Top-Ranked SAD Light Therapy Lamps for 2022
Craving some virtual sunshine? Feeling down due to seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? Look no further than a SAD lamp, aka a light therapy lamp, sun lamp, or treatment for those gloomy winter days.
SAD lamps work by offering artificial sunlight that mirrors sunlight, helping you feel like it's a sunny day, even when it's not. This tricks your eyes and brain, signaling an uptick in your mood and potentially easing SAD symptoms.
But it's not like any sun lamp will do—the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate SAD lamps, so you need to choose one that's both safe and effective. Ideally, a SAD lamp should provide at least 10,000 lux of light and filter out that pesky UV stuff to avoid any eye or skin damage[3]. Here's the lowdown on how SAD lamps work, and which ones are worth checking out.
SAD Lamp Showdown: Which One to Choose?
Before you spend your hard-earned cash on a SAD lamp, think about these factors:
- Price Tag: Most lamps designed for folks with SAD range from around $30 to a few hundred dollars. Your insurance likely won't help foot the bill.
- Purpose: Make sure you snag a lamp that's actually meant for treating mood disorders—some lamps are meant for treating skin conditions, but they may not help with SAD[2].
- UV Filters: Choose a lamp that filters all UV light to protect your eyes and skin[2].
- Brightness: For treating SAD, the recommended brightness is 10,000 lux of white light[2]. Dimmer lamps will require longer exposure times to work[1].
- Location: Consider where you plan to use it, and whether you'll need a portable option if you travel a lot.
- Edge Case: Do you need a larger light surface area if you tend to move around during treatments?
- Aesthetic Appeal: If this fixture is going to be your daily companion for half the year, you might as well pick one that looks good while still delivering top-notch light therapy.
Armed with these factors, let's take a look at some of the top-rated SAD lamps on the market. To keep things simple, we've outlined their pricing using$:$$: Under $40$$$: $40-$60$$$$: Over $60
1. Best Overall: Carex Day-Light Classic Plus, Light Therapy Lamp $$$$
This all-star option offers a powerful 10,000 lux of glare-free light, making it great for those who need a brighter, yet easier-on-the-eyes setup. Plus, you don't have to sit incredibly close to get the benefits, as this bad boy is about the size of a computer monitor[6]. With an adjustable base, you'll have heaps of flexibility on how to angle the lamp[5]. Just keep in mind it's a bit large, so it'll take up some space.
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2. Best Versatile: Circadian Optics Lumos Light Therapy Lamp $$
With a slew of 5,000+ Amazon ratings, this well-loved, mid-range option offers a compact design that still packs a punch with 10,000 lux. Smaller in size, it can be positioned at multiple angles, making it a versatile choice for home or travel[3]. It also features three brightness options for folks who want a more laid-back daily session.
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3. Best for Small Spaces: Verilux HappyLight Lucent $
A popular choice on Amazon, folks adore this light's teeny-tiny footprint (about the size of a small tablet). With a detachable stand, it's easy to secure the light in one spot[4]. Delivering 10,000 lux, it's an affordable choice for those who want to give light therapy a try without breaking the bank[4]. With a minimalist design, it also won't stick out like a sore thumb in your home decor[4].
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4. Best Budget: Verilux HappyLight VT10 $
This budget-friendly option is a fantastic choice for those with limited space and funds. Despite its smaller stature, it still offers a mighty 10,000 lux of bright light[4]. More than 7,000 Amazon ratings earned it a 4.5 out of 5 stars[4].
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5. Best for Travel: Circadian Optics Luxy Light Therapy Lamp $$
When it comes to portability, this option takes the cake. Measuring up at around the size of your hand, it's tiny, but packs a powerful 10,000 lux of light[4]. Its compact, foldable design even serves as its own protective case, making it perfect for tossing in your purse or backpack[4]. Just be mindful not to misplace it during your travels!
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Embracing the Light
Setting Up Your SAD Lamp for Success
Ready to let your SAD lamp banish those winter blues? Follow these simple steps to make the most of your light sessions:
- Invest in a lamp that produces 10,000 lux of bright, white light with zero UV[2].
- Schedule your first light therapy sesh when you first wake up—this time is ideal for optimizing your circadian rhythms[2]. Try your best to make it part of your routine from autumn to spring to help compensate for the loss of sunlight during those months[2].
- Sit in front of the lamp (at the recommended distance from your face) for 30 minutes[2]. If you're positioned farther away, plan for longer sessions (1-2 hours)[1].
Potential Pitfalls and Precautions
While sitting in front of a lamp might seem safe, it's important to be aware of any potential side effects:
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Nausea
Avoid using a SAD lamp if:
- You have an eye condition that makes you more sensitive to light
- You're taking medications that increase light sensitivity
- You have bipolar disorder (since light therapy may induce manic episodes)[2]
- When supplementing your mood during seasonal affective disorder (SAD), considering antidepressants in combination with the use of a SAD lamp may provide additional relief from symptoms.
- Some SAD lamps, like the Circadian Optics Lumos Light Therapy Lamp, offer adjustable brightness levels, allowing you to tailor your treatment according to your needs and preferences.
- To ensure sustained improvement in your mood and reduction of SAD symptoms, it may be beneficial to consider making light therapy a daily routine, especially during the winter season when depression is more likely to occur due to the lack of natural sunlight.
