Uv lamp for seasonal depression

For vitamin D, SAD, and more

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

A quick look at the best SAD lamps

Best overall: Verilux HappyLight Luxe
Best adjustable lux settings: Aura Day Light Lamp
Best for inducing natural sleep and waking: Philips SmartSleep Light Therapy Lamp range
Best bulb life: Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy Lamp
Best for vitamin D: Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamp

Doctors sometimes refer to the use of a sun lamp as light therapy. People with SAD commonly use sun lamps or lightboxes to improve their symptoms.

This article discusses what SAD is and how SAD lamps can help. It also lists a range of lamps a person can consider and answers some frequently asked questions about SAD lamps.

SAD is a type of depression that is more common in the late fall and winter months. Most people who experience it find that their symptoms become less severe or even resolve in spring and summer.

Individuals with vitamin D deficiency may also use a SAD lamp. Vitamin D helps the nervous system, muscles, and immune system function correctly and helps the body absorb the calcium necessary for maintaining healthy bones.

Most people receive the vitamin D they need from their diet and the sun. However, those who do not get enough sunlight exposure or who have a health condition that stops their body from absorbing vitamins from food might develop a vitamin D deficiency. This can lead to rickets in children, while adults can develop muscle weakness and bone pain.

Sometimes, people also use SAD lamps to help with sleep disorders or depression.

SAD lamps, also known as sun lamps or light boxes, work by imitating sunlight.

People need sunlight for many reasons. It affects the body’s natural daily cycles, also known as circadian rhythms. These govern how individuals feel and when they go to sleep and wake up.

The skin also uses sunlight to make vitamin D.

Additionally, sunlight helps the brain produce hormones that the body needs to function. Some examples are serotonin, which plays a role in mood, and melatonin, which helps with sleep patterns. According to a 2013 review, sunlight may trigger the production of serotonin through the eyes and skin.

SAD lamps typically show measurements in lux, which refers to the lamp’s luminance level.

For example, doctors might recommend that a person with SAD sit by a lightbox that provides 10,000 lux for 30 minutes each day as soon as possible after waking up.

A person may also use lower lux lights, such as 2,500 lux, for 1–2 hours.

There is some evidence to support the benefits of light therapy, but there is a lack of up-to-date research on this topic.

Additionally, this type of therapy may not suit everyone. People with light sensitivity, bipolar disorder, diabetes, or eye health conditions should avoid this treatment.

Experts advise individuals who wish to try light therapy to use only SAD lamps that emit fluorescent light with no UV wavelengths, as UV light can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer.

However, for people using a SAD lamp to help their skin make vitamin D, UVB light is essential. Anyone considering using a SAD lamp should first consult a healthcare professional.

A person looking for a SAD lamp should consider the following factors:

Light intensity: An intensity level of 10,000 lux is part of the standard treatment guidelines for light therapy.
Positioning: A person should be able to angle their SAD lamp downward to reduce glare.
UV filter: Individuals should look for a lamp with a built-in UV filter and UV-blocking capabilities.
Efficiency: Some SAD lamps use replaceable bulbs, while others use LED lights that can last for 50,000 hours. Before making a purchase, a person may wish to consider how energy-efficient their chosen SAD lamp is and how much extra cost new bulbs may require.

Medical News Today chooses SAD lamps that meet the following criteria:

Health claims: MNT includes companies that make no questionable health claims.
Safety: MNT selects products that emit safe light levels and include UV filters.
Price: MNT will choose products that suit a range of budgets.

The following are five of the best SAD lamps a person can consider purchasing.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best overall: Verilux HappyLight Luxe

Price: $69.99
Dimensions: 11.7 inches (in) height (H) x 7.5 in width (W) x 0.5 in depth (D)
Lamp intensity: 10,000 lux
Weight: 2 pounds (lb)

Verilux sells a range of HappyLight products, which provide full-spectrum, UV-free light with 10,000-lux intensity.

The company’s HappyLight Luxe is portable and comes with adjustable color temperatures, timers, and a choice of four brightness levels.

People who use the product say it helps improve their mood, sleep patterns, and energy levels.

This lamp may be suitable for a wide range of users, as it offers many features for a reasonably affordable price.

Individuals may consider the following advantages and disadvantages of this lamp:

Pros

three color temperatures: 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 kelvin
countdown timer
UV-free light

Cons

smaller surface area than SAD treatment guidelines recommend
not adjustable
may be less powerful than other models

The Verilux HappyLight Luxe is available to purchase online for $69.99.

SHOP NOW

Best adjustable lux setting: Aura Day Light Lamp

Price: $139.99
Dimensions: 14 in (H) x 8 in (W) x 2 in (D)
Lamp intensity: 3,500–10,000 lux
Weight: approximately 1 lb

The Aura Day Light Lamp has an adjustable light output and does not use UV light. Individuals can adjust the lux setting from 3,500 to 10,000, depending on their preference.

A person can also mount the lamp to a wall, and it automatically shuts off after use. The manufacturer advises that the lamp’s design can boost mood and increase concentration, focus, and energy.

This lamp may be best suited to people who would like to experiment with the strength of light they need.

Below are some advantages and drawbacks of the Aura Day Light Lamp for a person to consider.

Pros

adjustable angle
adjustable light intensity
UV-free light
countdown timer
wall-mountable
swivel bottom

Cons

reaches 10,000 lux at a short distance
has bulbs that may burn out quickly
comes at a higher price that is unsuitable for smaller budgets
not easily portable

The Aura Day Light Lamp is available to purchase online for $139.99.

SHOP NOW

Best for inducing natural sleep and waking: Philips SmartSleep Light Therapy Lamp range

Price: $49. 99–199.99
Dimensions: vary by model
Lamp intensity: 200 lux
Weight: varies by model

Philips designed its SmartSleep Sleep and Wake Up lamps to help people who have difficulty getting to sleep or waking up.

Most of the lamps aim to prepare the body for sleep by simulating sunset, gradually decreasing the light in the room. In the morning, the lamps do the reverse, simulating sunrise by gradually increasing the light.

People who use these products say that the lamps help them get to sleep and wake up more naturally, allowing them to feel more energetic during the day.

This product is especially suitable for people who would like a SAD lamp to support their circadian rhythm and improve their sleep.

Individuals may consider the following advantages and disadvantages of this lamp:

Pros

a range of available lamps
adjustable brightness levels on all lamps
light that gradually increases to mimic sunrise
design that supports natural waking and sleeping

Cons

light intensity of 200 lux, which does not meet standard SAD treatment guidelines
smaller surface area than SAD treatment guidelines recommend
difficult to adjust for optimal SAD treatment position
nonreplaceable bulb
on the cheapest model only, no sunset simulation option to promote sleep
design that supports natural waking and sleeping but not SAD specifically

The Philips SmartSleep Light Therapy Lamp range is available online for $49. 99–199.99, depending on the model.

SHOP NOW

Best bulb life: Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy Lamp

Price: $49.99
Dimensions: 9.5 in (H) x 7 in (W) x 2 in (D)
Lamp intensity: 10,000 lux
Weight: 1.69 lb

The company writes that these lamps do not use UV light. They come in various designs with an intensity of 10,000 lux.

The manufacturer writes that this lamp’s design imitates the sun at noon, and a person can adjust the lamp through three brightness levels.

Additionally, rather than fluorescent bulbs, this lamp uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that have a 50,000-hour life.

The lamp comes with a 2-year warranty.

This lamp may be best suited to people who would like to use higher light strengths.

A person may consider the following advantages and drawbacks of the Lumine lamp:

Pros

provides 10,000 lux to meet SAD treatment guidelines on brightness
does not use UV light
uses LED bulbs that last 50,000 hours
has three levels of brightness
produces white light

Cons

smaller surface area than SAD treatment guidelines recommend
no timer
no option to adjust lighting angle
short electric cord

The Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy Lamp is available online for $49. 99.

SHOP NOW

Best for vitamin D: Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamp

Price: $700.24
Dimensions: 22 in (H) x 12 in (W) x 6 in (D)
Lamp intensity: not listed
Weight: 13 lb

The Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamp claims to provide the UVB rays that the body needs to make vitamin D.

According to the manufacturer, it is the only product of its type with recognition from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The device also features an adjustable timer and includes two pairs of UV-blocking glasses to protect the eyes during use. According to Sperti, doctors recommend that people use it for only a few minutes at a time to avoid burns.

This product may suit people who would like a SAD lamp to improve their vitamin D levels.

Below are some advantages and disadvantages of this lamp.

Pros

reportedly meets recommended surface area guidelines for SAD treatment
adjustable timer
1,000-hour bulb life
comes with two pairs of protective eyewear

Cons

unsuitable for smaller budgets
non-adjustable brightness
produces potentially harmful UVB rays
unspecified lux levels

The Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamp is available to purchase online for $700. 24.

SHOP NOW

There are general guidelines for using a SAD lamp to reduce SAD symptoms. A person may consider:

sitting in front of the SAD lamp first thing in the morning
using a fluorescent light source with a diffusion screen
ensuring 30 minutes of exposure to 10,000 lux
angling the SAD lamp to -30 degrees away from the person’s line of sight
sitting 12–24 in away from the SAD lamp
not looking directly at the bulb
starting to use the SAD lamp in the fall and continuing its use through to spring

Below are answers to some of the top frequently asked questions about SAD lamps.

Can SAD lamps damage your skin or eyes?

A 2017 review recommends that people who take medications that increase their sensitivity to sunlight or who have medical conditions that have the same effect exercise caution when using SAD lamps.

Additionally, those with cataracts, retinopathy, or glaucoma should use a SAD lamp only under the care of an ophthalmologist.

Do SAD lamps increase your vitamin D levels?

A 2017 study suggests that lamps that produce UVB light may help a person’s body produce vitamin D. However, future research is necessary to learn more.

If a person has concerns that they have a vitamin D deficiency, they should speak with their doctor as soon as possible.

How long does it take for light therapy lamps to start working?

The exact amount of time it takes to see a reduction in SAD symptoms may vary, but research shows that most people begin to experience symptom relief within 7 days of starting treatment.

Do I need a prescription for a SAD lamp?

No. A person can buy a SAD lamp online without a prescription.

A person should speak with a doctor before using a SAD lamp for a health condition.

Are SAD lamps safe?

Doctors generally consider SAD lamps safe. However, certain light wavelengths that some SAD lamps use can increase a person’s risk of cancer. Additionally, people with certain health conditions should not use SAD lamps.

Side effects of light therapy may include eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.

A person should speak with a doctor before using a SAD lamp to ensure that it is safe for them.

What are the benefits of SAD lamps?

SAD lamps may imitate the effects of sunlight, including stimulating the production of serotonin. They may also help regulate a person’s circadian rhythm and increase vitamin D production.

However, more research is necessary to explore the benefits of SAD lamps for health.

SAD lamps, which work by imitating the sun, may help some people with SAD, vitamin D deficiency, or sleep issues.

However, individuals should be careful when using these devices. In most cases, people should look for products that do not use UV light, as this type of light can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer.

If a person has a vitamin D deficiency, their skin needs UVB light to make the vitamin. However, in most cases, it is better to get vitamin D from food and natural sunlight than to use a SAD lamp.

It is important to note that light therapy will not work for everyone. Those with light sensitivities, bipolar disorder, diabetes, or eye health conditions should avoid this treatment.

Anyone thinking about using a SAD lamp, especially those who suspect they have a vitamin D deficiency, should speak with a doctor first.

For vitamin D, SAD, and more

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

A quick look at the best SAD lamps

Best overall: Verilux HappyLight Luxe
Best adjustable lux settings: Aura Day Light Lamp
Best for inducing natural sleep and waking: Philips SmartSleep Light Therapy Lamp range
Best bulb life: Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy Lamp
Best for vitamin D: Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamp

Doctors sometimes refer to the use of a sun lamp as light therapy. People with SAD commonly use sun lamps or lightboxes to improve their symptoms.

This article discusses what SAD is and how SAD lamps can help. It also lists a range of lamps a person can consider and answers some frequently asked questions about SAD lamps.

SAD is a type of depression that is more common in the late fall and winter months. Most people who experience it find that their symptoms become less severe or even resolve in spring and summer.

Sometimes, people also use SAD lamps to help with sleep disorders or depression.

SAD lamps, also known as sun lamps or light boxes, work by imitating sunlight.

People need sunlight for many reasons. It affects the body’s natural daily cycles, also known as circadian rhythms. These govern how individuals feel and when they go to sleep and wake up.

The skin also uses sunlight to make vitamin D.

SAD lamps typically show measurements in lux, which refers to the lamp’s luminance level.

For example, doctors might recommend that a person with SAD sit by a lightbox that provides 10,000 lux for 30 minutes each day as soon as possible after waking up.

A person may also use lower lux lights, such as 2,500 lux, for 1–2 hours.

There is some evidence to support the benefits of light therapy, but there is a lack of up-to-date research on this topic.

Additionally, this type of therapy may not suit everyone. People with light sensitivity, bipolar disorder, diabetes, or eye health conditions should avoid this treatment.

Experts advise individuals who wish to try light therapy to use only SAD lamps that emit fluorescent light with no UV wavelengths, as UV light can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer.

However, for people using a SAD lamp to help their skin make vitamin D, UVB light is essential. Anyone considering using a SAD lamp should first consult a healthcare professional.

A person looking for a SAD lamp should consider the following factors:

Light intensity: An intensity level of 10,000 lux is part of the standard treatment guidelines for light therapy.
Positioning: A person should be able to angle their SAD lamp downward to reduce glare.
UV filter: Individuals should look for a lamp with a built-in UV filter and UV-blocking capabilities.
Efficiency: Some SAD lamps use replaceable bulbs, while others use LED lights that can last for 50,000 hours. Before making a purchase, a person may wish to consider how energy-efficient their chosen SAD lamp is and how much extra cost new bulbs may require.

Medical News Today chooses SAD lamps that meet the following criteria:

Health claims: MNT includes companies that make no questionable health claims.
Safety: MNT selects products that emit safe light levels and include UV filters.
Price: MNT will choose products that suit a range of budgets.

The following are five of the best SAD lamps a person can consider purchasing.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best overall: Verilux HappyLight Luxe

Price: $69. 99
Dimensions: 11.7 inches (in) height (H) x 7.5 in width (W) x 0.5 in depth (D)
Lamp intensity: 10,000 lux
Weight: 2 pounds (lb)

Verilux sells a range of HappyLight products, which provide full-spectrum, UV-free light with 10,000-lux intensity.

The company’s HappyLight Luxe is portable and comes with adjustable color temperatures, timers, and a choice of four brightness levels.

People who use the product say it helps improve their mood, sleep patterns, and energy levels.

This lamp may be suitable for a wide range of users, as it offers many features for a reasonably affordable price.

Individuals may consider the following advantages and disadvantages of this lamp:

Pros

three color temperatures: 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 kelvin
countdown timer
UV-free light

Cons

smaller surface area than SAD treatment guidelines recommend
not adjustable
may be less powerful than other models

The Verilux HappyLight Luxe is available to purchase online for $69. 99.

SHOP NOW

Best adjustable lux setting: Aura Day Light Lamp

Price: $139.99
Dimensions: 14 in (H) x 8 in (W) x 2 in (D)
Lamp intensity: 3,500–10,000 lux
Weight: approximately 1 lb

The Aura Day Light Lamp has an adjustable light output and does not use UV light. Individuals can adjust the lux setting from 3,500 to 10,000, depending on their preference.

A person can also mount the lamp to a wall, and it automatically shuts off after use. The manufacturer advises that the lamp’s design can boost mood and increase concentration, focus, and energy.

This lamp may be best suited to people who would like to experiment with the strength of light they need.

Below are some advantages and drawbacks of the Aura Day Light Lamp for a person to consider.

Pros

adjustable angle
adjustable light intensity
UV-free light
countdown timer
wall-mountable
swivel bottom

Cons

reaches 10,000 lux at a short distance
has bulbs that may burn out quickly
comes at a higher price that is unsuitable for smaller budgets
not easily portable

The Aura Day Light Lamp is available to purchase online for $139. 99.

SHOP NOW

Best for inducing natural sleep and waking: Philips SmartSleep Light Therapy Lamp range

Price: $49.99–199.99
Dimensions: vary by model
Lamp intensity: 200 lux
Weight: varies by model

Philips designed its SmartSleep Sleep and Wake Up lamps to help people who have difficulty getting to sleep or waking up.

People who use these products say that the lamps help them get to sleep and wake up more naturally, allowing them to feel more energetic during the day.

This product is especially suitable for people who would like a SAD lamp to support their circadian rhythm and improve their sleep.

Individuals may consider the following advantages and disadvantages of this lamp:

Pros

a range of available lamps
adjustable brightness levels on all lamps
light that gradually increases to mimic sunrise
design that supports natural waking and sleeping

Cons

light intensity of 200 lux, which does not meet standard SAD treatment guidelines
smaller surface area than SAD treatment guidelines recommend
difficult to adjust for optimal SAD treatment position
nonreplaceable bulb
on the cheapest model only, no sunset simulation option to promote sleep
design that supports natural waking and sleeping but not SAD specifically

The Philips SmartSleep Light Therapy Lamp range is available online for $49. 99–199.99, depending on the model.

SHOP NOW

Best bulb life: Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy Lamp

Price: $49.99
Dimensions: 9.5 in (H) x 7 in (W) x 2 in (D)
Lamp intensity: 10,000 lux
Weight: 1.69 lb

The company writes that these lamps do not use UV light. They come in various designs with an intensity of 10,000 lux.

The manufacturer writes that this lamp’s design imitates the sun at noon, and a person can adjust the lamp through three brightness levels.

Additionally, rather than fluorescent bulbs, this lamp uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that have a 50,000-hour life.

The lamp comes with a 2-year warranty.

This lamp may be best suited to people who would like to use higher light strengths.

A person may consider the following advantages and drawbacks of the Lumine lamp:

Pros

provides 10,000 lux to meet SAD treatment guidelines on brightness
does not use UV light
uses LED bulbs that last 50,000 hours
has three levels of brightness
produces white light

Cons

smaller surface area than SAD treatment guidelines recommend
no timer
no option to adjust lighting angle
short electric cord

The Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy Lamp is available online for $49. 99.

SHOP NOW

Best for vitamin D: Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamp

Price: $700.24
Dimensions: 22 in (H) x 12 in (W) x 6 in (D)
Lamp intensity: not listed
Weight: 13 lb

The Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamp claims to provide the UVB rays that the body needs to make vitamin D.

According to the manufacturer, it is the only product of its type with recognition from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This product may suit people who would like a SAD lamp to improve their vitamin D levels.

Below are some advantages and disadvantages of this lamp.

Pros

reportedly meets recommended surface area guidelines for SAD treatment
adjustable timer
1,000-hour bulb life
comes with two pairs of protective eyewear

Cons

unsuitable for smaller budgets
non-adjustable brightness
produces potentially harmful UVB rays
unspecified lux levels

The Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamp is available to purchase online for $700. 24.

SHOP NOW

There are general guidelines for using a SAD lamp to reduce SAD symptoms. A person may consider:

sitting in front of the SAD lamp first thing in the morning
using a fluorescent light source with a diffusion screen
ensuring 30 minutes of exposure to 10,000 lux
angling the SAD lamp to -30 degrees away from the person’s line of sight
sitting 12–24 in away from the SAD lamp
not looking directly at the bulb
starting to use the SAD lamp in the fall and continuing its use through to spring

Below are answers to some of the top frequently asked questions about SAD lamps.

Can SAD lamps damage your skin or eyes?

A 2017 review recommends that people who take medications that increase their sensitivity to sunlight or who have medical conditions that have the same effect exercise caution when using SAD lamps.

Additionally, those with cataracts, retinopathy, or glaucoma should use a SAD lamp only under the care of an ophthalmologist.

Do SAD lamps increase your vitamin D levels?

A 2017 study suggests that lamps that produce UVB light may help a person’s body produce vitamin D. However, future research is necessary to learn more.

If a person has concerns that they have a vitamin D deficiency, they should speak with their doctor as soon as possible.

How long does it take for light therapy lamps to start working?

The exact amount of time it takes to see a reduction in SAD symptoms may vary, but research shows that most people begin to experience symptom relief within 7 days of starting treatment.

Do I need a prescription for a SAD lamp?

No. A person can buy a SAD lamp online without a prescription.

A person should speak with a doctor before using a SAD lamp for a health condition.

Are SAD lamps safe?

Side effects of light therapy may include eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.

A person should speak with a doctor before using a SAD lamp to ensure that it is safe for them.

What are the benefits of SAD lamps?

SAD lamps may imitate the effects of sunlight, including stimulating the production of serotonin. They may also help regulate a person’s circadian rhythm and increase vitamin D production.

However, more research is necessary to explore the benefits of SAD lamps for health.

SAD lamps, which work by imitating the sun, may help some people with SAD, vitamin D deficiency, or sleep issues.

If a person has a vitamin D deficiency, their skin needs UVB light to make the vitamin. However, in most cases, it is better to get vitamin D from food and natural sunlight than to use a SAD lamp.

It is important to note that light therapy will not work for everyone. Those with light sensitivities, bipolar disorder, diabetes, or eye health conditions should avoid this treatment.

Anyone thinking about using a SAD lamp, especially those who suspect they have a vitamin D deficiency, should speak with a doctor first.

Top 5 Sunlight Lamps for Light Therapy • Oki Doki

Light Therapy works on the "reduced sunlight" hypothesis and attempts to solve the problem with artificial sunlight (or at least something that mimics sunlight) .

The theory is that you can "reset" your biological clock during the winter by making up for the loss of sunlight, which should prevent seasonal internal changes.

Light therapy is the first line of treatment for seasonal depression - if you are diagnosed with winter affective disorder, then light therapy should be one of the first treatment attempts. If it works, great! If not, other treatments should be considered.

Only certain types of light should be used in light therapy. Avoid all forms of full spectrum light, UV light, tanning lamps and heat lamps! When in doubt, always consult your doctor, especially if your case of seasonal affective disorder is self-diagnosed. nine0005

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How to choose a sunlight lamp for light therapy

light therapy”, “lightboxes” and other names. These devices tend to do the same thing - they emit a bright light that mimics sunlight, but not all sunlight lamps are equally effective.

Some sun lamps are not designed to treat seasonal depression. Light therapy is actually used to treat a number of other problems, including some skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema. These types of light therapy lamps emit ultraviolet light, which can be dangerous.

Whiter and brighter is usually better. The brightness of a lamp is measured in lux, and the higher the Lux rating, the more light it emits.

Brighter lamps require less exposure time per day, but may be inconvenient to use. Your distance from the lamp also matters - the farther from the lamp you plan to sit, the brighter the light should be. For best results, stay between 2500 and 10000 lux. nine0005

LEDs are the most energy efficient. Sunlight lamps are available in incandescent, fluorescent and LED options. The brightness of the light is more important than the type of bulb, but if you have the option, use an LED sunlight lamp, which uses much less power than an incandescent or fluorescent lamp.

Recommended Sunlight Lamps for Light Therapy

1. Alaska Northern Lights NorthStar

If you want to use a solar lamp that is effective, clinically tested, recommended by a doctor and designed to last for many years, then it will cost a lot of money. It can be difficult to shell out a few hundred dollars for a solar light bulb, but it's worth it.

Alaska Northern Lights NorthStar is a solar lamp specially designed to combat seasonal depression. At 24 inches and a Lux class of 10,000, you'll get a lot of light from this thing - enough so that you can sit up to 60cm away (instead of the more common 30cm distance). nine0005

This lamp has a 60 day money back guarantee and a lifetime product warranty. It uses fluorescent type lamps, does not emit harmful UV rays, and has been on the market for over two decades. Do you want something proven and true? It's the same.

2. Carex Day-Light Sky

For an option that's more affordable than NorthStar but still built with quality and efficiency, consider this adjustable solar lamp from the Carex Health brand.

Carex Day-Light Sky looks like what you'll find in a doctor's office, but don't let that scare you. It produces bright fluorescent light with two settings - 7,000 lux or 10,000 lux - and emits virtually no UV light.

The lamp is 60 cm high, but the lightbox itself is only 30 cm. Both the lightbox and the extension arm can be rotated to a noticeable degree, which is very convenient when you need to move the lamp to another location.

3. NatureBright SunTouch Plus

If you're on a budget, we recommend saving until you can afford one of the two lamps above. But if you really need it right now without spending too much, here's another great thing for you: NatureBright SunTouch Plus.

This thing has a plastic exterior, so it won't be as reliable as the alternatives above (both of which have metal exteriors), but it shines at 10,000 lux so the lamp is still effective against seasonal depression. nine0005

The light emitting area is about 30 cm, which is large enough for home use, but does not have any fixtures or hinges for adjustment, so the lamp may be in an awkward position.

4. Sphere Gadget Lightphoria

Large sunlight lamps are good if you sit at your computer all day, but if you work in an environment where you are constantly moving from place to place, a stationary lamp will not do you much good. nine0005

That's why you might need a portable solar lamp. And for that, nothing beats the value of Sphere Gadget Lightphoria. The device is about 15 cm long, but emits light with an impressive 10,000 lux (there is a brightness control).

The main thing is that it has an LED type of lamps, so it does not consume much energy, and also has timer functions for 15, 30 and 45 minutes. No wonder this item is Amazon's best seller in the light therapy product category. nine0005

5. Verilux HappyLight Liberty

If you can't get Lightphoria for any reason (maybe it's too expensive) or if you don't like it (maybe it's too small), then consider another portable solar lamp. light: Verilux HappyLight Liberty.

At 18 cm, it is slightly larger than Lightphoria, but only emits light at a maximum output of 5000 lux. It is still effective for light therapy, but you just need to expose it for longer periods of time and place it closer to you - about 20 cm away.

It's not perfect, but it's incredibly cheap. You will not find another light therapy lamp at this price with the same level of efficiency.

Light therapy doesn't always work

Although light therapy is a first line treatment, it is not perfect. If you happen to buy a sun lamp and it doesn't work, you should see a doctor and get a professional diagnosis.

Seasonal depression may not be your problem. You may suffer too much stress from working too hard (i.e., workaholism). Maybe you need to start exercising more. Perhaps your computer habits are preventing you from sleeping. nine0005

If light therapy doesn't work for you, these alternatives are worth considering - especially those related to sleep health.

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What is light therapy and how does the SAD lamp help to cope with seasonal depression?

A safe way to deal with autumn/winter blues and lack of sunlight.

Anna Zalesskaya nine0005

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Many people are familiar with the state when you don't want to get out from under the covers, but you only have enough strength to watch a series on the couch. And the reason is not only that the street is uncomfortable, cold and damp. Shortened daylight hours and lack of sunlight also put the body into hibernation. Serotonin levels drop and we feel lethargic, tired, and sleep deprived. This condition is called seasonal depression, SAD or SAD (seasonal affective disorder), and it is accompanied by symptoms similar to ordinary depression: fatigue, lack of interest in life, sleep problems or, conversely, excessive sleepiness, and sometimes a feeling of hopelessness and despair. Now many people are spending more time indoors than ever before, and the urban cycle is further reducing daylight hours, so light therapy has become one of the methods to combat the lack of light. We decided to tell you in what cases it works and how to use lighting devices so that they are beneficial and help fight blues and apathy. nine0005

How light therapy lamps work

In the morning and afternoon, the light should be brighter and colder - this inhibits the synthesis of melatonin, activating the production of cortisol. Due to the light, we wake up easier, it is easier for us to concentrate and tune in to work. Before going to bed, the reverse process occurs, so it is recommended to turn on subdued warm light, which contributes to the production of melatonin, the "sleep hormone".

Special lamps help restore the body's normal circadian rhythm to help manage serotonin deficiency symptoms that manifest as the seasonal blues. Sunlight mimics are considered one of the first aids in the fight against seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and there are dozens of such devices on the market today, ranging in size from pockets to super-powerful ones, capable of illuminating a large area. These lamps emit between 2,500 and 10,000 lux (a measure of light intensity), which is a hundred times brighter than typical home lighting. The more powerful the lamp, the less time it will take for its effect, that is, for a light therapy session. “Smart” lamps and fixtures are also now being produced, in which you can adjust the temperature, brightness and color of lighting, use ready-made light scenarios - “rest”, “charge of energy” or set up the device in such a way that in the morning the light turns on gently, gradually adding intensity, and faded away in the evening. nine0005

Light therapy lamps are recommended to be used for 30 minutes a day while sitting next to it with eyes open.
It is best to do this early in the morning, after waking up.
Positive changes are usually seen within a few days, but therapy is best done continuously for at least two weeks and preferably up to four weeks.
During a light therapy session, you can do anything: read, have breakfast, apply makeup, watch the news feed on your smartphone, meditate, etc., as long as the light source is close to you. nine0116

Light therapy options

Wake-up light

A type of light therapy that works with your eyes closed, one hour before you wake up, while you wake up slowly thanks to increasing light and sound.

The device performs several functions at once, facilitating falling asleep and smoothly waking up, simulating a gentle dawn and sunset. The model has an imitation of the sounds of nature, an alarm clock and a radio function. It costs a lot, but the device has many additional functions. nine0005

SAD lamp

Flicker-free, UV-free daylight fixture improves well-being and mood during the dark winter months. This compact lamp can be taken with you to the office or on a business trip. Light intensity is approx. 10,000 lx in a radius of approx. 10 cm. hours, which helps to stay awake during the daytime. According to the "biological clock" of most people, it is best to use glasses from 7 to 9hours of the morning.

Although light therapy is one of the treatments for seasonal depression, it is not perfect and does not always work. If you have bought a light therapy lamp and it does not work, you should consult a doctor and get a professional diagnosis, combine light therapy with other effective treatments for seasonal depression, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, sports, meditation, etc. .

How to properly use light therapy devices

The light intensity level should be 10000 lux, if the intensity of the radiation is less, then it will take more time to exposure.
The fixture must provide a full spectrum of bright white light but block ultraviolet rays.
The light source must be installed at or above eye level. The position and distance of your light box relative to your eyes matters, as it should simulate being outside in the sun. nine0116
The 10,000 lux unit should be placed at a distance of about 60 cm from the eyes.
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