Sad And Tanning Beds

The dangers of sun tanning booths and the side effects of tanning beds may be real but so are the benefits

We’ve all heard about the side effects of tanning beds, and the dangers of sun tanning booths. But what about the relationship between SAD and tanning beds?

Good news on this front! Studies have shown people suffering from seasonal associative disorder have benefited from the use of tanning beds.

SAD is referred to by many names. Seasonal associative disorder, seasonal mood disorder, and winter depression. What ever you want to call it, it is believed to be triggered by the brain when there is a lack of sun light available.

When a person does not receive enough sunshine they develop SAD, which can range from mild to sever. Just think about yourself, haven’t you felt the blues occasionally on a dreary or dull day? Well same idea, but much more serious and even debilitating with SAD patients.

Experts believe that SAD is somehow triggered by the brain’s response to the decrease in daylight. No one really knows how this happens but what they have learned is by increasing sun exposure, SAD Symptoms can be decreased.

Experts believe that the production of the chemicals melatonin and serotonin, in the brain are disrupted with the lack of sunlight. These two hormones are triggered by sunlight, regulating the sleep-wake cycle, as well as mood and energy levels.

Then it only makes sense that a decreased sun level would result in a decreased production of these hormones, and that’s exactly what studies have found. This is why SAD is seen in the fall and winter months when there is less sunshine. It is more common in areas where winters are longer and darker, supporting the theory that it directly ties to light exposure.

SAD can affect anyone – adults, teens, children, rich, poor, any culture. No one is exempt from Sad. Women develop SAD four times more often than their male counterparts. About 6% of the population suffer from SAD.

It can range from mild to severe. The more severe the harder it is for the person to cope with day to day activity. Symptoms disappear as soon as the days begin to get longer and there are more hours of sunshine.

Symptoms can include all or any of the following: Mood changes where a person becomes sad, irritable, or disassociated. They no longer enjoy their life, and are missing the “spark.” That used to be there. This can make the simplest tasks daunting. Sufferers may also become reclusive not wanting to socialize with friends or family.

SAD sufferers may also experience decreased energy and a change in eating habits such as increased craving for comfort foods, or a tendency to overeat. They may be unable to concentrate and become unmotivated, which can interfere with job performance.

There are several prescription treatments used to improve the wellbeing of a person suffering from SAD. However the simplest solution is to increase the amount of light the person receives. However the simplest solution is to increase the amount of light the person receives.

This is where tanning beds have proven very beneficial. When the light is available to a person the symptoms go away. So using a tanning bed on a regular basis, as well as replacing normal bulbs in the home with full spectrum bulbs and getting outside whenever the sun is out, will help a great deal.

For light therapy to work the retinas have to absorb some of the light. So if you are using a tanning bed, use a low wattage bed where you don’t need to wear the goggles or remove the goggles as directed by your doctor. Using a tanning bed to replace the sun until spring arrives has allowed thousands of people to once again lead normal lives.

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