Best Light Therapy Lamps That Actually Work - Best SAD Lamps - Prevention.com
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As winter approaches and daylight begins to dwindle down to a few precious hours, some may start to feel a serious shift in their mood that goes beyond typical winter blues. This difference might look like new levels of lethargy, unusual food habits, and an inability to feel pleasure. Sound familiar? Luckily there are things you can do to combat seasonal depression. Enter: the best light therapy lamps.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
For those who have a harder time handling these issues, it may be a case of Seasonal Affective Disorder, also fittingly known as SAD, a pattern of major depressive episodes that correlate directly with the changing seasons. “This differs from winter blues in the syndromic quality and the durational quality of lasting two consecutive weeks with spontaneous remission in spring,” says Teodor Postolache, M.D., a professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Whether you have a clinically diagnosed case of SAD or simply the winter blues, one treatment to consider with your doctor is bright light therapy (BLT).
Since gaining recognition in the 1980s, BLT has become “a first-line clinical standard for treatment of SAD,” according to a 2003 article in the journal, Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. But BLT is also an effective treatment for less severe forms of depression and sleep disorders.
Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for a light therapy lamp:
Light therapy is a generally safe treatment option, but it isn't for everyone. “For individuals who have retinal diseases or are bipolar, bright light therapy can have a detrimental effect,” says Dr. Postolache. While light therapy has fewer side effects than medication, it is still important to figure out a treatment course with a medical professional.
Find a lamp with the right intensity: Lux is the measurement of light that indicates the intensity of your lightbox. “You want a light to deliver around 10,000 Lux at eye level,” Dr. Postolache explains. “This is because if you look directly at the lightbox, the light gets concentrated in an area of the retina where you don’t have cells that may be responsible for the mood-elevating effects of light. These are more diffuse in the retina.” Instead, let the light enter your eyes indirectly from approximately 16 inches away.
Carve out time in your schedule: Duration is one of the key elements for an effective treatment. Daily sessions of 20-30 minutes are typical with a 10,000 Lux light. “Some people who are more sensitive to light may need less,” says Dr. Postolache.
Stay consistent: A doctor should help you find the best time of day to administer your light therapy. Once you have found what works for your body, it’s critical that you stay consistent as light affects your internal circadian rhythm. Administering the light in the morning after you first wake up tends to be the best course for most individuals, according to the Mayo Clinic.
After scouring the internet for lamps that fall under the necessary criteria as outlined by Dr. Postolache and the Yale School of Medicine, we found the best light therapy lamps on the market to help you stay (and feel) a little brighter this winter.
1
Best Overall
Carex Day-Light Classic Plus
amazon.com
$114.95
At about 28 inches tall, this light may look intimidating, but it is one of the most effective and easy to assemble options on the market for those with serious symptoms. The lamp has a simple on/off switch that can illuminate either 7,000 or 10,000 Lux from a 15 ½–by–12½ face. While this seems a bit cumbersome and large, bigger is better in the case of BLT. The lights used in most research studies of the treatment have had surfaces of about one square foot, notes Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D., in the book Winter Blues. Since the lamp face is mounted to its base with an adjustable arm, it’s easy to find a good angle for various morning activities, from reading the paper to eating breakfast.
2
Best Heavy-duty
Alaska Northern Lights Northstar
amazon.com
$299.77
The Yale Light Therapy Project tested the Northstar and verified that it produces approximately 10,000 lux at 24”. Slightly wider than the Day-light Classic, this briefcase-style box prioritizes function over form but you can always purchase legs to allow for a bit more flexibility. The Northstar is definitely on the expensive side, but a major perk to consider is that the brand offers a 60-day money-back guarantee and 7-year warranty.
3
Best Portable
Northern Light Technologies BOXelite
amazon.com
$181.50
We love this lamp for its portability, sleek look, and basic set up. While our first two choices provide greater coverage, the BOXelite’s streamlined, picture-frame design makes it the least obtrusive desk choice. Plus, it’s an Amazon’s Choice with one reviewer writing, “This thing has changed my mind and my life.”
When the Yale Light Therapy Project tested the BOXelite lamp, they found that it frequently produced 7,000 lux, slightly less than advertised. However, they continue to recommend the lamp as a suitable option as it still meets their intensity criteria and has a face of approximately one square foot.
4
Best Desk Lamp
Carex Day-Light Sky
amazon.com
$118.99
This lamp has the perfect combination of adjustability, sizing, and settings. As with the larger Day-light Classic, the long neck on this lamp allows for optimal swivel action, so you can reap BLT benefits while doing a multitude of morning activities. Plus, its smaller face makes it a less clunky desk lamp option while still delivering 7,000 or 10,000 lux (we love options!).
5
Best for Moderate Symptoms
Verilux HappyLight Luxe
walmart.com
$69.99
The Happylight Luxe is by far one of the most portable and affordable options on the market while still delivering 10,000 lux intensity. Some perks include a timer to easily countdown your session, four brightness levels, and a super slim tablet design. This lamp is the perfect option for travel at 53 square inches. However, it may be slightly less effective than its competitors due to the smaller dimensions and is recommended for moderate symptoms.
6
Best Budget-Friendly Option
Carex Theralite Aura
amazon.com
$66.99
The Aura is a life-hack lamp for anyone who wants the likeness of the Sky Lamp with 10,000 lux but has limited space and a smaller budget. The Aura light face is about half the size of its sister, the Day-light Classic, and its base is also significantly smaller. While this makes it a convenient, budget-friendly option, it also means that it’s not quite as effective. So, if you simply need to correct your internal clock, fight jet lag, or give yourself an energy boost, toggle one of these four light settings and bask in the warmth.
7
Best Multitasking Lamp
CarexTheralite Radiance
amazon.com
$59.99
The Radiance is the perfect bedside 3-in-1 lamp featuring an alarm clock, wireless phone charger, and USB port. While the one-year warranty isn’t as generous as our other options, it is also significantly less expensive. Carex reports that the lamp delivers 10,000 lux, but its slim light face makes it serviceable for mild symptoms. Think of it as a tricked-out bedside table lamp that has the bonus of natural light.
Micaela BahnMicaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature.
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