Chasing Away Winter Blues with Light Therapy: 10 Best Light Therapy Lamps
While shorter, cold, dark days and longer nights, snuggling in front of a warm fire with hot cocoa are all hallmarks of the cold season, less talked about are the winter blues – the seemingly illogical sense of dread and worry, the anxiety and lethargy that often accompanies the winter.
The lack of natural light is one of the main reasons for SAD and even if you don’t overtly suffer from it, the availability of a good source of natural light as part of your day may make a significant difference in how you feel throughout the day and how well you sleep at night.
Light therapy lamps have been found to significantly improve moods and outlooks for people suffering from SAD. For as little as 15 minutes twice a day, exposure to UV filtered natural light has made a significant difference to many people.
Overall light therapy lamps are small, almost desk lamp sized lights, typically with a square-ish panel that will increase light exposure. The light energy ranges from 5000 Lux to 10000 Lux, with the higher energy lamps needing to be used for a shorter duration. They often include UV and blue light filters and are recommended for daily use over the Winter months. LED bulb based lamps are generally more expensive than the conventional energy saving light bulbs, but will never require replacing (estimated 50 000 hours use), whereas the lamps that are light-bulb based will require replacing after each season.
Top 10 Best Light Therapy Lamps
Here in this post we take a look at the 10 best light therapy lamps currently available.
1. Verilux HappyLight Liberty 10,000 LUX Light Therapy Energy Lamp
The Verilux HappyLight offers safe and natural full spectrum light therapy in a compact size. It’s broad surface area, emits more light per square inch for efficient light therapy sessions. It provides 10 000 Lux brightness based on energy efficient light bulbs using only 36 watts of energy. It’s small compact size makes it perfect for the bedroom side table or to sit on your desk.
It has two light intensity settings, high and low, allowing it to be adjusted to suit your needs. It also has a UV filter, ensuring that harmful UV rays are filtered out. As it is bulb-based, the bulbs are recommended to be replaced after each season of use.
2. Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp | Ultra Bright 10,000 Lux Full Spectrum LED Light (White)
The Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 is a full spectrum 10 000 Lux brightness light in a sleek and modern looking design and provides the maximum recommended dose for light therapy. Composed of a larger range of the visible light spectrum means a higher quality light that more closely mimics the qualities of natural sunlight.
It has 3 light settings, low, medium and high and it’s 50,000 hour lifespan LED lights mean you will never have to replace expensive light bulbs ever again.
3. Aura Day Light Therapy Lamp, 10,000 Lux of Bright Light White with Adjustable Lux Dial- 100% UV Free
Like other day light therapy lamps in our line-up, the Aura Day Light Therapy Lamp is capable of up to 10,000 Lux of Bright Light to help beat the Winter Blues, Circadian Sleep Disorders, Shift Work Adjustment, Jet Lag and Low Energy. The Aura Daylight Therapy Lamp features a patented lux adjusting dial for full control of your light therapy treatment.The lux output is 3,500 lux at the lowest setting and 10,000 lux at the maximum setting.
The unit also adjusts to an 85 or 70 degree angle for comfortable positioning. The Aura BL40 is also certified as 100% UV FREE. There is a built-in timer feature that can be set at ten minute intervals from 60-10 minutes and will automatically power off when time is up. Another useful feature is the ability to mount the lamp on the wall or fold up for easier storage offering even more flexibility in how you use the lamp.
4. NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp
The NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy System includes 10,000-lux light therapy and negative ion therapy. Both therapies help to balance your body clock, leaving you feeling rested, refreshed, and nourished. It can alleviate the nagging symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and studies have shown that ion therapy offers an automatic antidepressant effect.
5. Verilux HappyLight Liberty Personal, Portable Light Therapy Energy Lamp
A Verilux Best Seller, the HappyLight Liberty energy lamp provides safe, comfortable natural spectrum light therapy in a compact solution. Designed for personal use and portability, the 5,000 Lux moderate UV filtered output is great for extended daily use. Light therapy can help improve your mood and combats sleep issues by resetting your circadian rhythm. It is compact and weighs only 1.5 lbs., perfect for small spaces and on-the-go.
6. Carex Health Day-Light Sky 10,000 LUX Bright Light Therapy Lamp (DL2000)
Powerful 10,000 LUX of balanced White Light with glare-free diffuser that filters 99.3% of UV light. The Carex Health Day-Light DL2000 meets the strict therapeutic criteria of leading experts. Contemporary, attractive and multi-purpose lighting system with BrightZone Technology the light meets clinical guidelines for effective light therapy with two flicker-free settings to work as a therapy or task light.
7. Verilux HappyLight Liberty 7,500 LUX Light Therapy Energy Lamp
A lower brightness model, the Liberty 7500 LUX is safe and sufficient for personal use. The natural spectrum light therapy comes in a compact size but capable of providing up to 7500 Lux UV blocked bright white light therapy. You can set the light therapy with an adjustable light intensity setting to high or low output and two easily interchangeable lenses.
8. Northern Light Technology Boxelite 10,000 Lux Bright Light Therapy Light Box
This full spectrum lighting kit from Norther Light is designed to bring spring and summer outdoor light levels into the home or office and is capable of 10,000 lux diffuse light at a distance of up to 14-inches. Included with the Boxelite is a stand that lets you set up the light vertically for maximum efficiency. The light panel measures 15-inch by 12-inch. Its electronically powered ballast assures reliable performance with no flicker and no hum. Made in Canada, the Boxelite is clinician recommended for effective light therapy treatment in as little as 20 minutes a day.
9. Carex Health Brands Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp
Day-Light Classic Plus provides the maximum recommended 10,000 LUX of glare-free white light from its customizable, safe, and glare-free diffusion screen, it includes flicker-free bulbs and an adjustable stand, allowing for a flexible angle for optimal results.
The lighting box blocks 99.3% of UV and projects light downward as recommended by health experts for maximum comfort and ease of use. Both angle and height adjustable, the light has two settings. It helps relieve the symptoms of shift adjustment, jet lag, circadian sleep disorders, winter blues and low energy.
10. Northern Light Technology Travelite 10,000 Lux Bright Light Therapy Portable Light Box
Another entry from Northern Light Technology, this time a travel friendly unit called Travelite. The compact and slim lightbox also offers 10,000 lux of diffuse light at a distance of up to 12 inches with UV blocked. It measures 13 inches x 7 inches x 3 inches. The compact and light-weight design makes it a truly portable desk lamp. As with its bigger sibling, the Boxelite, it uses electronically powered ballast for reliable performance with no flicker and no hum.
