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Best SAD Lamps
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Size
Light therapy boxes come in various sizes, shapes, and features. Some are round, some are portable you can bring anywhere, while others are meant to be placed in your desk or any part of your room. Regardless of the size, its effectiveness should matter most. Then again, it depends on your personal preference and lifestyle. On the other hand, it is also best to consider the best size for your lighting needs. For one, smaller-sized ones may not provide the right amount of light you need. On the other hand, bigger ones are of course not convenient to carry around. That is why it is still an important factor to consider the size of the light therapy box after all. Meanwhile, desk-type light therapy lamps are also available for those who need it. These can mostly fit beside your bedside desk or your computer table, wherever you want to put it. Most important of all, read the manufacturer’s instruction for proper usage.
Style
Light therapy lamps can either treat SAD, skin disorders, or both. In such cases, it should be able to filter UV rays as it can damage your eyes when used incorrectly. Ideally, it should be used within one or two feet away from you. Even the slightest movement can reduce its effectiveness, which is why some customers would still prefer the bigger ones. The bigger the lamp is, the bigger the amount of light will be given, hence the faster the benefit you will receive. There are different types of light therapy lamps: dawn simulators which mimic a sunrise, full-spectrum light bulbs, light therapy lamps with Bluewave technology, bright light sun visors which are the ones usually worn as a headpiece, and timed light therapy lamps. There are traditional and modern light therapy lamp designs, and even SAD lamps that are also child-friendly.
Take note that full-spectrum light therapy boxes may come as more expensive than white light-emitting ones. However, the blue light seems to be more appealing to others than the traditional white light. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of the light therapy box should matter most regardless of the light type emitted. There are also ones made of different materials – crystal, metal, glass, ceramic, wood, plastic, and many more. Some also have other features such an alarm clock, a heat lamp, and a simple lamp that can illuminate your room. In other words, light therapy lamps vary in features and design. Choose the best among them that will suit your preference and needs.
Power Source
A light therapy box’s brightness and intensity are usually measured in LUX, in which the level of how the eyes can tolerate the light’s brightness. Light therapy boxes have different light intensities. These usually range from 2,500 to 10,000 at maximum in terms of brightness and light intensity. On the other hand, some prefer using a full-spectrum treatment lamp because it is said to be more effective than conventional light therapy lamps. The therapy lamp’s brightness also depends on its size. Hence, the bigger the lamp, the brighter the light it provides.
Likewise, it also means the lesser time you have to spend on using the therapy lamp. With that said, it is recommended to purchase a light therapy box with 10,000 LUX for more positive effects. It is also important to note that light therapy boxes emit different colors that may not be suitable for specific health conditions. For example, light therapy boxes emitting blue light may not be recommended for those suffering from bipolar depression. On the other hand, it has a positive effect in decreasing symptoms of SAD. Nowadays, a lot of light therapy boxes have either white or blue light.
Effectiveness
Normally, users are often advised to have at least 15 minutes and a maximum of 60-minute light therapy box exposure for better results. As for the advisable time, it is said to be more effective when done in the early morning. Furthermore, people with confirmed symptoms of SAD should begin using it during the fall season – the time when nights start to get longer – and continue using it until springtime. It is important to have a consistent schedule of light therapy sessions for more effective results. However, it may not be recommended to be used to treat depression and anxiety, which can be different from SAD. In such cases, it is best to consult your doctor before using a light therapy box.
Meanwhile, the duration of the therapy session may also depend on your lifestyle. For example, some users may have limited time to squeeze in the treatment due to their busy schedules. That is why there are portable lamps like these available so they can use it anywhere, albeit it may require longer exposure time due to its smaller size. On the other hand, there are desk-type lamps available that require shorter exposure time and can be placed conveniently on your office desk. Exposure also depends on the recommended distance and duration depending on the customer’s preference and the manufacturer’s instruction. For example, some users prefer to use the therapy box up-close, hence making them exposed to brighter light and faster treatment time. On the other hand, some prefer using it a little far for less bright light exposure.
Top 10 Picks
1. Aurora
This is considered one of the best products in the market today. It is said to be guaranteed proven effective in combating winter blues. Its sleek design is also hard to resist as well.
Read moreSize
It measures 5.25” height, 7.5” length, and 0.5” diameter, and has a compact and lightweight design that is easy to bring anywhere.
Weight
It weighs a lightweight 9 ounces, which makes it so much convenient to carry around in travels.
Lamp Type
It is a desk-type lamp that is also portable and easy to bring anywhere. It also comes with an AC adapter that can be used anywhere you are in the world.
Power/Intensity
You can easily adjust the light intensity with its Intensity Control panel. Its durable LED light is also energy-efficient and bright at the same time at 10,000 Lux maximum.
Duration and Timing of Use
You can get the maximum benefits of 10,000 lux at 25 inches distance, unlike others that require you to have a distance of around 10 to 15 inches away from your face. It is recommended to use this product for 30 minutes a day every morning.
Safety
While it is not specified whether it’s UV-safe, many feedback stated that they have used the product and reported no side effects whatsoever. Nonetheless, just make sure to follow your doctor’s orders to prevent overexposure.
Warranty
This product has a 60-day warranty period. For more details, you can contact the manufacturer.
2. Verilux
This is perfect for users who need treatment for their SAD. It is compact, lightweight, and portable, and emits enough bright light for optimum effect.
Read moreSize
This light therapy lamp measures 11.87” height, 6.3” width, and 3.52” depth. It also comes with a 6-foot cord so you can plug it anywhere you want.
Weight
It weighs less than 10 lbs. and comes with a foldable base for portability purposes. If you are looking for a therapy light that you can bring anywhere, this one may be the one for you.
Lamp Type
It is a desk-type lamp that you can also bring anywhere when you need it. It also includes easy-to-install lenses that help reduce glare that can cause eye fatigue.
Power/Intensity
It provides light intensity ranging from 2,500 up to 10,000 lux of bright light. It uses a 36-watt bulb that is also energy-efficient and bright at the same time. To receive the benefit of a 5,000-lux light, you must use the lamp around 8 to 10 inches away from you.
Duration and Timing of Use
Ideally, it should be used within 10 to 60 minutes or as per prescribed by the doctor. Some even use the lamp for almost two hours due to the reduced brightness. This light therapy device can also be adjusted according to the preferred angle for optimal results.
Safety
It is UV-free which makes it safe as per prescribed by your doctor. It has also been tested for eye safety and does not emit annoying sound while in use.
Warranty
This light therapy box offers a 1-year warranty for its users. For more details about the warranty, contact the manufacturer.
3. Verseo
Unlike other light therapy lamps, this product emits blue light. Apparently, this type of light also helps fight signs of SAD by secreting serotonin, melatonin and other hormones that help improve mood.
Read moreSize
It has a compact and sleek design that you can attach to your laptop when you need it. It also includes universal monitor clips and USB cable.
Weight
It weighs around 5.6 ounces – which makes it portable enough to carry around. If you are looking for a therapy lamp that you can bring anywhere, this may be for you.
Lamp Type
It is a lightweight lamp that you can bring anywhere and clip on your laptop for your own convenience. It can also be installed in your car, depending on your preference.
Power/Intensity
It emits blue light that imitates the blue sky and helps stimulate your eyes and hence improving your mood. For more details about its power and intensity, you contact the manufacturer.
Duration and Timing of Use
There is no specified time of use for this product, but it can be assumed that it should be the standard usage like other items. Nevertheless, users reported feeling a boost of energy after using this lamp.
Safety
For safety purposes, it should not be used by people who are sensitive to light and those taking medications that can make your eyes sensitive to light. It is also UV rays-free so it’s generally safe to use.
Warranty
There is no specified warranty for this product. To know about its warranty claims, contact the manufacturer.
4. Northern Light Technologies
This is one of the leading light therapy lamps available in the market. It has a sleek appearance but guarantees positive and effective results.
Read moreSize
Compared to other light therapy desk lamps, it may come as a little bulky. It's head/shade measures 8 x 18 inches, while the base measures 6 x 11 x 1.5 inches.
Weight
It weighs a little hefty as a desk lamp – weighing 8 lbs. Nonetheless, it provides the right amount of light you need.
Lamp Type
It is a desk-type lamp you can conveniently use while seated on your desk. It uses fluorescent tubes with large reflectors, which can deliver that high amount of light – not heat -- when you need it most.
Power/Intensity
It provides up to 10,000 lux of light – enough to mimic sunlight and 3,500K color temperature. Make sure to use the lamp 18 inches at most from you for more optimum results.
Duration and Timing of Use
As mentioned, it should be used 18 inches at most away from you for maximum results. Because it has a bigger light area, the exposure time should take shorter amounts as compared to smaller and compact therapy lamps.
Safety
This light therapy lamp is made in Canada and followed QAI safety guidelines. It is also UV-blocked which makes it safe to be used.
Warranty
This product offers a 7-year unlimited warranty. For more details about the warranty, you can contact the manufacturer.
5. Cube Tech
This produces enough bright light despite its compact size. It is also lightweight and easy to carry around.
Read moreSize
It has a lightweight and portable design and has an A5-sized light area – 6.6 x 4.1 inches to be exact. Despite its compact design, it actually has a wide light space.
Weight
It weighs a lightweight 1.6 lbs, which makes it convenient to carry around.
Lamp Type
This is a desk-type lamp that you can bring anywhere, or simply place it on your desk and turn it on. Make sure to use the lowest brightness first for around 10 minutes before adjusting its brightness.
Power/Intensity
This treatment lightbox produces up to 10,000 Lux of brightness, which mimics natural sunlight. It also has a 5,500K color temperature that is similar to sunlight and pleasing to the eyes.
Duration and Timing of Use
There is no specified time of use for this product, but it can be assumed that it should be the standard usage like other products. Nevertheless, users reported feeling a boost of energy after using this lamp.
Safety
This product is UV-free which makes it safe for your eyes and offer effective treatment at the same time.
Warranty
There is no specified warranty period for the product. For warranty details, contact the manufacturer.
6. Sun Bliss
This can both help treat SAD and serve as a light alarm clock. As the name implies, it is portable and perfect for people who are always on the go.
Read moreSize
This lamp measures 4.8 x 4.7 x 1.2 inches – a truly portable light therapy lamp you can always take along with you. It also has a foldable stand so you can easily place in on your desk.
Weight
As mentioned, this product is lightweight and portable to carry around. At 2 lbs., this light treatment lamp is one of the most conveniently-designed among the rest.
Lamp Type
It is a desk-type lamp that is also portable and easy to use. It features an LED lens that helps protect the eyes from too much light, as well as a built-in alarm clock that can help waking up in the morning more pleasant. It also comes with a universal adaptor for travel use.
Power/Intensity
It offers 10,000 Lux light, which mimics natural sunlight. It works by starting on its lowest brightness setting and then gradually increases up to its full brightness.
Duration and Timing of Use
As a light alarm clock, it starts lighting up around 30 minutes before your set alarm time, and then the brightness eventually increases as it nears the intended alarm time. As a treatment lamp, a 30-minute session is enough to make you feel better.
Safety
This product is UV-free which makes it safe for your eyes. It also has an adjustable stand depending on your preferred angle. This lamp is also said to be used by the Dutch National Gymnastics team to eliminate jet lag and improve their overall performance.
Warranty
There is no specified warranty period for this product.
7. LSE Lighting
This is just the right amount of light and size you need for your light therapy treatment. It has useful features which make this product worth your money.
Read moreSize
This light treatment lamp measures 13 x 11.9 x 7.5 inches – a perfect lamp that won’t take too much space on your desk. When stretched out, it can measure around five feet.
Weight
This product weighs around 4.85 lbs, making it easy to move and carry around because it’s lightweight.
Lamp Type
It is a desk-type lamp you can easily place on your desk conveniently. It has a light bulb that can last for up to 10,000 hours. Hence, you can save extra cash from constantly changing light bulbs.
Power/Intensity
It provides a 6,500K color temperature, which almost mimics natural sunlight. It also has 1,800 Lumens which is also ideal for light therapy treatment. It requires 27 Watts of energy power but can provide enough bright light for your therapy. It also has an easy-use on/off switch.
Duration and Timing of Use
There is no specified time of use for this product, but it can be assumed that it should be the standard usage like other products. Nonetheless, a lot of users reported feeling a boost of energy after using this lamp, and help them start the day better.
Safety
Aside from helping to treat SAD, it is also safe for eyes and doing work at night. While it is said to be not UVA/UVB-free, there were no reports of sunburns among its users.
Warranty
This offers a 2-year warranty for this product. For more details about the product warranty, you can contact the manufacturer.
8. Circadian Optics
This is perhaps one of the best around as per customer reviews. It is portable and features an award-winning functional and sleek design that can fit any types of users.
Read moreSize
This SAD therapy lamp measures 14 x 1.5 x 3.5 inches, which makes it convenient to use and portable to be brought anywhere.
Weight
It is a lightweight light therapy lamp that weighs only 1.3 lbs. – perfect for those who are always out of the house yet needs light therapy on a regular basis.
Lamp Type
It is a desk-type lamp that you can also plug-in into your laptop while you are working, hence making it portable. Its thin light can also be adjusted depending on your usage. It can also be charged via AC wall adapter or USB, and its battery can last up to 8 hours of total usage.
Power/Intensity
Its brightness can be adjusted from low, medium, and high with a push of a button. The Circadian Optics are among a few lamps that has a CRI (color rendition index) of over 90 – which makes it qualified as a full-spectrum lamp. It has a 10,000 lux maximum brightness, but dimmer than other products. Meanwhile, its LED bulb can last longer and won’t require you to replace your bulbs soon enough.
Duration and Timing of Use
It is advised to use the lamp around 12 to 18 inches away from you and perform each session for 30 to 60 minutes every morning for best results.
Safety
This SAD therapy lamp filters up to 99.9 percent of UV rays which prevents eye damage.
Warranty
This carries a 3-year warranty that covers both adapters.
9. Kenley
With this product, you can feel like there’s real sunlight in your home. It can make your job and hobbies more pleasant to do – whether you are often stuck in your desk at work or require good lighting for your hobbies such as reading or drawing.
Read moreSize
This therapy lamp can suit any type of room décor. It measures around 5.1 x 19.9 x 12.2 inches when assembled. It also has a swivel gooseneck that can be adjusted up to 63 inches tall, a tip-proof base, and a 6-foot cable so you can place the lamp anywhere you want.
Weight
This lamp is lightweight enough for its size – only around 10.4 lbs. – which makes it generally easy to move around.
Lamp Type
This is a floor-type lamp that you can place anywhere in your room to make your everyday tasks easier and convenient. As mentioned, it has an adjustable neck depending on your angle preference, as well as equipped with an energy-saving light bulb.
Power/Intensity
The energy-saving light bulb can last up to 8,000 hours’ worth of total use and emits light as close as sunlight. It also uses only 27 watts of electricity which makes it energy-efficient and effective as a light therapy lamp at the same time.
Duration and Timing of Use
There is no specified time of use for this product, but it can be assumed that it should be the standard usage like other lamps. Nonetheless, a lot of users reported feeling a boost of energy after using this lamp, and help them start the day better.
Safety
It can assure overall product safety as it emits the right amount of light and prevents squinting and eye strains. In effect, you will be more relaxed with doing your tasks at home without compromising your eye health.
Warranty
There are no specified warranty claims for this product. Contact the manufacturer for warranty details.
10. Aura DayLight
This is ideal for treating SAD, as well as for people with sleeping problems. While it costs a little expensive than other brands, it is UV-free thus safe for everyday use or whenever recommended.
Read moreSize
This light therapy lamp measures about 8.5x10.5 inches which make this device portable and convenient to bring anywhere.
Weight
It has a compact size and lightweight frame that weighs only 3.4 lbs, which is technically easier to handle and carry when needed.
Lamp Type
Although it can be placed on your desk and can fit on most bedsides, it can also be mounted to walls as a permanent fixture and therapy solution. It can be adjusted from 70 to 80 degrees angle depending on your preferred angle.
Power/Intensity
This light therapy lamp has a lux adjustment dial in which you can adjust the brightness from 3,500 up to 10,000 lux of bright light.
Duration and Timing of Use
It has a built-in timer that can be adjusted from 10 minutes up to a maximum of 60 minutes depending on your needs. Once the session is over, it will automatically shut off, guaranteeing safety as well because it prevents users from being overexposed on the product.
Safety
It has a UV filtration system which makes it safe to use for long periods of time. Also, it is ETL and FCC-certified which ensures the device’s overall safety.
Warranty
It carries a 2-year limited warranty which promises a high level of product quality.
Sources
- , The Best SAD Lamps, According to Experts, Article
