SPA DOCTOR treats... SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
EVERY year two million people in Britain suffer from ‘winter depression’ – known medically 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 UK’s first spa sunlight therapy, which claims to tackle the condition.
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
Constant rain has meant even less light than usual for this time of year. I worry much more in the winter months and want to improve my mood and clear my mind.
WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?
The newly installed Haslauer Reflective Sunlight Therapy at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa near Bath 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, broadspectrum lamp designed to tackle SAD, improve mood and reduce tiredness; and colour lamps that change to give off the full range of natural daylight.
WHAT’S THE TREATMENT?
Lying in the sunlight therapy room – part of the hotel’s stunning new spa – is a little like being in a spaceship. The ceiling is a vast metallic sheet that reflects all around the room the 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 English 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 change 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 longlasting effects, too, as in the days after the treatment I feel far calmer and more content.
Haslauer Reflective Sunlight Therapy costs £30 for 40 minutes at Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, near Bath (lucknampark.co.uk) Standard rooms cost from £360 per night, including use of the spa facilities.