Bright light headsets against winter blues

When the days grow shorter and duller, many people notice that their mood darkens too. A Finnish manufacturer has developed a bright light headset to counteract this effect. Valkee directs 10,000 lux of light through each ear to the light-sensitive parts of the brain and raises energy levels there. According to the manufacturer, just 8 to 12 minutes of “bright light exposure” daily is enough to lighten one’s mood. Valkee is approved in Europe for the treatment and prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).