Le Mars, Iowa (RI) — The cold weather keeps many Iowans indoors during the winter, which can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Tackling this problem is the Le Mars Public Library, who is taking a direct approach to help perk people up who have the winter blues.
Shirley Taylor, director of the Le Mars Public Library, says they’re offering three high-intensity light therapy lamps for patrons to check out for up to three weeks at a time, and she’s hoping other Iowa libraries will follow suit.
In addition to the lights that are available for checkout, Taylor says a fourth lamp has been installed in the library’s reading room.
In light therapy, patients generally sit in front of a light box every morning for 30 minutes or more, depending on the doctor’s recommendation. Studies show light therapy can relieve SAD symptoms in as much as 70% of patients after a few weeks of treatment.
The lamps are being offered as part of the library’s Beat the Blues Challenge, and each week there’s a new theme.
Studies find between 35 and 50 million Americans suffer from SAD, and those who were susceptible to it one winter are likely to see it return. In addition to the mood swings, symptoms may include trouble concentrating, and difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Some people can overcome SAD by engaging in physical activity, while others may benefit from practices like yoga, meditation, tai chi, and deep breathing exercises.
For more information on the library’s light therapy sessions, visit their website.
