Light therapy is one of the most effective interventions for SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a type of depression that occurs in individuals who suffer from anxiety and low moods during the winter months of the year. Light Therapy Might also Help People With Bipolar Depression.
SAD usually begins to occur at the start of fall, when days become shorter, and nights become longer. Psychologists believe SAD occurs due to the limited amount of sunlight exposure a person experiences throughout the day, depleting the release of hormones that promote the emotions of happiness.
Sad light are basically lamps that simulate sunlight, so SAD sufferers or those who are experiencing the “winter blues” get to experience “sunlight” even during the long winter days.
Sad lamps or light therapy lamps are an intervention that’s inexpensive, easily available, and are proven to ease the symptoms of SAD, anxiety, or depression.
List of 6 Best SAD Therapy Lights on the Market
Product | Features |
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1. Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp
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2. Verilux HappyLight Lucent 10,000 Lux LED |
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3. Philips Wake-Up Light Clock with Colored Sunrise Simulation & Alarm (HF3520) |
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4. Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock with Sunrise Simulation (HF3505) |
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5. Verilux HappyLight Compact Personal, Portable Light |
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6. Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp |
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How to Prepare for Light Therapy
When you have your lamp, you simply place it on a desk, whether it’s in front of you, beside you, or above you. Sessions typically last from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your needs and the amount of time you want to be exposed to the light.
Light therapy works best at the start of the day, just before you head to work or begin your daily routine. The benefits of sad lamps are said to boost your energy levels, improve mood, and ease the symptoms of anxiety and sadness, which means making it a priority in the morning will have you starting your day on a good note.
You can also read this Daily Positive Affirmations for Success.
What is the Difference Between a Light Therapy Lightbulb and a Normal Lightbulb
The difference between the light that comes from a light therapy box versus an ordinary light bulb is its illuminance capacity (light intensity). A regular light bulb does not go beyond 500 LUX (the unit used for illuminance), while therapy lamps can go up to 10,000 LUX, which is the recommended power for such lamps to have a positive effect on mood.
Daylight can go up to 100,000 LUX on a sunny day, which means a regular light bulb is not enough to simulate natural daylight, and thus, the need and importance of a light therapy light for those suffering from SAD or anyone who’s feeling low during days of the year when sunlight is limited.
Can a Sad Lamp Make You Happy?
Sad lamps are not meant to be considered a treatment or cure for SAD or other mood disorders. It is best used in conjunction with medicine, exercise, and/or therapy. Therapy lamps merely help in decreasing symptoms of depression, so if you’re looking for an overnight solution to SAD or depression, these lamps are not the answer.
If you’re looking to give light therapy a try, it can be a daunting task looking for the best product that meets your needs as well as something that works for you. So we’ve rounded up some of the best light therapy devices in the market today, and we present to you, our top 6 favourites.
We reviewed TOP 6 lamps on the market
1. Carex Daylight Classic Light Therapy Lamp
The most popular light therapy device in the market today, it is highly recommended by medical professionals who use it in hospitals, clinics, and homes, as well. It provides 10,000 LUX of glare-free light, as well as safely eliminates 99.3% of UV rays light for safety and comfort.
It features an adjustable angle, where the light is angled above your head and aiming down at you – which is said to be the best angle to receive simulated sunlight.
Pros:
- Highly recommended
- Adjustable angle
- 10,000 LUX light
- Bright white light
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- No added features like a timer
2. Verilux HappyLight Lucent Light
Another bestseller, this lamp also features 10,000 LUX of illuminance and features a wide surface, which is a 200-square inch face. What’s great about this lamp is that you can place it on a desk and still enjoy its benefits even as you’re working your even exercising beside it since it has a wider dispersion pattern. It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t really have the time of the day to sit still for 30-60 minutes.
PROS:
- 10,000 LUX light
- Large
CONS:
- No added features like a timer
- Height and angle cannot be adjusted
3. Philips HF3520 Wake-Up Light Sunrise Simulator
The lamp basically lights up slowly 30 minutes before your set alarm time, so by the time your alarm strikes, the lamp is as bright as sunrise. And just as your set wake up time strikes, a natural sound also starts to play. You can choose from 5 different sounds such as birds chirping, seaside waves, or a gentle piano playing.
The lamp also mimics sunset which is said to help you sleep better if you have sleep disorders.
PROS:
- Contains a number of features
- Helps you wake up and sleep
CONS:
- Some users say the light is not that bright as sunlight
- The interface is on the lamp itself, with some saying the light on the digital display is too bright at night
4. Philips HF3505 Wake Up Light
This lamp is basically the same lamp as the previous lamp but has simpler features for anyone who doesn’t want to have all the bells and whistles but still want the sunrise and sunset simulation features.
There are only 2 sound options and the screen is also smaller and simpler to operate.
PROS:
- Easy to use
- Features an alarm, as well as FM radio
CONS:
Buttons are hidden and small
5. Verilux HappyLight Liberty Compact Light Therapy Lamp
PROS:
- Light, compact, and portable
- Inexpensive
CONS:
- It’s too small for anyone who has serious SAD symptoms
6. Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp
PROS:
- Affordable
- Flexible
CONS:
It’s quite small and may not provide you the 10,000 LUX if you’re not sitting too close to the bright white light
Conclusion
Light therapy lamps are a great way to minimize your symptoms if you find yourself feeling the blues in the fall or in the winter. It’s not a form of treatment but is merely a supplement to interventions that you may be having or plan to have.
With this is mind, we still believe it is worth a shot to try the best possible ways that you can try to treat yourself of depression and anxiety. It’s non invasive and could be the best investment you could have for your mental health today.
