The Best Light Therapy Lamps for Beating the Winter Blues

By
Theresa Holland
Theresa Holland
Theresa Holland
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in lifestyle, pop culture, and personal finance. She has two years of experience, having written for Elite Daily, The Financial Diet, Thought Catalog, Film Daily, and other online publications.
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Updated on Mar 12, 2021

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If you live somewhere that gets distinctly darker and colder during the winter, or you work indoors with little natural lighting, you probably know that both those experiences can sap your energy and put a damper on your mood. Some people experience these effects more intensely than others, and that's where light therapy lamps come in.

Whether you're diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or just feeling a lack of energy, these light boxes can actually make a big difference. Light therapy lamps are about 20 times brighter than ordinary indoor lamps, and sitting in front of one for just 30 minutes a day can help boost your mental outlook, make you feel more energized, and even help you sleep better. Take note that it's not a cure-all approach, and you should talk to a doctor about other treatments if you're experiencing SAD.

If you want to give it a try, we found the best light therapy lamps available today.

Most light therapy lamps have a 10,000-lux intensity and can be used for 15-20 minute sessions. Lower intensity models may require longer sessions to have the same effect. The general rule of thumb is to start with shorter sessions and gradually increase over time as you get used to the treatment.

Verilux HappyLight Light Therapy Lamp

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Verilux HappyLight Light Therapy Lamp

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The Verilux HappyLight is a compact panel light about the size and shape of a tablet. It provides 10,000 lux of natural full-spectrum light to combat symptoms of SAD and can be set to a high or low intensity depending on your preference.

Since it's such a compact shape, you can easily place it on your desk, dresser, shelf, or bathroom counter, or mount it to the wall for elevating illumination anytime, anywhere. It plugs into a standard AC outlet and has a conveniently long 8-foot cord. Plus, you don't need any tools to change the bulbs or lenses.

Philips HF3650/60 Sleep and Wake-Up Light Therapy Lamp Review

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Philips HF3650/60 Sleep and Wake-Up Light Therapy Lamp Review

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Looking for a bedside option? You can't go wrong with the Philips SmartSleep. This lamp isn't technically a light therapy lamp, but it does help regulate your body's natural circadian rhythm and give you an energy boost in the morning.

By gradually illuminating your bedroom with the warm tones of soft morning light, it effectively simulates the sunrise to help wake you up. In the evening, it mimics the sunset and gradually dims the light to help you wind down and decompress from your day. Its built-in RelaxBreathe feature can also lead you in a guided breathing exercise to help you relax into your most peaceful slumber.

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Carex Day-Light Classic Plus

Carex Day-Light Classic Plus

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If you're looking for something a bit larger, consider the Carex Day-Light Classic Plus. With a 12-inch square face, this studio-style lamp can illuminate bigger spaces and offer light therapy benefits to more than one person at a time.

The flexible stand makes it easy to adjust the direction of the light, and the glare-free screen provides soft, energizing illumination. Thanks to special LED BrightZone technology, this light box offers 10,000 lux of full-spectrum, UV-filtered white lighting.

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Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp

Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp
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The Lumos 2.0 is an effective mood-boosting sun lamp with a sleek and stylish design. It delivers a healthy dose of the UV-free daylight your body craves—with 10,000 lux of bright yet soft illumination, you'll get dot-free, full-spectrum light that simulates the mid-day sun.

This light therapy lamp has an adjustable hinge, allowing you to direct the light toward different areas of your space. Plus, with single-touch operation and three levels of brightness, it's easy to use and personalize to your needs.

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Nature Bright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy

Nature Bright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy
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Recommended by Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, Nature Bright's SunTouch Plus is an impressive product with a science-backed design. The two-in-one model offers both light therapy and fresh air therapy, thanks to a built-in air purifier.

As for the light component, SkyEffect technology provides 17,000K of uplifting, sunlight-mimicking illumination without any UV rays. Using this light box can make you feel calmer and energized with a more positive outlook.

This compact and lightweight happy lamp measures 9 x 6 x 13 inches and weighs just 1 pound. It can be placed on your kitchen counter, desk, mantle, or nightstand or brought with you for on-the-go light therapy.

Final Verdict

Overall, our top choice is the Verilux HappyLight, which combines full spectrum, UV-free light with personalized settings and a compact design for safe and convenient light therapy. For something a bit more budget-friendly with similar features, we recommend the Miroco Light Therapy Lamp, which also features a built-in timer and touch screen capability.

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Article Sources
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  1. How Does Light Therapy Work?. Cleveland Clinic.

  2. Will a SAD Sun Lamp Actually Make You Happy?. Cleveland Clinic.