SAD Lamps

Sad lamps, also known as light boxes or bright light therapy boxes, are a treatment option for individuals suffering from seasonal depression. SAD is a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. The lamps emit bright light that mimics natural sunlight, which can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and improve mood.

SADA’s best picks for SAD lamps

Below we have included a list of the our current favorite lamps for treating seasonal affective disorder.

Lumie Brazil

The Lumie Brazil lightbox is a great way to brighten up every day no matter the season. With its 3 powerful warm white bulbs providing 10,000 lux in just 30 minutes of use you can stay energized and lift your mood all year round.

Used as an effective treatment for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and winter blues, this medical device Class IIa has been designed by the light therapy specialist who invented the first wake-up light. Measuring 50cm x 31cm x 15cm it is one of the larger SAD lamps.

Click Here to View the Lumie Brazil on Amazon

Lumie Vitamin L

The Lumie Vitamin L is a modern and energy-efficient medical device designed for use in either portrait or landscape orientation, providing 10000 lux of cool white light from its 20 x 28 cm surface area. If you are looking for more detailed information you can read out Lumie Vitamin L review here.

The LED diffuser feature ensures an even and wide dispersion of the light over the desired area, creating a soft, comfortable illumination that is free from UV radiation.

All backed with an impressive 3-year manufacturer’s warranty – making this product perfect for anyone looking to improve their wellbeing though light therapy at home or on the go.

Click Here to View the Lumie Vitamin L on Amazon

What is a SAD Lamp?

A SAD lamp is a light therapy device designed to counteract the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD lamps are lightboxes that emit full-spectrum, bright white light. These lights mimic natural sunlight and help people struggling with SAD enter a better mood by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. Additionally, this light helps regulate melatonin production. Regular use of the lamp can significantly reduce the effects of a seasonal disorder and make it easier to live an everyday life.

The amount of light emitted from these lamps and how often they should be used depends on an individual’s needs and preferences. Some standard features in SAD lamps include a timer to determine how long you should use it each day and adjustable brightness levels so users can customize their treatment regimen. Some models also come with UV filters for extra protection against skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to artificial lighting, although most do not need this feature if used correctly.

How do SAD Lamps Work?

SAD lamps, also called light boxes or bright light therapy devices, work by emitting high-intensity light that closely mimics natural sunlight’s brightness and color spectrum. This helps to increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, as well as support melatonin production, leading to improvements in mood and overall well-being. Research shows that using a SAD lamp for 30 minutes every day for two weeks is often enough to provide clinically significant improvement for many people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The amount of time and intensity needed should be determined by your doctor based on your symptoms and severity of SAD. 

These lights produce such a high level of blue-enriched white light equal to or greater than 10,000 lux, making them effective treatments for stimulating natural circadian rhythms and providing more appropriate levels of day vs. night exposures. Additionally, some models come with UV filters to protect users from potential skin damage caused by extended use while preserving the efficacy of treatment sessions.

What to Look Out For When Buying a SAD Lamp

There are a few different factors that you should consider when buying a SAD lamp. Here are the most important things to look for when choosing a suitable SAD lamp for your needs:

Light Brightness, Color, and Intensity

When purchasing a SAD lamp for treating seasonal affective disorder, it’s essential to ensure that it has enough brightness and intensity (measured in lux). The light from the lamp should have full-spectrum illumination and produce an intense white light closest to natural sunlight. The brightness and color of the light emitted by the lamps can vary considerably, so make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications before buying. You want to ensure that you’re getting something that is bright enough and emits a safe amount of UV rays with its white light illumination – typically, 10,000 Lux or higher is the most effective.

Timer Feature

Another critical feature to look out for when shopping for a SAD lamp is whether it offers any type of timer or control features, such as allowing you to adjust brightness levels or set timers based on how long you’d like to use it each day. This kind of feature built into a SAD lamp can be very helpful in ensuring consistent treatment sessions and enable users to tailor their own therapeutic regimen more easily. 

Safety Features

One should always pay attention if any safety features are included, such as UV filters, which help protect skin from damage caused by prolonged exposure to artificial lighting. It’s worth considering models with this kind of additional protection even if you don’t feel it’s necessary – especially if children will be using the device. Also, make sure that all components are securely held together and functioning properly.

Size

SAD lamps come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s essential to consider the device’s size when purchasing. This is because larger lightboxes tend to produce more intense, higher-quality light because they can contain more powerful light. Additionally, larger models usually have more adjustable settings for further customisation and control over treatment sessions. For this reason, it’s recommendable to opt for larger-sized models whenever possible – although this isn’t always an easy option if you have limited space. In general, though, the bigger the model chosen, the better results can be expected from SAD lamp treatments.

Alternative Options

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional SAD lamps, consider trying a natural light alarm clock. These innovative devices mimic the natural sunrise by gradually brightening the room, helping you wake up gently and feeling refreshed.