During the winter months, our days get shorter and darker. Ending the work or school day when it’s pitch black outside can be a major downer and negatively affect your mood. But there is a solution that can help, especially if you’re working long days at home: light therapy lamps.
What is a SAD Lamp?
Light therapy lamps are one of the most popular treatments for seasonal affective disorder (often abbreviated as SAD). This type of depression is common during the winter months when you’re not exposed to enough vitamin D. Medical studies suggest that exposure to bright light from a special lamp or light box for 20 to 60 minutes can help make up for the sunlight you’re not getting naturally as well as ease symptoms of SAD.
A quality SAD lamp will have a large light surface (about 12 inches by 18 inches) and a brightness level of 10,000 lux. You should also look for a viewing angle that positions the light above your eyes and at a slight downward angle to minimize glare and a built-in UV filter (look for the label “UV-Free”).
Do note that SAD lamps aren’t regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to do your research to ensure you purchase one that provides enough light and is designed to treat seasonal affective disorder.
Sound like something you could use? I could, too. I’ve rounded up the best deals available now on well-reviewed light therapy lamps to beat the winter blues.
The 8 Best Deals on SAD Lamps
Verilux HappyLight Lucent Light Therapy Lamp – $44.99 ($35.99 for Beyond+ Members) at Bed Bath & Beyond
“I have this at my desk at work since I don’t sit by any windows. I do feel it helps my mood and causes me to smile more, and it’s definitely a conversation piece!”
Jinx
Verilux HappyLight Full-Size Light Therapy Energy Lamp – $79.95 $59.99 + $6 coupon at Amazon
“After I used the light for a week, I went to church. Absolutely everyone asked me why I was so happy! My face was beaming and I felt so much better in just one week. Every day, when I go home I head for the happy light!”
Carol
Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp – $63.80 $47.49 at Amazon
“I have struggled with SAD ever since I moved to Seattle but this year has been particularly difficult. I was worried that this small light wouldn’t work for me. Boy was I wrong! The first day I used it I felt like I’d drank a whole pot of coffee. I was so hyper I couldn’t sit down. My house was very clean that day. The hyper activity along with some eye strain and moderate headaches lasted a couple of weeks while my brain got back to normal. Now I feel great every day. I have loads of energy and sleep well every night.”
R. McGowan
Alaska Northern Lights Northstar LUX Bright Light Lamp – $299.77 Amazon
“I suffer from SAD so my husband bought me this light. The changes were subtle at first but then I realized how much more motivated I had become and how much more I was engaging in activities that I typically avoid during the dreary winter months. It has been so liberating. I use the light 30 minutes every morning while I read the paper or watch television.”
Jean
Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp – $119.99 $104.05 at Amazon
“I really do believe that it helps me. I am also under the care of a psychiatrist who prescribes me antidepressants to help my Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The summer my doctor recommended that I look into light therapy, I knew I needed a light capable of 10,000 LUX and a stand that would allow the light to shine down at my eyes instead of up at me. If you feel rundown with lack of sun I believe this product will help you!”
GrayGoose
Theralite Aura Bright Light Therapy Lamp – $59.99 $29.99 at Amazon
“I have been a light therapy user for over thirty years due to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). I look forward to starting each fall, winter and early spring day at the kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee, reading the news on my iPad and benefitting from my Happy Light. This new Happy Light Touch model is a pleasure to use. It is compact yet powerful and is easy to use. I really like the options to personalize the color and brightness of the light. Because of the sleek design, I feel comfortable leaving it out at all times. While portable and light, it does feel that it is substantial and well made.”
CSK
Lux Happy Energy Light Therapy LED Lamp Light Box – $28.99 $22.55 at Amazon
“I have to admit when I first took this out of the box I thought I had wasted my money. I couldn’t imagine how something so small could do much. Boy was I mistaken!! This tiny tot packs a punch and an adjustable one at that. I have the large version of this light that I use at home. I can tell you I get just as much benefit from this little charmer as I do from the larger version. Definitely worth the money and perfectly portable. I love it.”
Loretta Miller Wood
Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake Up Light Therapy Lamp – $179.99 at Best Buy
“Great design and functionality. Helps me wake up in the morning and has a great white noise function for going to sleep. Highly recommend this product if you live in a San Francisco shoebox low light apartment like I do. Worth the money.”
TimboJones
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