The tiny light that can alleviate the winter blues

A tiny light the size of a tennis ball can help alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

As the nights get longer, up to one in four Britons will suffer with SAD. It is caused by the brain not receiving enough daylight which is needed to trigger serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood.

SAD symptoms range from mild lethargy and irritability to depression, anxiety and insomnia. Studies show that light therapy can bring relief by providing a balanced spectrum of light equivalent to standing outdoors on a clear day.

Using the MiniSun portable compact SAD light for just 60 minutes a day can give sufferers a boost and help to combat the symptoms of SAD. It costs £29.99 from Value Lights and is small enough to pop in a bag and taken anywhere. It comes in white, pink or black.

David Gutfreund of Value Lights said: 'Our customers like taking their MiniSuns to work so they can enjoy its benefits while they are working at their desk. Others put them on while they are watching television or reading in bed.'

Replacing 50w halogen bulbs with the new Daylight MiniSun GU10 3w bulbs will also help SAD sufferers.

The MiniSun is the next generation of LED lighting to help homeowners reduce their energy output, while also offering a cool white light which is very close to daylight. Traditional light bulbs produce a yellow light but a Daylight MiniSun creates a much whiter light. It's extremely low running costs make it a cheap and effective way to tackle SAD symptoms.

Each bulb has a life span of 30,000 hours and come with a one year guarantee against faulty manufacture. They cost £59.99 for a pack of 10.

Value Lights specialises in providing homeowners with high quality discount lighting. All its lights are in stock and delivery is free.

For more information, visit valuelights.co.uk.