Selecting the Right Light Therapy Lamp
What Should I Look for in a Light Therapy Box?
Choosing a light therapy box can be confusing if you're new to phototherapy light treatment. You have many choices when selecting a natural light lamp, so it's essential to know key specifications, features, and terms before doing so. Our light therapy lamp buying guide will walk you through the essentials of selecting a light therapy light. This includes what they are, how they work, how to choose a light therapy lamp, compare our lamps, and showcase each model.
What is a Light Therapy Lamp?
A bright light therapy lamp (also called a sunlight light, wellbeing lamp, light box therapy lamp, and more) is a specially designed light made to mimic sunlight. These lights help replenish sunlight exposure and are often used to treat light-related conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression), insomnia, jet lag, and more. The best light therapy lamps produce 10000 LUX to provide the benefits we get from the sun.
Light therapy Lamps vs. REgular Lamps
A common misconception about bright light therapy is that regular lamps can be used to get the benefits. While yes, it does help your sleep-wake cycle to have adequate lighting in your home, you won't get all the benefits of a therapy lamp from a standard light. The proper therapy lamp produces 10000 LUX, and some have five to twenty times more LUX than standard lamps.
How Does Phototherapy Work?
Light therapy is quite simple. It involves sitting in front of a light that mimics daylight each morning for 20 to 30 minutes. This tricks our body into producing two essential hormones: serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin (which converts to melatonin) regulates mood, appetite, energy, sexual desire, and memory. Melatonin is vital to our sleep-wake cycle, known as our circadian rhythm. By replenishing our access to sunlight via a sun lamp, we're able to regulate our hormone levels to have more energy, sleep better, and combat light-related health conditions.
Why Use a Light Box?
It's been found that Americans spend 90% of their time indoors and away from sunlight. This means we don't get all the benefits of the sun to lead a healthy life. And during colder months, getting outside can be challenging. These specialized lights are an excellent alternative to sunlight. They can treat various mental health conditions, including seasonal depression, anxiety, and insomnia. They can also be used for those who want to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. And because they're relatively safe, you don't have to worry about any harmful side effects.
How to Choose a Light Box
Before selecting a therapy lamp, it's essential to know what to look for when buying a light therapy lamp. There are many available options in which many do not meet the requirements to produce the benefits of light therapy effectively. This section will guide you through what to look for in a SAD lamp.
Your Condition
For those diagnosed with a health condition such as seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression, it's vital to get a clinical/medical rated SAD light therapy lamp. These lights are designed to give out the max amount of light for optimal results. If you only have minor issues, a health/wellness rated lamp will work as well. Consult your doctor if you have any questions/concerns.
- Medical grade SAD lamps: These types of sun therapy lamps typically are larger, direct light downward from an upward position, and produce 10,000 LUX from 12" away.
- Health/Wellness grade lights: These are made to treat milder conditions and are typically smaller, making them ideal for compact spaces. They may produce 10,000 LUX, but this is usually from 10", which may require sitting in front of them for longer than 30 minutes each morning.
Where are You Putting Your Lamp
Each of our lamps offers different dimensions and sizes for different areas. If the location you'll be putting your lamp in is compact, then you should consider one of our smaller models. Smaller sun lamps for office use can help with more severe cases of seasonal depression. However, they will need to be sat in front of for more extended periods.
Your Lifestyle
If you travel a lot, you'll need a portable light box for SAD. These are compact, which makes them easy to use anywhere and pack in luggage. If you struggle with jet lag often, then a smaller therapy lamp might be a must-have. They can help combat the adverse side effects of traveling to varying time zones.
Light Angle
If you are placing your therapy lamp in a crowded space, you'll want a lamp that offers flexibility with an adjustable angle. This will give you the option to adjust accordingly to your area. If you're looking for a medical-grade light therapy lamp, it should point light down from an upward angle. This allows light to reach the top of your eyes, just like the sun does.
Light Sensitivity
If you are sensitive to light, you might want to consider one of our models that feature different light brightness settings. Some may struggle with a light that can only be on/off without customizing the light intensity. Lamps with adjustable intensity also double as a standard desk lamp. You can use them for light therapy sessions and then turn them down as a task lamp.
LUX
Not to be confused with a lumen (which measures how much light a device emits), LUX is the amount of light a device produces on a given surface. For optimal treatment, it's essential to have a 10 000 LUX light therapy lamp. Anything less may require longer treatments and not provide the same effectiveness.
Color Temperature
A critical area often considered when selecting a SAD lamp is blue or white color. The color temperature of light refers to its "warmth" or "coolness." This is measured in kelvin (K). Warmer lights, around 1,000 K, promote comfort and have a calming effect. Cooler lights, around 10,000 K, promote alertness. White lights, on the other hand, are in the 5,000 to 7,000 K range. These promote alertness but are easier on the eyes. You'll notice most offices use lights in this color temperature range.
Light Spectrum
A significant aspect to consider is the light spectrum a lamp uses. Therapy lamps typically produce blue or full-spectrum light therapy. While blue light has been proven to be more effective than full-spectrum lamps in treating SAD and low energy levels, it can be harmful to the eyes. This is especially true if the user is on any medications. Full-spectrum light boxes use traces of blue light but are much safer to use.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light Protection
Many types of light produce ultraviolet light (UV). UV light is an invisible type of light that sits between visible light and X-ray on the electromagnetic spectrum. While UV light has many uses, extensive exposure can cause skin damage. Because of this, it's vital to select a UV-free light therapy lamp. The proper 10000 LUX light will feature a built-in filter that keeps UV from reaching the user.
LED or Fluorescent
Older 10000 LUX energy light lamps tend to use fluorescent bulbs. They have since then been replaced with LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. LEDs are notoriously safer, more energy-efficient & durable, and last much longer compared to fluorescent bulbs. If you're considering purchasing an older used model that uses fluorescent bulbs, it's important to note that they will need to be replaced much quicker than LED models.
Additional Features
There are many SAD light specifications to consider from. One area you might be interested in is additional features. Newer lamps may feature extra features such as a wireless phone charger, USB port, alarm clock, and more. These features can further enhance the user experience.
SAD Light Comparison Chart
Below, you'll find our complete collection of full-spectrum lights for SAD. All of our lamps provide safe and effective full-spectrum light therapy at 10000 LUX. We offer a wide variety of full-spectrum sun lamps in different sizes, shapes, and distinct features. Our Day-Light and TheraLite brands have been a trusted leader of full-spectrum light box therapy and featured in numerous publications.
Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Therapy Lamp
- Clinical/Medical Grade Lamp
- For Mild to Severe Symptoms
- 10,000 LUX at 12"
- Screen Size: 16" x 13"
- 4000K Color Temperature
- Height Adjustable
- Angle Adjustable
- 2 Light Settings
Carex Day-Light Sky Therapy Lamp
- Clinical/Medical Grade Lamp
- For Mild to Severe Symptoms
- 10,000 LUX at 12"
- Screen Size: 13.5" x 10"
- 4000K Color Temperature
- Height Adjustable
- Angle Adjustable
- 2 Light Settings
TheraLite Aura Therapy Lamp
- Health/Wellness Grade Lamp
- For Mild to Moderate Symptoms
- 10,000 LUX at 12"
- Screen Size: 11.25" x 8"
- 3000K Color Temperature
- Angle Adjustable
- 4 Light Settings
TheraLite Energy & Mood Therapy Lamp
- Health/Wellness Grade Lamp
- For Mild to Moderate Symptoms
- 10,000 LUX at 10"
- Screen Size: 9.2” x 5.3”
- 3000K Color Temperature
- Angle Adjustable
- Compact Size
- 1 Light Setting
Carex SunLite Therapy Lamp
- Health/Wellness Grade Lamp
- For Mild to Moderate Symptoms
- 10,000 LUX at 10"
- Screen Size: 12.2" x 8.7"
- 3000K Color Temperature
- Angle Adjustable
- Compact Size
- 1 Light Setting
TheraLite Aura Qi
- Health/Wellness Grade Lamp
- For Mild to Moderate Symptoms
- 10,000 LUX at 12"
- Screen Size: 11.25" x 8"
- 3000K Color Temperature
- Angle Adjustable
- 4 Light Settings
- Built-in alarm clock and thermostat
- Wireless charging
- USB port
TheraLite Radiance
- Clinical/Medical Grade Lamp
- For Mild to Severe Symptoms
- 10,000 LUX at 10"
- Screen Size: 1.5" x 6.5"
- 4000K Color Temperature
- Height Adjustable
- Angle Adjustable
- 4 Light Settings
- Built-in alarm clock and thermostat
- Wireless charging
- USB port
TheraLite Halo Therapy Lamp
- Health/Wellness Grade Lamp
- For Mild to Moderate Symptoms
- 10,000 LUX at 10"
- Screen Size: 7" x 7"
- 3000K Color Temperature
- Angle Adjustable
- 4 Light Settings
- Wireless charging
- USB port
Light Therapy Lamp Recommendations & Reviews
Each of our therapy lamps has been designed to help boost the amount of sunlight one gets as well as match different lifestyles, spaces, and more. We've collected reviews and recommendations on each to give you a better idea of how each is being used.
Our Lights Have Been Rated as "Top Therapy Lamps" by
DAY-LIGHT CLASSIC PLUS
Our #1 Seller
The Day-Light Classic Plus is our #1 selling light therapy lamp because of it's large face, sleek design, and effectiveness. This therapy lamp is best for those with mild-severe symptoms.
"I love this light because it makes me feel good and it's soft on my eyes. My plants and my puppy love it because it makes them feel good too!" - Rocky, Day-Light Classic Plus User
Helpful Light Therapy REsources
About the Author
Brandon Landgraf is the Digital Marketing Manager for Carex Health Brands. He finds passion and fulfillment in creating content that enhances, improves, and enlivens others' quality of life. All of his written work is formulated to not only offer essential advice and tips but back it with proven studies and experts. His mission is to connect with readers and provide steps to make their lives better.
You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.
About Carex Health Brands
Carex is your one-stop shop for home medical equipment and for products that assist caregivers with providing the best possible support and care for their loved ones. Carex Health Brands has been the branded leader in in-home, self-care medical products for over 35 years. Our goal is to improve the lives of our customers by bring them quality products that bring dignity back to their lives. With our three nationally distributed brands, Carex Health Brands serves national, regional and independent food, drug and mass retailers along with wholesalers, distributors and medical dealers.
Winter Blues vs. Seasonal Affective Disorder
The phrase "Winter Blues" and "Seasonal Affective Disorder" are often mentioned interchangeably during the winter season. There is a tendency to use these phrases synonymously, but they are not. One is a condition where the season and lack of light create a depression that affects all parts of their mental health, and the other is a temporary feeling.
21 Seasonal Affective Disorder Self Care Tips
Seasonal Affective Disorder is when a person experiences a depression that derives from the lack of light, typically during the fall and winter seasons. The American Psychiatric Association explains that "About 5 percent of adults in the U.S. experience SAD, and it typically lasts about 40 percent of the year" (Psychiatry.org) but is treatable. This article will share seasonal affective disorder self-care tips.
The 2022 Ultimate Guide to Bright Light Therapy
During the winter, the days get shorter, and our contact with the sun becomes even more limited. Many of us leave for work just as the sun is rising and don’t return home until after it has set, not getting any sunlight at all. While the amount of sunlight we need varies widely depending on our skin tone, age, and other factors, this lack of exposure can inhibit the healthy production of essential hormones. This could disrupt our sleep schedules and contribute to conditions like insomnia, depression, and seasonal affective disorder. Bright light therapy lamps, also known as sad lamps or happy lights, provide an artificial alternative to natural light that can help solve this common problem.
Light Therapy Lamp Reviews and Mentions
It's one thing to say you have the top therapy lamp, but it's another thing to back it with "best light therapy lamp" reviews, articles, mentions, and more. In this article, you'll find links to publications including the New York Times, CNN, Health.com, and more ranking our lights as the best light box therapy lamps.