Affordable and high-quality lights for SAD.
A quality therapy light can be highly efficient when trying to deal with the seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is tightly connected to sunlight deficiency, which is particularly a problem during winter. Since people receive a smaller amount of sunlight compared to summer or even spring and fall, they suffer from a serotonin decrease, which is the chemical responsible for “happiness”. As a result, some people end up feeling more apathetic or even depressed.
Since individuals with general depression also frequently have insufficient serotonin levels, they can also find a light therapy lamp to be highly beneficial. Additionally, such lights can be of use to people with sleeping disorders (insomnia, jet lag, late-night work shifts), as light therapy allows you to better control your circadian rhythm and battle fatigue and exhaustion. With that in mind, the post below goes an array of quality lamps to help you find the best light for SAD available today.
Light Source Wattage: 10W | Voltage: 10V | Color Temperature: 5000K
When it comes to treating sleep disorders there are few options as effective as the Circadian Optics Light therapy lamp. For those who have trouble sleeping or those who suffer from insomnia, this lamp is an ideal treatment method. It uses special blue light designed to induce sleep in the human body and has been proven to be a very effective treatment for insomnia. This amazing light source has been used since ancient times to cure certain diseases, including migraines and jetlag.
The technology behind the lamp is quite complex, but basically the lamp emits light which directly stimulates the pineal gland, the small organ found in the center of the brain that controls our sleeping habits.
Light Source Wattage: 9W | Voltage: 12V | Color Temperature: 6500K
The AMZCOOL Happy energy light is a small and compact, easy to carry, hand held, LED light. It's a very bright light which can be used in any room of the house or office. For one thing it's a great looking light and for another thing, this light is so much more affordable than most other lights on the market today.
One of the most unique features of this light is that it has a clear top so you know exactly what is on top. Other features include a clear indicator for the current battery level, a time/date display, the ability to see daylight and a night light. It also has four different brightness levels. That way, depending on the area you need to light, just adjust the brightness to where it's best for the task at hand.
Light Source Wattage: 9W | Voltage: 15V | Color Temperature: 5000K
The Verilux UV-Free LED therapy lamp is a new breakthrough in the area of light therapy, with many benefits that have not been available until now. This lamp emits the light that is vital for treating many skin conditions including psoriasis, acne, eczema and other such disorders.
For people with such skin problems, the UV-Free LED light is a godsend. These lamps are basically a white light source that emits a range of light in the spectrum of ultraviolet.
Light Source Wattage: 7W | Voltage: 10V | Color Temperature: 3000K
The TheraLite light therapy lamp is not only one of the light sources for use at home, it is also useful in the office. The lamp is easy enough to use with its on and off switch that simply needs to be turned on and off. It is also very easy to travel with this lamp, which is another reason why so many people choose to purchase this lamp.
The light therapy lamp is perfect for the home. There are plenty of people that suffer from vision problems or discomfort around their eyes. This is especially true for those that are older and may have eye problems elsewhere on their body. The light from this lamp allows them to see all the way around, allowing them to see the entire area that they are in. It will even allow them to read or work on their computer just fine.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
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Circadian Optics Light
Stylish
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AMZCOOL Energy Light
Compact
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Verilux HappyLight
Portable
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If you value flexibility, then the best light for SAD for you is probably one that lets you pick between different settings. For instance, if a lamp allows you to dim the light or tweak its brightness, you’ll have no trouble achieving the ideal lighting conditions during different times of the day no matter the season.
If you’re interested in buying a portable lamp that can be taken with you anywhere, it’s advised to go with a slim, rectangular model that comes with a removable or convertible stand. On the other hand, if you already picked a permanent location for the light, think about aspects like sturdiness, weight, and shape. Some models are a natural fit for even surfaces while others need some adjustment to remain at eye level.
Even though the light intensity of each therapy light can differ quite drastically, most products still to a lux value of 10000. Studies show that indoor lighting typically has 100lux while a sunny day can have a brightness of about 50000lux.
Premium lamps can provide several brightness settings as well as sunrise/sunset modes that allow you to enjoy a smooth transition from daytime to nighttime. Other interesting inclusions that you can expect to find are flicker-free technology, non-white light, and glare control, as all these features are nice to have if you're highly sensitive to light. You might also be inclined to go with a LED lamp over a fluorescent one since it will offer superior energy efficiency and durability.
If the light doesn’t come with an integrated timer, you need to manage your sessions manually to avoid sunburn and overexposure. When it comes to the frequency and length of each session, stick to the recommendations given by the manufacturer and your treating practitioner. Based on your type of SAD and symptoms, the treatment can range from half an hour in the morning and 10 minutes near the evening, to 2 hours before nighttime.
