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Read about our LitePod in the Telegraph

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What summer?

Well, what a summer we have been having, but at last we have had a period of good weather just before we are all plunged into winter.

The problem with the weather we have been having is that most people and especially those with Seasonal Affective Disorder or S.A.D. don’t know whether they are coming or going.  Just as SAD sufferers are starting to feel better and see the symptoms of S.A.D. lifting, the weather changes and the symptoms are back again.  This was exacerbated by the very wet July with the low cloud levels, and many people are reporting to us that they have not really had a chance to feel better and prepare for the coming winter. 

In fact many people are already experiencing the symptoms earlier than normal. 

What we suggest is, if you already have a lightbox, then try to start using it about the beginning of September.  You might not need to use it every day, but using it on an ‘as needed’ basis depending on the weather, by the end of September beginning of October you should be using it on a daily basis.

What we have found in previous years is that this regime helps to keep you on a more ‘even keel’, and you do not get the slump before you start to feel better.

Are Cherries the new Wonder Fruit?

As many of you are already aware SAD can cause sleep problems, but now cherries could come to the rescue!

Recent research has shown that cherries are one of the richest sources of natural melatonin, and can help raise levels of melatonin in the blood. 

The research was carried out by Dr Russell J Reiter, professor of Neuroendocrinology at the University of Texas.  ‘It was always anecdotal’ he is quoted as saying, but now research has shown that tart cherries contain a significant amount of melatonin.  There are also traces in bananas, oats  and corn to date.

So good news for those with sleep disorders and jet lag, and not so good for those who have high levels of melatonin.