More proof for Valkee earlight
November 13, 2011 at 10:41 4 comments
So, it’s already November (Movember!) and DARK in Finland. I picked up my Valkee in the end of October and been going on steady on the 8 minute daily exposure. In my experience Valkee not only helps to wake up in the morning but also supports a normal circadian rhythm.
The research has continued and the latest results show that Valkee strongly alleviates the symptoms of SAD (seasonal affective disorder). In the first research it was found that a whopping 92% of severely depressed participants went into remission after only four weeks on Valkee measured by Beck’s 21 point depression assessment (press release in Finnish). Also the randomized research showed marked benefit in shorter bright light treatment when the light is targeted to brain’s light responsive areas.
After reading Irving Kirsch‘s book Emperor’s New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth I’m not so sure what depression is about anymore (ie. is it really chemical at all) but since I’ve subjectively experienced Valkee as beneficial and since it probably has fewer side effects than pills I’m willing to put my money on Valkee rather than any antidepressants. To be continued. (More about the book later – an excellent read.)
Entry filed under: Other. Tags: depression, Valkee.
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1.
Carla, the Netherlands | November 13, 2011 at 11:13
My experience with the Valkee so far is actually really good. I’ve used it for about two weeks (sometimes I’ve skipped a day) for 12 minutes a day in mid- to late October, which is the critical period for me, and I feel fine. So Meri, thank you for your advice, this thing’s a keeper!
About ‘general’ depression/anti-depressants vs. SAD: I’m a psychology student in Radboud University and we learn a lot about the anti-depressants hype and about research showing they have no effect. I must say I feel this does not regard SAD. It’s just a different thing and the rules that apply to ‘general’ depression don’t always seem to apply to SAD. I haven’t met a lecturer yet who mentioned/acknowledged SAD. I guess it’s either unknown or neglected, or considered too complicated.
I say: even if the Valkee is a placebo, I much prefer it to pills!
2.
Meri (Monkeyfood.net) | November 13, 2011 at 17:39
Hi Carla and thanks for your comment! Always a pleasure to have visitor from foreign countries 🙂
I also think that Valkee’s a keeper although all the consequences are not yet apparent. Hopefully nothing too bad will result after using it for couple of years…
And yes, I definitely agree: SAD is different from other forms of depression. I wouldn’t necessary call it a depression, at least I wouldn’t call myself depressed even tho I obviously benefit from bright light treatment in the dark time of the year. And I actually love this time of the year, it’s the spring time that takes its toll on me. I’d rather be in a warm place from Jan ’til the end of March.
May I ask what kind of things are they offering instead of antidepressants to treat depression? The usual psychotherapy? How strongly do they teach about lifestyle factors? Nutrition?
I’d be grateful if you’d share some of your experiences as a psychology student!
3.
Valtsu | November 13, 2011 at 21:16
Hi Meri 8) Sorry for the Finnish language in your English blog but…
…ajattelin vain mainostaa että kirjoitin itsekin vähän tekstiä vuorokausirytmiin liittyen. Saattaa esim kiinnostaa sinuakin: http://valtsuhealth.blogspot.com/2011/10/vuorokausirytmi.html
4.
Meri (Monkeyfood.net) | November 14, 2011 at 06:11
Moikka Valtsu!
Kyllä tänne saa kommentoida suomeksi ja englanniksi. 🙂 Sullahan on oikein perusteellinen kirjoitus, erinomaisen kiinnostava! Itselläni ei ole mahdollisuutta mennä koneen kanssa päivällä ulos työskentelemään, mutta teen aika paljon kotikäyntejä ja siirryn paikasta toiseen, mikä onneksi tarjoaa ulkoilumahdollisuuden.
Illalla ollaan hämäröity jo pitkään, se helpottaa nukahtamista ja nukkumista niin suuresti. Ja Valkeen lisäksihän minulla on wake up light ja tavallinen kirkasvalo. Olisi hienoa saada töihinkin, mutta kustannuspuoli tulee esteeksi.
Hauskaa, että jaksat kahlata tutkimuksia ja koostaa!
Meri