10 Best Light Therapy Lamps in 2022 (Licensed Professional Counselor-Reviewed)
You should consider a light therapy lamp if you have ever experienced winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression that relates to the changing of the seasons. In Fall and Winter, shorter days mean less exposure to natural light. A light therapy lamp, otherwise called a light therapy box, is an artificial light source that emits bright light to mimic sunlight and its effects. While light therapy helps relieve symptoms of SAD, it can also alleviate other symptoms such as those associated with depression, jet lag, or dementia. Light therapy boxes are available in varying intensities to suit the treatment requirements of those needing them.
We reviewed many light therapy lamps, and the portable lamp from Lastar is our top pick. It emits UV-free light of 10,000 lux and has a flexible timer that lets you time your sessions without causing energy wastage. And the brightness adjustment with a simple touch operation makes it easy to use. Have a look at our list of the 10 best light therapy lamps, and read our buying guide to make the right choice.
Omolola Taiwo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Katy, Texas who provides psychotherapy services to young adults, adults, and couples. She specializes in wellness-oriented and trauma-informed care, with an integrative approach of cognitive-behavioral interventions, dialectical behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and wellness consulting.
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Why Should You Consider Using a Light Therapy Lamp?
When sunlight is low during the winter, or if you're someone who spends the entire day indoors, you're most likely to experience the effects caused by the lack of sun. And even if you don't have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), you might experience issues with sleep and cognitive function.
Exposure to sunlight can boost the production of melatonin, the hormone that aids the sleep-wake cycle. You might have heard of serotonin, the happy chemical that can affect your emotions and motor skills. Sunlight can help maintain this neurotransmitter's healthy levels.
When choosing a light therapy box, there are many options to choose from. These light therapy boxes are most beneficial if you struggle with sleep disruption, clouded thinking, or mood changes during the winter season. You can consider using a light therapy lamp to support your daily living activities, or as a complement to your meditation/mindfulness sessions.
How to Choose Light Therapy Lamps
Lamps need to meet certain criteria to call them light therapy lamps. You can find hundreds of models that come with the promise of reducing the symptoms of winter blues. But to find something that works for you, it's essential to know what standards are required to set the best apart.
For Mood Disorders, Opt for a Lamp That's UV-Free
Constant exposure to ultraviolet rays can be harmful to your eyes and skin. Therapy lamps designed for treating skin disorders come with some level of UV emission. For winter blues, you don’t need a lamp that emits UV radiation.
A lamp that blocks at least 99 percent of the UV light is ideal. You can also find lamps that are UV and blue light-free. If the lamp uses LED light bulbs, you don't have to worry about UV emissions.
However, blue light is recommended for some individuals undergoing SAD treatment. Be warned that it can be harmful to the eyes. Full-spectrum light is a much safer choice, although it has a little amount of blue light in it. Also, full-spectrum light is closest to sunlight and has been found effective in reducing SAD symptoms.
Aim for 10,000 Lux Light Intensity When Possible
A lamp's brightness is measured in lux, which stands for luminous flux, and indicates the total amount of light emitted in all directions. Lux defines the amount of light that can reach the surface from the light source. Doctors and researchers with expertise in treating SAD say 10,000 lux is suitable for most light therapy treatments.
Anything higher than that isn't going to grant you any additional benefit. And anything below 2,500 is not classified as a SAD lamp. However, not all users require a high-intensity lamp. Those diagnosed with SAD need a clinical therapy lamp with 10,000 lux or as directed by the therapist. Others can do away with a lesser intensity.
The higher the lux, the shorter the treatment duration will be. If a lamp with 10,000 lux is recommended for 30 minutes, a 5,000 lux lamp might need 50 to 60 minutes for equivalent effect. Most lamps have a brightness adjustment feature that allows you to lessen or increase the intensity for your comfort.
Fluorescent, incandescent, and LED bulbs are generally used as light sources in these lamps. Although the bulb's brightness is more important than its type, it is best to go with LED bulbs. They focus light in one direction and reduce wasted energy, unlike other sources that emit light in all directions.
Regardless of the source used, the light intensity will be reduced when you move away from the lamp's surface. Be warned that these lamps can be quite intense to those with migraines and photosensitivity.
Bigger Areas Need Big and Wide Lamps
Light therapy lamps come with different dimensions to suit rooms of various sizes. A larger lamp isn't required inside a compact space. Likewise, a smaller lamp isn't going to help inside a bigger room. You will need to sit closer to the lamp for optimal results.
Also consider the lamp's placement. Some people like to place the lamp on the floor, whereas others need it on their tabletop or desk. Regardless of where you're placing it, ensure that the light field is wide enough to fall on your face. With a larger source, your face will be basked in light while you go about your household chores.
Light therapy lamps with a larger surface area boast a higher lux. The optimal surface area is about 12 by 15 inches, so that you can receive the recommended exposure while being able to move around the space. On the other hand, smaller light therapy lamps are ideal for those who travel often or who experience jet lag. Some portable lamps offer screens as small as 5 b 5 inches.
Find a Lamp With a Suitable Color Temperature
Color temperature is another essential factor that helps you understand the appearance of the light. It's measured in Kelvins. Cool, warm, and natural white lights are the color temperatures that lamps come with. Cool white will give you the noon sunlight's brightness, which is between 6,000K and 7,000K.
A warm white light therapy lamp will have a color temperature of between 2,000K and 3,000K, equivalent to sunrise and sunset. Natural white light is between cool white and warm white and can offer as much brightness as an electronic flash.
Most therapy lamps with natural white lights will have a color temperature of between 4,000K and 6,000K. The cooler the light, the higher the color temperature will be. Most therapeutic lamps use cooler color temperatures, unlike an indoor light that emits warmer temperature.
Choose a Lamp With Flexible Light Adjustments
Not everyone might be comfortable with the bright light emitted out of a high lux light therapy lamp. An adjustable brightness setting is an important feature to look for, especially for those with light sensitivity. Some models have a completely flexible setting to adjust the light intensity from 10 to 100 percent.
Some lamps feature three or more preset brightness levels to choose from based on individual preferences. The light head of some lamps will be connected to a bracket that keeps them flexible and adjustable. These types are easy to use in the portrait or landscape mode at varying angles.
Some lamps offer a 360-degree rotation for extreme flexibility. Also available are highly compact models that are travel-friendly and fit comfortably inside your luggage.
For individuals with light sensitivity, most lamps emit a high lux of light. Consider using a lamp that is adjustable from 0% to 100% for your comfortability. A bonus to consider for compact and portable flexible light lamps is that they're helpful with adjusting angles and rotation. This makes them ideal for traveling with.
Memory Function and Built-in Timers Can be Handy
Certain models come with a memory feature that can recall and restore the previous brightness level.
The latest models have introduced features that allow the lights to slowly build up to the desired brightness level. This can be helpful for those who don't want to start the treatment with extremely bright light. This can also help avoid hurting the eyes.
A lamp with a built-in timer can be useful as it allows you to time your sessions. It allows the lamp to run for the selected period and shut off automatically. This is an energy-saving feature that can also save you from having to turn it off manually.
10 Best Light Therapy Lamps Ranking
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This lamp provides a customizable experience as it allows for five levels of adjustable brightness. It also contains a built-in timer that can be set in ten-minute increments for up to an hour. A sleek build allows this lamp to be taken on the go.
Some reviewers expressed that they wish the base was more adjustable, so that the light could be angled differently. However, most reviews praise the lamp for its great features. Most of all, people enjoyed the simple and portable design.
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This two-in-one lamp provides traditional light therapy as well as negative ionizing technology to help improve your mood. The blue light mimics the bright blue sky for 15-, 30-, 45-, or 60-minute intervals. Impressively, it comes with recommendations from the Columbia Department of Psychiatry and is also tested and certified as safe for the eyes.
A few reviews noticed that using the negative ionizer can produce a foul odor; they preferred to use just the light therapy. But overall the lamp is a success, it improved the mood and sleep of many users. Several have used it daily for years with no issues.
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With the optimal intensity of 10,000 lux, this sleek and portable lamp can emit light that's equivalent to the noon sun's brightness. And if you need the light in another direction, just rotate the light panel using the three hinges. Its bulb can last for 50,000 hours of usage. It also has three brightness levels.
A few reviewers expressed worry over how hot the lamp got during use. However, most reviewers appreciated the design and liked how portable the lamp was. It fits easily on a bedside table and many use it first thing in the morning to help them wake up.
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With a compact and elegant design, this lamp would be the perfect addition to any space. Boasting 10,000 lux and three adjustable brightness levels, the lamp works great for light therapy. A simple interface allows the light to be turned on or adjusted with a simple press of a button.
Some of those who used the lamp wished it could be dimmed even more than the lowest setting, as they found that even too bright. However, most found the simple design refreshing. A large number of reviewers commented on their appreciation of the elegant design and simple controls.
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This light therapy lamp is designed to resemble a tablet, making it perfect to slip into bags or purses and take on the go. It contains a great deal of customization with four adjustable brightness levels and three adjustable color temperatures. A countdown timer can be set up to an hour in five-minute increments. It even features the option to be mounted on a wall.
A couple of reviewers found the timer function to be clunky and wished it was more intuitive. On the other hand, most who used the lamp found the timer and adjustable functions to their liking. Many reviewers appreciated the tablet design and take it with them when they travel.
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This ring light therapy lamp is great for light therapy treatment due to the design and a great deal of personalization. The open design allows the user to sit near it comfortably. An adjustable brightness button allows for the light to be dimmed when needed. The lamp also boasts a memory function so it will remember your last used brightness setting.
A number of reviewers noticed that the touch controls would occasionally not pick up commands. But, most of those who purchased the lamp really love the design and customized functions. Reviewers love the simplicity of being able to adjust the brightness and color temperature.
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This compact light therapy lamp is perfect for portability and easy storage. You can slip it in your pocket and plug it in anywhere you can find a USB port. The cover protects the lamp and rotates into an adjustable stand to get the perfect angle.
Some reviews point out that with the stand rotated the whole way, it pinches the USB cord. Other reviews rave about the compact design, saying they love placing it into their bag, pocket, or even lunchbox. Reviewers also love that the lamp is powered by a USB cable.
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This lamp has a big light face and comes resting on a sturdy pedestal. Its flexible arm allows for angle adjustment for optimal positioning. The emitted UV-free white light can provide 10,000 lux output for up to 12 inches from the source. The light is free of flicker and glare, so it is less likely to bother your eyes.
Some customers had difficulty replacing the bulbs once they had burnt out. But many others still enjoy the lamp and recommended it for treating winter blues, mood swings, and sleep disorders. The lamp was easy to set up, and its heavy and sturdy base kept it from falling.
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This therapy lamp has a rotating head that can be tilted to an angle comfortable for your therapy. It stays at a height of over four feet and rests on a sturdy base. The UV-filtered and flicker-free lamp can diffuse 10,000 lux intensity light for up to 12 inches.
There were a few complaints about the lamp being priced too high for the amenities you receive. Otherwise, many users were happy about finding a floor lamp that helped them beat the winter blues. It was easy to put together as well.
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With a unique design, this light therapy lamp has multiple sides emitting light as opposed to just the face side. This fact makes it perfect for larger rooms and sitting a bit further from the lamp if necessary. You can receive 10,000 lux exposure at up to 18 inches away. The lamp is customizable and comes with a remote control from which you can adjust the brightness and color temperature.
A couple of reviewers had issues with the light burning out after only a few months of use. Other reviewers did not have the same issue; rather, they praise the design and efficiency of the lamp. Many people love the lamp not only for the light benefits, but also for how it looks in their home.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to reviewing and commenting on the buying guide, Omolola also took the time to answer a commonly asked question about light therapy lamps.
How do I use a light therapy lamp?
"When comparing light therapy lamps, it's helpful to consider whether you can choose the lux, size, color temperature, intensity, and timers," Omolola says. "Depending on the lux, some therapy lights are good for brief periods. The color temperature and intensity of the light are helpful for deciding the time of day you would like to use the lamp."
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To keep you happy and relaxed even during dark times, we have some more recommendations. Try them out and change the way you feel about the cold and dark winter months.
Amazon's Best Selling Light Therapy Lamps
If you are interested in learning more about various light therapy lamps, or if you are unsure where to start, try Amazon's best selling list of light therapy lamps.
Buying Guide Reviewed by Licensed Professional Counselor Omolola Taiwo
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Disclaimer
The products listed do not guarantee any effects or results as described in the buying guide, nor do terms like “treating SAD” ensure that you will not experience any improvements in your mood or well-being.
None of the content on this website is intended to act as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed medical practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider for healthcare concerns. In order to provide as much accurate information as possible, we referenced the following sources for information.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
