Everyone should have one! If only a blindingly bright spray of white artificial light could give us the secret to happiness. That would be wonderful and…well… fanciful. But the truth is, if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or “winter blues” a White “Happy” light might help.

According to Familydoctor.org

Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by the seasons of the year. The most common type of SAD is called winter-onset depression. Symptoms usually begin in late fall or early winter and go away by summer. A much less common type of SAD, known as summer-onset depression, usually begins in the late spring or early summer and goes away by winter. SAD may be related to changes in the amount of daylight during different times of the year.

How common is SAD?

Between 4% and 6% of people in the United States suffer from SAD. Another 10% to 20% may experience a mild form of winter-onset SAD. SAD is more common in women than in men. Although some children and teenagers get SAD, it usually doesn’t start in people younger than 20 years of age. For adults, the risk of SAD decreases as they get older. Winter-onset SAD is more common in northern regions, where the winter season is typically longer and more harsh.

What are the symptoms of SAD?

Although your symptoms are clues to the diagnosis, not everyone who has SAD experiences the same symptoms. Common symptoms of winter-onset SAD include the following:

• A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods
• Weight gain
• A drop in energy level
• Fatigue
• A tendency to oversleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability and anxiety
• Increased sensitivity to social rejection
• Avoidance of social situations and a loss of interest in the activities you used to enjoy

If you don’t work near a window or getting outside isn’t possible or practical, it can affect your mood, energy, sleep, appetite and more.

Daylight gently helps the body recalibrate and stabilize, improving focus, concentration and productivity. It also prompts the body’s natural sleep patterns to help with jet lag and shift work.

If you’re interested, you can find these lights on Amazon.com and most likely at your local department store.

Could this be the secret to happiness?