Let There Be Light!

God, this writing every single day thing doesn’t give a girl much time to think of something interesting to post.

I mentioned before that I bought an Apollo GoLight lightbox because I was convinced I has Seasonal Affective Disorder after I spent two weeks feeling very flat and anxious.  Eventually, the mood lifted but I had already paid for the lightbox.  I did a little reading and took a quiz on the Apollo website which said I might have a circadian rhythm disorder because I am always tired in the morning and then have a lot more energy when I am supposed to go to bed.

Following the personalized treatment plan, yesterday at 8:30 I cranked up my GoLight to 30% capacity and sat in front of it for about 30 minutes.  

Oh. My. God.  Lightbox, where have you been all my life??

I didn’t notice anything while I was in front of the light.  Then I went to watch TV.  I managed to sit there for about three minutes before I was so overwelmed by energy that I was compelled to get up and clean the house.  And then I cleaned the house some more.  And some more.   Then I made 8-10 phone calls I have been avoiding for MONTHS.  Then I started organizing the cesspool  office that has been filling with detritus for the past three or four months.  Then, a mere two hours later, I picked up M. We went out to lunch, to vote and to the library.  Then we came home so I could clean some more.  Once I found out about the referrals, I revved up into being positively MANIC. 

Is the lightbox shining crack into my pupils?

And another amazing thing?   I was tired around 9:00.  I wanted to go to bed and when I layed down I actually fell asleep.  I usually stay up until after midnight and then lay there tossing and turning for hours.

This morning I woke up pretty easily (very unusual).  I decided the full 30 minutes might be a bit much, so I only did 15 minutes in front of the box.  It wasn’t quite as dramatic, but I did feel more energetic today.  And I did more cleaning.

I am not discounting the possibility that the increased energy could be totally psychosomatic, but I don’t care.  I will take it. 

Lightbox, I love you.

13 Responses to “Let There Be Light!”

  1. 1
    luolin:

    I used a lightbox in grad school. It got me through my dissertation…

    I heard of a study once that said even shining a high intensity light on the back of people’s *knees* helped, but I don’t know if the study was a good one or if it was replicated.

  2. 2
    Sara:

    DUDE. Where did you get it and how much did it cost?
    I. must. have one.

  3. 3
    Johnny:

    Dude, it was like…sunny and 88 today (where I live). I have a light box. It’s called the SUN. heh.

  4. 4
    Paige:

    First, I hate Johnny. Hate of course meaning I’m just very very jealous that wherever he lives it was 88 degrees today. It poured here today and I was half suicidal.

    I think I want a light box. It sounds so… pretty.

  5. 5
    Carol:

    sounds like a real effect to me. I also live where the sun shines almost every day and I know I’d need a box if we moved somewhere else. YOU GO GIRL!

  6. 6
    erinberry:

    I’m so curious about those things! I HATE it when it gets dark so early.

  7. 7
    Mrs Figby:

    I went to the website and also failed the circadian rhythm test. I am seriously getting one of these babies. If it’ll give me energy and help me feel less depressed, it’s worth any amount of money. Thanks for being our guinea pig. :)

  8. 8
    Benignneglect:

    Meanwhile, try to get out when it is light and take a vigorous walk for 30 minutes…that what my shrink told me to do (kind of helps!)

  9. 9
    Sister Carrie:

    Wow. That’s a heck of a testimonial. Keep us posted!

  10. 10
    Country Mouse:

    Yes, please do keep us posted. I can’t afford one just now anyway, but if it keeps having such great effects on you, I’ll put it on my list for future consideration.

  11. 11
    baggage:

    I have the same problem…going to check out the website now.

  12. 12
    Lisa:

    I was wondering if the light box is still working for you? I’m thinking about getting one but its a lot of money. Care to update? Even a sentence or two would be great!

    Thanks!!

  13. 13
    American Family » It might be that time.:

    [...] I am wondering if I need to bust out my Magic Light. [...]

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