7 Light Therapy Lamps to Help With Seasonal Affective Disorder
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Ah, winter: the time of year when dark, cold mornings outnumber the sunny days on which you actually want to leave your apartment. Unsurprisingly, it is during this season that some people — who might not otherwise suffer from depression — start to feel anxious, sad, fatigued, irritable, and even hopeless. With what is perhaps the most fitting acronym of all time, this condition is known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
To prepare for this upcoming season, we spoke with psychologists to better understand this condition and identify the best ways to treat it.
So, you’re looking for the best sad lamps?
➼ FAQs
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
➼ Our experts
Our top picks
The Fancy Option
Sunrise Sensations DayBright Light-Therapy Lamp
Lux: Remote controlled and adjustable 10,000 Lux | Size: 15”D x 15”W x 8”H | Storage: Stand
If you want a therapy lamp that doesn’t look like a therapy lamp, this is your best bet. The lamp looks more like something out of the MoMA Design Store. Besides reviewers raving about how beautiful it is, they also enjoy the brightness settings, which you can adjust from the very bright to dim, and there’s even three daylight color options.
The Under $30 Option
Light Therapy Lamp
Lux: 10,000 lux | Size: 5.11”D x 5.11”W x 6.69”H | Storage: Kickback stand
Looking to beat the blues on a budget? Look no further. This option is cheaper than some dinners and still provides 10,000 lux of UV-free light. Plus, it’s light and sleek to fit on your side table or desk.
The Customizable Lamp
Verilux HappyLight Liberty 10,000 LUX Light Therapy Energy Lamp
Lux: 2 brightness levels, 2 interchangeable lenses, adjustable for 10,000 Lux | Size: 4”D x 6.25”W x 12.5”H | Storage: detachable stand and wall mount
With high and low settings, this versatile lamp allows you to adjust the light levels based on how you are feeling. One reviewer would give this six stars if they could. If you’re still not convinced, another wrote, “Now I feel like I’ve been given my life back and am not just half a person for half the year.”
More tried-and-true options
The Floor Lamp
Northern Light Technologies Flamingo Bright Light-Therapy Floor Lamp
Lux: Adjustable LED for 10,000 Lux | Size: 2.5”D x 7”W x 13”H | Storage: Stand
Put this next to your couch or your bed so you can lounge in the morning while absorbing light. The lamp stands four feet tall and has a rotating head. One person even uses the lamp in the spring to “sprout seedlings” — a sign this lamp is the next best thing to actual sunlight.
The Lamp for Multitasking
TheraLite Aura Bright Light-Therapy Lamp
Lux: 4 energy efficient light settings for up to 10,000 Lux | Size: 11.25”D x 22”W x 11.5”H | Storage: Adjustable Stand
Not only does this lamp deliver 10,000 lux, but it also features an alarm clock, wireless phone charger, and USB port. Since it’s so small, it is better for milder symptoms, but since it takes up less space on a desk or bedside table, it’s ideal for a quick serotonin fix.
The Classic Lamp
Carex Health Brands Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp
Lux: 2 light settings for up to 10,000 Lux | Size: 12”D x 15.75”W x 31.13”H | Storage: Adjustable Stand
With an adjustable height and angle, this lightweight and easy-to-use light box has a sleek silver design. Reviewers praised its ability to improve their mood in only a few days.
The Portable Lamp
Northern Light Technologies BOXelite, Light-Therapy Box
Lux: 10,000 lux | Size: 2.5”D x 12.25”W x 17”H | Storage: Kickback stand
If you’re low on plugs in your room, a portable box light is the answer. It’s small and sleek while still producing up to 10,000 lux. It’s a good option if being able to move and transport it easily is important to you.
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