbo, 21:12 16 October 2004

Hi again Clare,
Yeah, you've got a point about using the lightbox at work, but it's just not practical when you're moving around on a busy ward. I think we'd need a visor, and then it would probably be an infection control issue!!
My work place have been quite good about my SAD, although they could be better. I got occupational health involved and they wrote letters to my manager. I don't think we'd get away without working shifts though. They would probably advise redeployment. You may be able to get away without nights. I don't work any. Just get a letter from your GP saying you're not fit enough to do them. Work would rather have you there just doing days, than being off sick on nights!
Have you got your lightbox yet mate?
Robbo (Claire)

clare
joined 12 Oct 2004
11 posts

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Posted by clare, 13:29 17 October 2004

Yes finally got my light box claire, it arrived on friday. Used it 3 times and i actually went out last night (normally i cant be bothered too tired!). My husband said he thinks its doing something as i never shut up all night talking :oops: .

Back at work tomorrow so that will be the reall test as on a long day so up at 6am .

Oh another thing i have found which makes me feel better is barocca epevescent (sp?) tabs, packed with vit c and b , I dont know if its a combinationof the 2 but i feel better (aprt from hangover :evil: )

clare :wink:

Julie in Sussex
joined 21 Jan 2003
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Posted by Julie in Sussex, 20:16 17 October 2004

I have a light visor, excellent for getting up and going and accomplishing things at the same time, though it is important to have all the lights on in the house at the time otherwise things look a bit dark! To get light whilst getting kids up, making packed lunches and all that fandango, it works really well. You cannot drive in them though, so they are for use in the house with the huge advantage of being able to move around from room to room which cannot obviously be done with a fixed light.

And, as I am such a sad case, I also have a Lumie (dawn simulator) this is my top most treasured household device ... mornings will always be mornings, but they have ceased to be utter agony and the waking up process is gentle with none of that invasive demoralising noise! The top model of the Lumie even comes with White Noise to help those who need to sleep in the middle of the day to actually get to sleep despite the hubbub outside.

Hope that helps. Julie

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