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Everyone feels a little down this time of year.
In addition to California's current wildfires, many parts of the country are experiencing a cold, cloudy winter. For about 10 million Americans, these weather conditions can cause seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, which is characterized by depression, low energy, lethargy and increased appetite. Add to that a year of stay-at-home orders and a slow recovery from the pandemic, which means low mood could be an epidemic in itself.
Basically, we are experiencing a perfect storm of poor mental health. But there is good news. There are some effective home remedies available online that can help lift your spirits. One of them is light therapy.
Phototherapy lamps mimic sunlight and have a brightness of at least 10,000 lux. And, when used for just 20 to 30 minutes a day, these lights can provide the same effects of absorbing light, including improving your mood and helping to improve your circadian rhythm. Similar to red light therapy for the body and skin, this white light therapy This is one of the easiest ways to boost your mood, as you can use a light therapy lamp while you work, eat, or watch TV.
What is the best light therapy lamp?
Whether you suffer from SAD or just need a mood booster during these crazy times, check out our roundup of the best light therapy lamps below.
Editor's Choice
Circadian Rhythm Optical Light Therapy Lamp
This streamlined light therapy lamp from Circadian Optics is small enough to fit on most desks and can even be transported between offices. The patented design can be placed upright, a little over a foot from your face, and can be tilted for more direct light. But despite its compact size, the lamp is extremely powerful at 10,000 lux and can be dimmed to three brightness levels.
As the name suggests, Circadian Optics is specifically focused on correcting circadian rhythms (the brand has also been featured on Shark Tank; Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner are investors). Used for 15 to 30 minutes a day, the brand promises better sleep, more energy and a more regulated appetite
bestseller
Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Intense Light Therapy Lamp
Carex is frequently used in clinical trials for SAD, making it one of the most trusted light therapy lamp brands. The light therapy lamp is a best-seller on Amazon, with more than 3,000 people buying it last month alone, according to the website.
This lamp is one of their best-selling products and has impressive features that can help people with SAD and anyone who wants to improve their mood. The lamp's 250 square inches surface and clinical 10,000 lux intensity make this lamp very efficient. 99.3% UV blocking also means you don't have to worry about safety or overexposure (although 30 minutes a day is enough to get results).
While the Carex doesn't score high on style, its design and functionality make up for it. The lamp is 31 inches tall and can be adjusted to different angles for different activities. Place it on a table and tilt it downward for reading, or place it on a side table while watching TV.
Simply put, Carex is the most versatile option and will suit almost anyone.
First choice
Virex's Light of Joy
Smaller light therapy lamps may not be as effective as larger lamps, but their convenience can make them better for some users. If you're looking for something smaller, we recommend Verilux's HappyLight.
Verilux has the basic must-haves: 10,000 lux brightness and UV-free light. However, because it's so small, you'll need to place it close to your face (about 12 inches) or give it more than 30 minutes of treatment.
But Verilux's compact design is also its strength. You can easily place it on a table or dining table without looking cluttered, or place it on your bedside table. It's also ideal for traveling (should that happen again), making it easy to beat jet lag.
Another reason we like the HappyLight is its adjustability. You can choose from two brightness levels, meaning you can use some less intense light to perk you up in the afternoon. The light also features two interchangeable lenses: one for high power and a more comfortable glare control option.
best design
DayBright light therapy lamp
The DayBright light takes Sunrise Sensations in a less clinical and more stylish direction. This is a more casual way to enjoy light therapy, but it’s not recommended for people with seasonal affective disorder.
Instead of the typical flat design of most light therapy lamps, the DayBright features a unique geometric design with multiple light-emitting panels. This allows the light from the lamp to spread more widely and less directly, making it more like a regular lamp than a therapeutic device. Additionally, this geometric shape combined with real wood accents makes this lamp a home décor upgrade and mood booster.
DayBright’s usability is further enhanced thanks to adjustable brightness and temperature settings. This means you can set it to low for a softer session. If you want more than one light, the included remote can control up to four of them.
The casual design of this lamp makes it ideal for those looking for more energy indoors, but it also translates to less effectiveness if you really want to treat seasonal affective disorder.
best standing lamp
Northern Light Technologies Flamingo Light Therapy Floor Lamp
Floor-standing therapy lamps are the most versatile option, allowing you to place the lamp next to a table, bed, couch, or exercise space.
Our favorite floor lamp is the Northern Lights Flamingo. As the name suggests, this is a long, tall light therapy lamp that stands four feet tall and features a swivel head for maximum adjustability in any room. With a screen area of 91 square inches, the Flamingo is large enough for effective light therapy, yet compact enough to remain discrete even in tight spaces.
The Flamingo also has some additional hardware that most light therapy lamps don’t have: an electronic ballast. This extra device prevents the lights from flickering or buzzing, ensuring a more reliable and enjoyable experience.
Although pricey, the extra money is well spent. The materials are beautiful, the light quality is top-notch, and the seven-year warranty ensures years of use.
large size
Alaska Northern Lights Polaris UV-Free Phototherapy Lamp
This Polaris lamp from Northern Lights Alaska is the most durable option. It has an industry-leading 281 square inches of surface area, enough for multiple people to use at the same time. This also means the lights work farther away, so you can get effective light therapy treatments within two feet. This lamp is ideal if you have a cluttered desk space or just want a more comfortable experience.
Another reason we highly recommend this light is that it comes from Alaska Northern Lights, a well-known brand that has been selling lights since 1993. In a market that is not regulated by the FDA, this brand reliability is very important.
Northstar also features electronic ballast so you can enjoy quiet, flicker-free lighting. While it's not dimmable, the light includes a diffuser to provide a softer, more comfortable light. For some buyers, the only possible downside is the light's bulkiness, but for a large surface, it's a worthwhile sacrifice.
The best way to use light therapy is first thing in the morning. This wakes your body up and naturally improves your sleep cycle. Sit next to a light therapy lamp for about 30 minutes while eating breakfast or scrolling on your phone for best results.
What makes a good light therapy lamp?
Since light therapy lamps are not regulated by the FDA, it is important to check the specifications before purchasing. You'll need a light that's at least 10,000 lux bright and has UV-blocking technology. Otherwise, there are several other factors to consider:
size: The size of the SAD light will determine how close it is to your face. The larger the light, the longer the range, giving you more space. On the other hand, smaller lights are easier to store and more portable.
Location: Light therapy lamps come in a variety of shapes, from table lamps to floor lamps. A table lamp is ideal if you want to do therapy while you work, while a floor lamp or box lamp is better suited to be installed next to the sofa.
style: Even though a SAD lamp is a therapeutic tool, it's still something you have to be aware of in your home. So it's not a bad idea to think about the style of your lamp to make sure it fits your decor.