By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references AskMayoExpert. Seasonal affective disorder SAD. Rochester, Minn. Martensson B, et al. Bright white light therapy in depression: A critical review of the evidence. Journal of Affective Disorders. Sanassi LA. Seasonal affective disorder: Is there light at the end of the tunnel?
Avery D. Seasonal affective disorder: Treatment. Accessed Feb. Melrose S. Seasonal affective disorder: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches. Depression Research and Treatment. Kurlansik SL, et al. Seasonal affective disorder. American Family Physician. HappyLight Alba is the latest therapy lamp from Verilux, and it offers the same features as the HappyLight Luxe in a smaller size and for less money.
It has four brightness settings, three color temperature settings and a timer that you can set in minute intervals up to an hour. The round shape is a departure for Verilux, which traditionally makes rectangle panels. At just 5. Given that bigger light panels are considered better for delivering as much light as possible in the least amount of time, I'm inclined to pick a bigger lamp, such as the HappyLight Luxe or VT31, over this.
However, you can't beat this lamp for features and price. Plus, you get a larger light panel than the Lumos. If those settings really call to you, then this lamp is a good buy. Personally, I get by just fine without them. The Theralite has a clever design, but not enough features to blow me away. This lightweight and compact light box has a 5- by 8-inch light panel, plus a built-in cover and stand, which makes it good for traveling.
However, it is considerably thicker than the other lamps on this list. It has one brightness setting -- 10, lux -- and a simple on-off switch. I like that you can adjust the angle of the stand, change the height of the light and rotate the light between portrait and landscape orientations. It's not the best compact therapy light in my book, and I'm not convinced that this is the best travel light either.
I'd rather make room in my bag for the Verilux HappyLight or the Lumos, since it can be folded and rotated to make it thin and compact. The Carex Day-light Classic Plus lamp is by far the largest lamp on this list, with a light panel that's While that's just barely bigger than the Boxelite, the lamp's larger stand makes it take up far more space, measuring There's an adjustable stand that positions the light panel at eye level or above with the light shining down, which, according to some sources , is important.
Still, this lamp is a behemoth and something you'll likely need to make room for in your home. Because it's big and heavy, stashing it away when you're done using it each day isn't practical.
This bright light therapy lamp doesn't get any accolades for style -- it looks like a flat screen TV. I could get past the dated design if the lamp felt sturdy, but the fit and finish is sloppy, with gaps between the plastic pieces and buttons to adjust the stand that are hard to press. It comes with two light modes: Task 5, lux and Therapy 10, lux. Like the Northern Light Boxelite, the Carex Day-light Classic Plus is better suited for someone who gets very little natural daylight, such as someone who works in a windowless office or lives in areas that get limited natural light in the winter.
If you don't mind unwieldy size and dated design, and want to save a few dollars from the Boxelite, this will serve you well. The most important features you should be looking at when buying a light therapy lamp are the light intensity and the type of light that's emitted. Research supports using a SAD lamp with up to 10, lux as a therapy for depression. Another key is that you don't want a sun lamp that emits UV rays or at least filters them out , as that can cause damage to your eyes and skin.
While you're not supposed to stare directly into a light therapy lamp, you still don't want to expose yourself to daily UV radiation while trying to treat your seasonal depression. Size is important, to a point. The most common treatment for SAD is light therapy, a. Almost all the experts we spoke to emphasize that a good SAD lamp should have a large light surface, about 12 inches by 18 inches.
It also needs a brightness level of 10, lux, a viewing angle that allows it to be positioned above your eyes and at a slight downward angle to minimize glare, and UV-blocking ability. As doctors and researchers, many of them did not want to endorse specific brands, but they did provide pretty specific criteria for SAD lamps which all of the options below meet.
For the best results, the experts say to use a SAD lamp first thing in the morning; position it about 14 inches away from your face for 20 to 30 minutes. With a larger light, you can move your head naturally without worrying about losing optimal contact with the light.
This lamp by Carex, a company often used in research trials, has a big screen with plenty of surface area. This model is positioned at a downward-facing angle, something many of our experts recommend. This light, also from Carex, shares all the expert-recommended features of the Day-Light Classic Plus: large screen, adjustable tilt, and 10, lux at up to 14 inches.
But it likewise offers two light settings, one specifically for light therapy and the other for working-at-home tasks at your desk requiring a lower lux level. Sabrina Romanoff. If it is something you plan to keep in the closet, you are less likely to actually remember to use it and incorporate it into your daily routine.
The Center for Environmental Therapeutics , a nonprofit research and education institution, is perhaps the leading authority on SAD and light therapy. Light therapy beginners should direct any questions or concerns to their doctor or therapist and seek out individualized guidance on light frequency and intensity.
As a previous fitness coach, long-time wellness enthusiast, and current health editor, Lily Moe understands the importance of products that meet your individual requirements. After moving from sunny Arizona to Brooklyn, New York, Lily experienced seasonal affective disorder firsthand and recognized the value of light therapy lamps.
Most importantly, Lily always looks for research and firsthand reviews when it comes to deciding on a product. Additional reporting by Tori Zhou. She enjoys staying up-to-date on wellness trends and products with a focus on holistic health. Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. Melrose S. Seasonal affective disorder: an overview of assessment and treatment approaches.
Depress Res Treat. Bright-light therapy in the treatment of mood disorders. Transcranial bright light treatment via the ear canals in seasonal affective disorder: A randomized, double-blind dose-response study.
BMC Psychiatry. D MCM. Seasonal affective disorder: bring on the light. Harvard Health Blog. Seasonal affective disorder: using light therapy michigan medicine. Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic. September 18, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellMind. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.
These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. By Lily Moe. Lily Moe. Learn about our editorial process. Tori Zhou. Updated on November 03, Our Top Picks.
Best Overall:. A solid addition to your morning routine, its portable size ensures on-the-go benefits thanks to its 10, lux brightness. Best Floor Lamp:. The floor lamp will energize anyone nearby with its bulb of 1, lumens, lasting up to seven months before needing replacement.
Best Budget:. A solid pick if you prioritize affordability, it features flicker elimination technology for reduced eye strain. Best Desk Lamp:. A customizable complement to your desk setup, it's complete with an adjustable height and angle and four light settings.
Best for SAD:. Highly recommended for those who experience SAD, it blocks 99 percent of UV rays and works to improve sleep and boost mood levels. Best Design:.
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