{"id":437325,"date":"2026-01-25T22:09:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T22:09:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/437325\/"},"modified":"2026-01-25T22:09:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T22:09:15","slug":"the-10-best-us-products-to-battle-seasonal-affective-disorder-according-to-experts-health-wellbeing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/437325\/","title":{"rendered":"The 10 best US products to battle seasonal affective disorder, according to experts | Health & wellbeing"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a lifelong Canadian, I\u2019m no stranger to that familiar sinking feeling in my chest as the days get shorter, dimmer and colder. I suffer from seasonal affective disorder<\/a> (Sad), which also affects<\/a> about one in 20 people in the US.<\/p>\n

The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.\u00a0Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cSad is a type of depression that happens at certain times of the year, usually in the fall and winter when there\u2019s less sunlight,\u201d said Dr Stefanie Mazer<\/a>, a licensed psychologist and founder of the psychology practice Mindwise, Inc<\/a>. Changes in sunlight can affect your body\u2019s internal clock and levels of serotonin and melatonin, which influence mood and sleep, Mazer explained. People with Sad often feel low energy, sadness and irritability, with noticeable changes in sleeping<\/a> or eating.<\/p>\n

Unlike clinical depression or major depressive disorder, Sad has a kryptonite: sunlight<\/a>. \u201cTreatment for Sad often focuses on light exposure, while regular depression may not require this,\u201d Mazer said.<\/p>\n

In fact, it can even be used to diagnose Sad. \u201cYou get on a plane somewhere sunny where it\u2019s warm and see if it goes away,\u201d according to Rebecca Pollak<\/a>, a registered social worker specializing in depression and anxiety.<\/p>\n

Fortunately for those of us further from the equator, plenty of Sad-fighting alternatives exist<\/a>, from therapy lights to portable infrared saunas \u2013 and I have experienced benefits from many of them personally. Just proceed with care: \u201cWhile these items may improve symptoms of Sad, they\u2019re not a substitute for mental health care,\u201d Pollak cautioned. \u201cIndividuals experiencing ongoing depression should seek professional support.\u201d<\/p>\n

Products that battle Sad, at a glance$169.99 at Hatch <\/a>$42.99 at Amazon<\/a>$199.99 at Amazon<\/a>Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock
\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Hatch<\/p>\n

Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock<\/p>\n

from $169.99<\/p>\n

\"Hatch Photograph: Courtesy of Hatch$169.99 at Amazon<\/a>$169.99 at Hatch <\/a><\/p>\n

The viral Hatch alarm clock<\/a> has lived on my nightstand for over five years, making wake-ups while it\u2019s still pitch-black outside far less grueling. \u201cA dawn simulator can be helpful for people who struggle with dark winter mornings, especially when used alongside other treatments,\u201d Mazer said. Its glowing sunrise design, phone-free operation<\/a>, and gentle alarms that feel more like a sweet lullaby make facing the day a dream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Hatch<\/p>\n

Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock<\/p>\n

from $169.99<\/p>\n

Caromolly Light Therapy Lamp
\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Caromolly<\/p>\n

Light Therapy Lamp<\/p>\n

from $42.99<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Courtesy of Amazon$42.99 at Amazon<\/a>$57.39 at Sears<\/a><\/p>\n

This light therapy lamp mimics natural sunlight, which can help improve mood and regulate your body\u2019s internal clock, according to Mazer. Three color temperatures and four brightness levels to mimic the look of outdoor light when stepping outside<\/a> isn\u2019t possible. A sleek design makes it easy to incorporate into any bedroom or office.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Caromolly<\/p>\n

Light Therapy Lamp<\/p>\n

from $42.99<\/p>\n

Mzoo Luxury Sleep Mask
\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Mzoo<\/p>\n

Luxury Sleep Mask<\/p>\n

$29.99<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Courtesy of Amazon$29.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Counterintuitively, Mazer said sleep can take a hit during these darker months. While the sun may set at 5pm, street lights, glowing chargers and your partner\u2019s phone can still disrupt sleep. Block them all out with this cushioned sleep mask that the Filter crowned the best after testing 24 of them<\/a>. We loved how it doesn\u2019t put any pressure on your eye sockets and won\u2019t budge during tossing and turning, making it ideal for back and side sleepers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Mzoo<\/p>\n

Luxury Sleep Mask<\/p>\n

$29.99<\/p>\n

Nature Made Vitamin D3 Supplement
\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Nature Made<\/p>\n

Vitamin D3<\/p>\n

from $9.99<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Courtesy of Amazon$9.99 at Amazon<\/a>$17.29 at Nature Made <\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cVitamin D deficiency<\/a> is common during the winter months and may contribute to low mood,\u201d Mazer said. \u201cSupplementation can be helpful if levels are low, ideally guided by a blood test.\u201d These softgels free of artificial dyes or flavors make it easy to hit your daily requirement of anywhere between 600 to 800 IU of vitamin D per day<\/a>. Always consult your healthcare provider before introducing any supplements into your routine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Nature Made<\/p>\n

Vitamin D3<\/p>\n

from $9.99<\/p>\n

Bearaby Cotton Hand-Knit Weighted Blanket
\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Bearaby<\/p>\n

Cotton Hand-Knit Weighted Blanket<\/p>\n

from $179<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Courtesy of Bearaby$179 at Bearby<\/a>$199 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

In the five years since owning this thick and chunky weighted blanket made of machine-washable sustainable cotton, it\u2019s served as a much-needed hug when anxious, recurring thoughts prevented me from drifting to sleep. \u201cWeighted blankets don\u2019t treat Sad itself, but they can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety, which often worsens during the winter,\u201d Mazer said. The Bearaby comes in 10, 15 and 20lbs \u2013 experts recommend trying between 1 and 10% of your body weight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Bearaby<\/p>\n

Cotton Hand-Knit Weighted Blanket<\/p>\n

from $179<\/p>\n

Lululemon The Mat 3mm
\"\"<\/a>\"Lululemon Photograph: Courtesy of Lululemon$98 at Lululemon <\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cRegular movement is one of the most effective lifestyle strategies for managing seasonal mood changes,\u201d Mazer said. \u201cAny equipment that makes exercise easier or more enjoyable can help with consistency.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not sure where to start? Lululemon\u2019s The Mat has been a fixture in my fitness<\/a> routine and personal training<\/a> practice for years, and no other mat I\u2019ve tried has made it easier to commit to regular movement. Its foamy and supportive surface makes an inviting foundation for your activity goals. Use it to stretch<\/a>, practice low- or high-impact cardio, or incorporate weighted or body weight strength exercises<\/a> into your mood-boosting<\/a> routine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Ugg Adirondack III Boots
\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Ugg<\/p>\n

Adirondack III Boots<\/p>\n

from $174.90<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Courtesy of Schuler Shoes$174.90 at Schuler Shoes<\/a>$189.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Soaking up natural sunlight can be easier said than done when the snow is up to your knees and it\u2019s dark by 4pm. \u201cA good pair of Ugg boots can work,\u201d Pollak said. \u201cYou just need to have things that are warm or help you stay bundled.\u201d<\/p>\n

I refuse to walk the blustery streets of Montreal in anything but my Ugg Adirondacks. Not only are they as comfortable to walk in as sneakers, but their traction is unmatched, allowing me to log dozens of miles a week<\/a> with comfort and ease in subzero temperatures.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Ugg<\/p>\n

Adirondack III Boots<\/p>\n

from $174.90<\/p>\n

Kasue Infrared Sauna Box
\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kasue<\/p>\n

Infrared Sauna Box<\/p>\n

$199.99<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Courtesy of Amazon$199.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

For Pollak, an infrared sauna<\/a> makes for a luxurious addition<\/a> to your Sad-fighting routine for its ability to trigger feelgood endorphins and serotonin. \u201cCardiologists say it\u2019s also great for heart health<\/a>,\u201d she added. This model fits in just a 3x3ft space, heats up rapidly, and offers nine temperature levels, plus steam.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kasue<\/p>\n

Infrared Sauna Box<\/p>\n

$199.99<\/p>\n

Netflix subscription
\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Netflix<\/p>\n

Monthly subscription <\/p>\n

$7.99<\/p>\n

\"Virtual Photograph: NurPhoto\/Getty ImagesFrom $7.99 a month at Netflix<\/a><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t want to go outside? Don\u2019t. \u201cInstead of fighting the winter, embrace it,\u201d Pollak said. \u201cEmbrace all the Hallmark stuff<\/a> and holiday cheer,\u201d she said. Take the night off, plug in a cheesy movie<\/a> you swear you would never watch and delight in the light escapism for sweet relief.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Netflix<\/p>\n

Monthly subscription <\/p>\n

$7.99<\/p>\n

Lekfit Rebounder
\"\"<\/a>\"A Photograph: Courtesy of Amazon$350 at Amazon<\/a>$350 at Lekfit<\/a><\/p>\n

My rebounder \u2013 a glorified trampoline for adults \u2013 makes me feel like I\u2019m back in the school yard when I didn\u2019t have a single worry. Since using my rebounder for 10 minutes daily for the last several weeks, my mental health has reached new heights \u2013 and there\u2019s science to support this effect. According to research<\/a> from the Journal of Education, Health and Sport, rebounding is said to have positive effects on mental health conditions such as anxiety<\/a>, depression<\/a> and stress<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I swear by my Lekfit for its generous jumping surface and durable construction, but if you\u2019re on a lower budget, you also might find tons of joy in this wildly popular option from SereneLife<\/a> with an adjustable stability bar.<\/p>\n

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Marissa Miller is a writer and editor with over 15 years of experience specializing in all things shopping, lifestyle and wellness<\/p>\n