How to Make Light Boxes for SAD

Seasonal affective disorder, otherwise known as SAD, is a condition where an individual experiences bouts of depression during the darker seasons of the year; exposure to light on a periodic basis can help in dealing with SAD symptoms. A special light box can be used to alleviate the symptoms of SAD. A SAD light box can be made in about an hour.

Things You'll Need

• 2 sheets of paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• IKEA Mackis plywood box
• 10 bulb holders
• Drill
• 1-inch drill bit
• 2-inch drill bit
• Jig saw
• Paintbrush
• Reflective white paint
• Epoxy
• Electrical cabling
• 2 plastic wire connectors
• Electrical tape
• Extension cord and plug
• 4 brackets
• 10 23-watt incandescent bulbs

Instructions

1. Draw 10 circles on the paper with a 2 1/2-inch diameter. Cut out the circles with the scissors.

2. 

   Place the 10 circles inside the IKEA Mackis plywood box to determine where each lightbulb holder will be placed; make three rows or circles on the top row, four in the middle row, and three on the bottom row as depicted in the diagram.

3. Trace around the circle templates with a pencil. Remove the templates when tracing is completed.

4. Drill a hole in the center of each circle to create a starting point for the jigsaw. Use the jig saw to cut out the circular areas and to create 10 holes 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

5. Paint the interior of the SAD light box with reflective white paint. Allow to dry.

6. Insert the 10 light bulb holders, with plugs and cables, on the interior of the box. Slide the cable and plug through to the back side of the box. Secure the light bulb holders with the epoxy to the inner circumference of the wooden cut out circles.

7. 

   Turn the box around and wire the bulbs together creating a parallel circuit according to the diagram presented. Wire the extension cord and plug to the two outgoing wires coming from the back of the SAD light box; wrap with electrical tape.

8. Drill a 2-inch hole through the top of box; affix the top of the box to the back of the SAD light box to cover the wiring. Secure with four brackets.

9. Insert the light bulbs and test the device for 30 minutes to ensure that the box does not overheat.

Resources

• SADLights.net: How to Make Your Own SAD Light Box