SPA DOCTOR treats… SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
Every year tens of thousands of people in Ireland suffer from ‘winter depression’ — medically known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — finding their mood is negatively affected by the lack of sunlight. Symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, depression and irritability. Laura Topham tried out the first spa sunlight therapy in Ireland and Britain, which claims to tackle the condition.
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
CONSTANT rain and recent flooding has sadly meant even less light than usual for this time of year.
I worry much more in the winter and want to improve my mood and clear my mind.
WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?
THE Haslauer Reflective Sunlight Therapy replicates the changing light between sunrise and sunset, bathing you in bright light. There are three different bulbs involved in the treatment — gentle UVA light to boost production of vitamin D; a very bright, broad spectrum lamp designed to tackle SAD, improve mood and reduce tiredness; and colour lamps which change to give off the full range of natural daylight.
WHAT’S THE TREATMENT?
LYING in the sunlight therapy room is a little like being in a spaceship. The ceiling is a vast metallic sheet that reflects all around the room the special light streaming from a sci-fi-like box of bulbs.
I lie on one of four beds in my swimwear — the more skin exposed, the stronger the effects are believed to be, and given the bad weather I want all the sunshine I can get.
The assistant sets off the programme then stands outside the room, suggesting — to my surprise — that I sleep in the brightness.
As the 37-minute cycle begins, the light does look like dawn, and I find myself chattering energetically with my friend.
The brightness and shade of light gradually changes and, bizarrely, towards the end of the session my friend and I do both nod off — apparently this is a standard response to the light as it changes to dusk.
Afterwards I feel both energised and rested.
The therapy seems to have long lasting effects too, as in the days after the treatment I feel far calmer and more content. Haslauer Reflective Sunlight Therapy is €36 for 40 minutes at Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, near Bath in England ( lucknampark.co.uk). Standard rooms cost from €435 per night, including use of the spa facilities.