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Best SAD Lights
Best SAD Lights
In the article below, I’ll take a look at the best SAD lights for the money, and also some things to look for when purchasing your SAD light. Please take a look at the SAD lights reviews so you can make an informed buying decision.
Verilux HappyLight Liberty 10000 Lux
Verilux is a well-known manufacturer of light therapy devices, and one of their most popular sellers is the HappyLight Liberty.
The HappyLight delivers 10,000 Lux in a compact design that features a tilt function to achieve maximum flexibility and adjustments.
What We Like About It
- Safe, natural full spectrum lighting
- Attractive and practical design looks good in the home or office
- Broad lighting surface that provides more light per square inch
- Turns on in an instant without buzzing or humming; features Flicker Elimination Technology™
- Comes with 2 lenses, High Energy and Comfort Optix® Glare control that helps with eye strain
- Energy efficient, 36 Watt full spectrum light bulb.
- Wall mount included
- Improves energy and mood; helps with resetting sleep cycle, or circadian rhythm
What We Are Not Crazy About
- A few customers have complained that the light tips over easily, although we did not find this to be a problem.
- Some have complained about a plastic or ozone smell coming from the unit, although again, we have not seen this problem.
- The High Energy lens can seem like a harsh glare until you get used to it. Some people never get used to it and cannot live with it. It has not been a problem for us.
This device is well worth the price paid, and can help you overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder while providing soothing lighting for you.
Aura Daylight Therapy Lamp Review
This unit is another star performer, and if you’re serious about SAD light therapy you need this in your reading room or on your desk at work. This is perfect for shift work adjustment and resetting your circadian rhythm.
Check out the features below to see if it meets your needs. We’re betting it does!
- 10,000 Lux output
- Patented Lux adjusting dial that has a 3500-10,000 Lux output range so you can fine tune this unit for your personal taste.
- Certified 100 percent UV free
- Lightweight, at 2.2 LBs
- Dimensions – 8.5 X 12.8 X 3.2 Inches
- 45 watt output
- Wall mounting capability
- Built in timer so you can control your exposure, settings from 10-60 minutes
We can’t think of much we don’t like about this unit. Some users have complained that it tips over easily, but if you adjust the stand properly this doesn’t seem to be an issue.
Sphere Gadget Technologies Lightphoria 10,000 Lux Energy Light
Here is a unit that is completely portable and also very durable. We use it for traveling and also back and forth to work. It has several unique features that we like. Please see below for a complete list.
- Uses LED lights to deliver 10,000 Lux of wide spectrum white light
- Stands conveniently tilts for proper positioning
- Has a programmable timer
- Features a variable switch to control light intensity
- Glare free, flicker free performance
- Small size makes it perfect for travel
- Dimensions – 6 X 6.5 X 1 Inches
- Weighs approximately 1 pound
- Does not emit UV light
Things we don’t like about this unit:
- Some users have complained about reliability, and since this is a portable unit they may have a point. It may not be sturdy enough for the bumps and bruises of constant travel. It is rather light and does feel a bit flimsy, but if you’re looking for a portable unit, this is a good choice.
- Even though it’s a portable unit, you still have to plug it in. There’s no option to use batteries, which would be really convenient.
- The travel bag seems to be a bit too small, you really have to be careful when stuffing the cord in.
All in all, a nice little unit that can definitely serve you well.
Nature Bright Sun Torch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp
Here is a powerful device in a compact package that delivers performance and versatility. Check out some of these attractive features.
- 10,000 Lux SAD light therapy
- Features negative ion therapy
- Emits UV free bright white light
- Can add the Sun Touch Aroma Therapy Capsule (sold separately)
- Simulates natural light from the sky
- Easy on the eyes
- Dimensions – 9 X 6 X 13 inches approximately 5.5 LBs
- Recommended by leading Psychiatry Institutes
- 15 minute interval timer
What we don’t like about this unit:
Some users have said that they do not use the ionizer at all. You can use a switch to turn it off, and that’s how we use it, but some people swear by it, so you’d have to judge for yourself.
Also, the timer can be a bit frustrating, as it’s set in 15 minute intervals and can’t be switched to the on position without engaging the timer.
All in all, a good unit for the price, but we feel there are better ones out there.
Philips Wake-Up Light with Sunrise Simulation and Radio HF3505
The little beauty functions perfectly as a SAD light, but it also does much more. We included it here because it is one of our all-time favorite devices, and gets our highest recommendation.
Looks at all these power-packed features.
- Awakens you gradually with simulated natural light
- Built-in alarm clock has a sunrise alarm and 2 natural sounds (bird sounds) to ease you into the day
- Tap To Snooze function and beep function ensure you rise on time
- 10 intensity settings – can be used as a bedside reading lamp
- 4 display brightness levels
- Uses the same color flow as a natural sunrise, from yellow to bright yellow
- Clinically proven to energize you and improve your mood in the morning (we feel this alone is worth the price of the unit)
- FM Radio built-in
- Full 30 minute sunrise simulating process
- 200 Lux maximum output
- Long lasting LEDs
These great features make this unit a real winner, but there are some drawbacks some users have noticed, and we feel it’s only right that we should mention these here.
- There is no battery – so if power is lost you’ll need to reset the time, and if power goes out in the middle of the night, you may be late for work! It happens so infrequently that we can live with it.
- The clock display is fairly bright, even at the lowest setting
- Settings remain at the last adjustment. This means that if you’re using the clock as a reading lamp and have it pretty bright, this setting will be remembered when the clock wakes you the next morning. The brightness level should be reset after using it as a reading lamp.
- LED bulb is not replaceable, although it should last quite a long time anyway
Even with some of these minor drawbacks we’ve mentioned, this unit is still a favorite of ours.
Please note that this really doesn’t replace a SAD therapy light. Although we’ve used this exclusively, lots of people use this in conjunction with another light therapy device with excellent results.
There you have it. Some of our favorite light therapy devices, and in our opinion some of the best SAD lights for the money on the market today.
SAD Light Therapy
SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. This condition is a very real problem for about 5 percent of the population, and another 20 percent may suffer with mild SAD symptoms.
The symptoms of the mood disorder SAD can include any and all of the following: Low energy, Fatigue, appetite increase/weight gain, a desire to be alone, trouble concentrating, and of course, depression.
Most people who suffer with SAD are affected by this condition in the Fall and Winter, and while there is another that is called Summer depression, it is actually a lot less common.
SAD Lights Buyer’s and User’s Guide
Some things to think about when shopping for the best SAD lamps include the following:
- Have you spoken to your doctor? It might be a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional to see if SAD light therapy is right for you. In most cases the answer is yes, but it doesn’t hurt to be absolutely sure.
- Intensity – remember that the measurement of light intensity is called LUX. The average LUX in a typical office setting is about 350. SAD light units can come in all different intensities, but the most common are 2,500, 8,000, and 10,000. Some boxes also allow you to adjust the intensity. The higher the intensity, the less exposure time you should need. For instance, at 10,000 LUX, 15-30 minutes per day should be sufficient.
- UV light – Try to avoid UV light, it’s not a recommended treatment for SAD. NOTE: Most SAD therapy lamps filter out harmful UV rays, but check to make sure yours does.
- Position – make sure to position the light at around eye level, but not shining directly into your eyes. Use a 45 degree angle instead. Light therapy is most effective when entering your eyes, not the skin as some people mistakenly believe.
- Be consistent. It’s important that you use your SAD Light box consistently. Start in the early fall and continue throughout the winter.
SAD Light FAQs
- Side effects of SAD therapy – A small percentage of users report side effects after using SAD therapy lamps. These symptoms include a mild headache, eyestrain, and slight nausea, and usually get better as you grow more accustomed to your new device.
- People who have bi-polar disorder or manic-depressive illness should definitely check with their doctor before trying SAD therapy. It may not be right for you.
In Conclusion
SAD light therapy helps many people get over the dreariness and reduced light conditions of the fall and winter months.
The above article should help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing your SAD lamp.
Be sure to check with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about SAD therapy lights being the right course of action for you.
About the Author Ted
Ted is a writer and avid researcher on the subject of nutrition and general wellness. He has recently published books on Sugar Detox as well as the inflammation epidemic, and continues to improve his knowledge by constantly remaining up to date with the latest news and trends in the nutrition world. When not busy writing, you can find him playing banjo and guitar, or outside fishing.
