(edit title) Curious about sun lamps ...or how else to get my vitamin D this winter. Options

[lizamike]

I've been advised by a Norwegian friend to invest in a "sun lamp" (?) that I can use for a little while each day in the darker months. He says I can shine it on my forearm or wherever for my body to process vitamin D on sun-less days.

Any leads on where to find such a contraption (in Uppsala or online), and potential costs? Any success stories on using these things?

I don't do the tanning beds. Vitamin D pills are another choice, I know. Any other suggestions for getting my vitamin D this winter that don't require a trip to the tropics?

[skogsbo]

if you really think you need this vitamin D boost, just go outside in winter? It's crazy notion, perhaps you need to tell your friend that the sun does still shine in winter and that with the added reflection from the snow, you can easily get a tan.

Plus, it's cheaper and many times better for you.

[MTBB]

A .nl but you'll get the idea.
http://www.philips.nl/c/light-therapy/hf3319_01/prd/nl/

Looks kinda fun, but it's quite expensive and huuugeee.
However you'll be just as happy with it as this lady..

 

 

[Bender B Rodriquez]

Just eat fatty fish, vegetables and dairy products (they are fortified with vitamin D).

Most studies show that vitamin D deficiency is actually more common in continental Europe than in Scandinavia.

If you are dark-skinned you might ask your doctor if you should take supplements.

Bright lights in your home does nothing for vitamin D deficiency, but it certainly helps to combat winter depression.

[Puffin]

You could just do out in the daylight for 15-20 minutes each day

You can find daylight therapy lamps (dagsljuslampa) in several shops or online companies
http://www.pricerunner.se/cl/460/Lampor?at...711473=42884984

[byke]

I don't know if I agree in regards to some of the statements regarding 10 mins a day of day light as I have yet to see day light in winter.

However in regards to the lamps they are all rubbish.
Simply because they are too small, and for them to have any effect they have to be much stronger and many more of them.

In the past there have been places that you can go where they have proper lamps almost on an industrial scale. But I can tell you that unless you are looking to spend at least 10k on a home lamp it's going to have no effect whatsoever.

[skogsbo]

I don't know if I agree in regards to some of the statements regarding 10 mins a day of day light as I have yet to see day light in winter.

you do need to consider that as a rule everything in your world is dark and gloomy?

There is plenty of sunlight, even if you are north of the artic circle, persistent darkness does last of that long in the peak of winter. Certainly central Sweden / Norway / Finland get plenty of winter sunlight. Stable high pressure systems only maximumise this too and every winter will have at least a month of one of these. This year it was only about 5-6weeks, but it still great for getting out and making the most of what winter brings. Embrace it, don't sulk inside.

[Shibumi]

byke is right... I looked into this my first winter in Sweden and there is unfortunately no reliable evidence to support the effectiveness of these lamps or any benefits beyond a short lived placebo effect. Save your money.

I have 2 recommendations for those who are spending their first winter in Sweden.
1. drink a lot of water... the air here in winter gets much drier (think airplane humidity levels) than most other places. I got really bad headaches my first winter here and finally a friend suggested I hydrate more and the headaches went away

2. as soon as there is any sunshine at all, leave the house and get to a place with a clear southern view so you can soak up some rays. The sun stays low in the winter so you have to get away from buildings and such. This probably doesn't have much effect on Vitamin D levels, but it always lifts my spirits.

[Mo]

if you want to try something that's leading edge :- http://www.valkee.com/uk/

a sun light for vitamin D is just a small less safe tanning bed

[cogito]

There is not enough sunlight in the winter months to provide the Vitamin D we need, which is why Sweden has a v. high incidence of osteoporosis (not to mention depression). Stay away from tanning salons unless you are fond of that Swedish nuclear-flash victim look. Some friends maintain those home lamps lift their spirits. I'm sceptical.
There is a good reason why Swedes travel in droves to places like the Canary Islands, Thailand and Florida in Dec. Jan. and Feb. Their health--both physical and mental--craves sun, and a measly 10-20 minutes a day just doesn't do the job.

[Hamsterdam]

Just wait for the sun to come out. It's only nine months away now.

[skogsbo]

There is not enough sunlight in the winter months to provide the Vitamin D we need, which is why Sweden has a v. high incidence of osteoporosis (not to mention depression). a ... (show full quote)

There is not enough sunlight in the winter months to provide the Vitamin D we need, which is why Sweden has a v. high incidence of osteoporosis (not to mention depression). a measly 10-20 minutes a day just doesn't do the job. ... (hide full quote)

I thought the lack of outdoor light was linked (possibly) to MS?

10-20mins, not enough? Just go out longer then, Use of sunlight is not illegal, plus it's neither rationed or taxed, it is there everyday, although at times is a little shy and hides behind clouds. Some people, just want to moan about everything and anything!

Osteoporosis is also linked to lack of exercise and activity, amongst many other things, so sitting indoors through winter sulking is just as likely to be a cause, as the sunlight you miss out on at the same time, whilst polishing your butt cheeks indoors. Any decent academic study needs to separate the two factors, which means waiting another 30-40 yrs for any evidence.

[Hamsterdam]

What part of there not being enough sunshine available in winter is confusing?

[skogsbo]

the bit that says there isn't enough, IF you make the effort and step outside? I presume you live at the very tip of Sweden? Or are you allergic to fresh air and snow?

Beside as your posts suggest you live in Goteberg? So you're no further north than Edinburgh or Glasgow? They do think there is a sunlight connection with MS in the Faroes, Shetlands etc. but they are further north, have much greater cloud cover and lack the reflective snow in winter, so it's a different case in it's own right. What about northern Canada, or even Banff, Jasper, Vancouver similar latitude to Sweden?

Despite working outdoors in Southern Sweden all year, if I go Skiing for a week in winter to central / northern Norway or Sweden, I certainly need sunscreen for the first day or two.

So which part of step outside is confusing?

[Hamsterdam]

Skogsbo,

For Winter ( and that is a long season in Sweden) I get up and it is dark and I arrive home and it is dark. In between it is cloudy/ rainy/windy for the best part. There simply isn't any sunlight.