Beat the winter blues by adding a little more light to your day with these picks . “Light Lamp”
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Using a light therapy lamp can be an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is associated with the lack of sunlight that occurs in winter months. Because individuals take in less natural light in winter compared to sunnier seasons, they experience a drop in serotonin, the “happy chemical” that naturally occurs in our bodies. This can make some people feel more drowsy and depressed.1 Light lamp can provide feel-good natural lighting when it’s not present in our environment.
Because people with general depression often also experience low levels of serotonin, this population can also benefit from using light therapy lamps. These lamps can even help those with sleep disorders—like insomnia, jet lag, or simply sleeplessness caused by a change in work shift schedules—because light therapy can aid in regulating our natural circadian rhythm, helping us fight fatigue and restlessness.2
As you look for the best one for you and your routine, take into consideration adjustable settings so you can tailor the lamp to your surroundings, shape so it’ll fit into your space, light intensity, and a timer to prevent overuse.
Here are the best light therapy lamps on the market.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Verilux HappyLight Light Lamp at Amazon
Best Floor Lamp: Lavish Home Floor Lamp at Amazon
Best Budget: Verilux HappyLight VT10 Compact Personal at Amazon
Best Desk Lamp: Theralite Aura Bright Light Lamp at Amazon
Best for SAD: Carex Light Therapy Lamp at Amazon
Best Design: SkyView Bios SkyView Wellness Table Lamp at Amazon
Best Alarm Clock: Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light at Amazon
Best Portable: Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp at Amazon
Best for Office: Carex Light Therapy Lamp at Amazon
Best Wall Mountable: Aura Daylight Therapy Lamp at Amazon
In This Article
Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Mind
Best Overall: Verilux HappyLight Light Therapy Lamp
Pros
Portable and compact
Can be used horizontally or vertically
Includes a detachable stand
Cons
No brightness setting
6-foot cord not long enough for some
Stand works best on even surfaces
Measuring 8.5 x 6.5 x .5 inches, the lamp’s symmetrical, square design ensures that it’s small and discreet enough to fit into just about any space. But don’t let the size fool you—the lamp’s 10,000 lux brightness matches that of the morning sun, without the unwanted UV rays.3
The light fully stretches across the lamp’s front panel, bathing whatever room it’s placed in with clean, customizable light. The brightness helps for efficiency and comfort, all of which help improve your focus, boost your mood, and support a healthy sleep cycle.
Its small build also makes it easy to take on the go and is sure to help you feel energized throughout your day.
Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches | Brightness Settings: Not listed | Light Intensity: 10,000 lux | Type: Desk lamp
Best Floor Lamp: Lavish Home Sunlight Floor Lamp
Pros
Shock- and vibration-resistant
Adjustable height and angle
Easy assembly
Cons
Ideal for rooms over 350 sq. ft
The floor lamp’s flexible gooseneck design gives whatever room you place it in clear, bright light to energize anyone who walks in. With a 27-watt CFL Bulb that gives off just as much light as a 150-watt bulb without using the same amount of energy, you can experience a full spectrum of daytime sun hues for more focus, energy, and better sleep.
The lamp measures 60.0 x 10.0 x 9.0 inches and features a weighted base to keep it stable. With 1,300 lumens, its bulb can last up to seven months before being replaced. Get it in a variety of stylish colors.
Dimensions: 60 x 10 x 9 inches | Brightness Settings: Not listed | Light Intensity: 1300 lumens | Type: Floor lamp
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