According to latest figures released by light therapy expert, Lumie , an estimated one in four people in the UK are thought to suffer from either Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the winter blues. To help provide relief to such conditions, Lumie is launching Arabica, a new affordable light priced under £100.

Out in time for the seasonal clock change at the end of October, Arabica will offer inexpensive treatment to SAD sufferers and is the first budget light of its kind to have medical device certification.

With a modern, contemporary and stylish appearance, Arabica has been designed to provide treatment at home and because of its size, can be stored away easily. Emitting 10,000lux at a practical distance (around 20cm), Arabica produces the same intensity of light as a bright spring morning and is around 20 times brighter than a well-lit office. Extensive research has shown that light therapy of this brightness is proven to help alleviate symptoms of SAD.

Bodyclock dawn simulators can also be used to compliment bright light therapy for the treatment of SAD.

Recognised by the World Health Organisation, SAD is a medical condition that affects people between the months of September and October through to March and April. It is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain and stems from the lack of natural light available in winter.

Research has shown that the brain’s chemistry is affected by the amount of light entering the eye, influencing chemicals which control the body’s daily rhythms and mood. Melatonin is a hormone that makes people feel sleepy and is switched on as it gets dark and switched off as it gets light again. On dark winter mornings and dull grey days, melatonin levels stay too high and as a result people find it a real struggle to get going, some suffering to such an extent they experience symptoms of SAD.

Symptoms of SAD and the winter blues can differ from person to person. Some find they eat and sleep slightly more and take a general disliking to the dark mornings and short days – these people are likely to be suffering from the milder form of the condition, commonly referred to as the winter blues. Symptoms of SAD are much more severe and can cause disruption and considerable amounts of distress to a person’s life.

Sue Pavlovich, a spokesperson for SADA, the only UK based charity dedicated to providing help to SAD sufferers, said: “SAD can seriously affect people’s health and prevent them from functioning normally throughout the winter months. Caused by the lack of light, it can lead people to experience feelings of depression, sleep problems, anxiety, lethargy, overeating, slower cognitive functions and social problems.

“Although light therapy has been shown to be effective in treating up to 85 per cent of diagnosed cases, it is important to point out that the minimum intensity required is 2500lux, so ordinary light fittings simply are not strong enough as light levels received at home or in the office are unlikely to exceed 500lux.

“Light treatment needs to be used daily in winter and started from as early as Autumn, or whenever symptoms first start to appear. For those looking to purchase a bright light, SADA has created a simple 10 point check list that people can refer to easily as it outlines exactly what they should look for in a light:

SADA LIGHT BUYING GUIDE - 10 POINT CHECK LIST

1. Certified as a medical device
2. Manufacturer should supply details of lux output (measurement of intensity of visible light received at a given distance) and distance at which lux level applies
3. Lux distance measurements should be independently verified
4. Check manufacturer’s recommendations for usage time and distance
5. Screen to filter out harmful UV light
6. Light should either be proved in clinical trials or its efficacy should be based on the predicate device used in the clinical trial
7. Preferably available on home trial - SADA recommends trying before buying
8. SADA does not recommend pure blue light
9. No VAT payable if using box for medical reasons
10. Conforms to European Standards (evidenced by CE mark relating to medical device)

“The important thing to remember is not to go out and rush buy, do the homework first to make sure you’re choosing the right light for you.”

Jonathan Cridland, CEO of Lumie, said: “Arabica provides the perfect introduction to light therapy and compliments the rest of the Lumie range - we now offer bright lights and dawn simulators to suit all budgets.

“As the European market leader, we wanted to launch an affordable light to help the large number of people that suffer from SAD and the winter blues - Arabica does just that. Although it needs to be used for a longer amount of time, it still offers the same quality treatment as the other lights in our range and has a cheaper price point, too.

“According to our sales figures, light therapy continues to be a popular choice in alleviating symptoms of SAD, so by launching Arabica, we hope to offer SAD sufferers a treatment that’s not only natural and effective but is also affordable.”

ENDS

If you would like any further information or visuals of products from the Lumie range please contact the press office on 01954 780 500 or email lindsay@lumie.com

Please also contact the press office should you require case studies, research papers or contact with academic specialists.

Notes to editors:

2009 Lumie survey: Results have been calculated based on an online survey conducted on a sample size of 2036 adults aged 18+. Panelists were recruited from across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults.

• Arabica - Features include:
• 10,000lux output at 20cm
• Certified as medical device
• Typically 90 minutes at 50cm to treat SAD
• 2 x daylight spectrum bulbs
• Built-in support stand
• Moulded integral handle

About Lumie:

Lumie is Europe’s market leader in light therapy and produces a range of quality products, including dawn simulators, bright light and visors, all of which are certified as medical devices. Light therapy provides relief to sufferers of mood disorders (such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the winter blues), boosts energy levels, improves sleep patterns and corrects body clock problems such as jet lag.

Created in 2002, Lumie is a trademarked brand belonging to Outside In (Cambridge) Ltd, a company with over 18 years experience in light therapy that pioneered the first ever dawn simulator. Lumie quickly grew as a brand, providing a refreshing new look and approach to the market by using scientific expertise, product innovation and customer feedback. In 2007, it was decided that all Outside In products should become Lumie branded to provide greater clarity to the consumer.

Lumie has earned the respect of the medical profession by constantly evolving its portfolio of products based on new developments in scientific evidence and clinical trials. It is a massive success in the mainstream health and wellbeing arena and the Bodyclock range is fast-becoming the world’s best-selling form of light therapy. As well, Lumie also prides itself on providing the highest level of personalised care to its customers, through its customer care team and with the internet forum.

Lumie products are currently available by logging onto www.lumie.com, by calling 01954 780 500 or through nationwide stockists including Boots and John Lewis.

About SADA:

The SAD Association is a voluntary organisation and registered charity which informs the public and health professions about SAD and supports and advises sufferers of the illness.

SADA is the world's longest surviving support organisation for Seasonal Affective Disorder and currently has around1200 members. During an average winter SADA can expect to receive around 1,000 enquiries every week, from all over the world. It produces a newsletter four times a year and other publications, holds meetings and raises money for research into SAD.

SADA receives no government funding. In order to continue their work and provide sufferers with information, advice and support, they are obliged to charge for the information pack and membership. For further information, please contact SADA, PO Box 989, Steyning, BN44 3HG or visit www.sada.org.uk.

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