Finding the best light therapy lamp in the market can be an overwhelming task for anyone. This is especially so if you just began delving into light therapy lamps and don’t know exactly where to start. It’s easy to get lost with the amount of information you have to take in. With the number of products in the market right now, you might find it difficult to find the best light therapy lamp that will suit you perfectly. So I’ve made this buyer’s guide to make your decisions and choices easy for you.
Before we get started, let’s cover the basics first.
If you’re someone who experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder or commonly known as SAD, a light therapy lamp (can also be called a light box) is an effective medical device that can help relieve those symptoms of depression. If you’re unfamiliar with light therapy, it’s a type of treatment done by light therapy lamps to mimic natural sunlight. This works by triggering hormones in your body called serotonin and melatonin. Essentially, these hormones aid in boosting your mood and regulating your sleeping patterns. They do so by responding to our exposure to light and darkness.
Usually, light therapy is needed during the winter months when our exposure to sunlight is very limited. So having a light therapy lamp will come in handy in helping ease those SAD symptoms and keep our winter blues away.
Should I Buy A Light Therapy Lamp?
Before you go to head on and get yourself a light therapy lamp, it’s important that you discuss this with your doctor first. While generally safe, light therapy lamps are still medical devices after all. Moreover, SAD is something that should be officially diagnosed by a professional. It will be best if you use these devices under the advice and recommendation of your health care provider.
If you feel like you are exhibiting symptoms of SAD, please contact your doctor so they can give you a full and thorough examination. They will also be able to better identify other underlying causes if there are any. Timing and usage should be reviewed by your doctor. Sudden or prolonged exposure to light therapy without proper adjustment can lead to induced bouts of mania and other health problems.
If you’re already diagnosed with SAD, then it’s time to move to the next part of our guide.
What Do I Look For In A Light Therapy Lamp?
Now that the basics are settled, let’s talk about the things you will need to consider when choosing the best light therapy lamp for you.
Type Of Light
Figuring out what type of light you are looking for in a light box is probably one of the most important to consider. With numerous products to choose from, they also offer different kinds of light catered for a specific need.
LUX
LUX is the measure of light intensity. In most light therapy lamps you’ll find in the market, the standard is 10,000 LUX. This is claimed to be the perfect amount to replicate natural sunlight. Because of this, SAD lamps are found effective by experts and researchers. Light therapy lamps producing this level of light intensity are great when you’re trying to compensate for the lack of exposure to sunlight.
Though keep in mind some devices can still vary in light intensity and still be just as effective. For example, a smaller light therapy lamp producing lesser light intensity can still give you the same relieving and positive effects a larger device can.
Blue Light And Full Spectrum Therapy Lights
Aside from varying light intensities, there is also an option for blue light. According to a study, blue light effectively improves one’s mood than the typical bright, white light we get in most light boxes. So if you’re prioritizing boosting your mood, getting a light therapy lamp with blue light is a great option. However, blue light can be harmful to the eyes. So some experts would rather recommend a full spectrum light. They have little traces of blue light in them but are overall a lot safer.
Glare Free And Flicker Free
Another thing to take note of is if the light therapy lamp you’re choosing is glare-free and flicker-free. This is important for people who are sensitive to light. Flickering lights can sometimes be a pain and even cause headaches. So to get the best light therapy sessions, invest in a light box that includes glare control and flicker elimination technology.
Fluorescent Bulbs vs. LED Lights
You may also want to check if you would prefer LED lights or fluorescent bulbs. The former tends to require regular changes as the light diminishes and loses intensity over time. On the other hand, LED lights are much preferred due to their longevity and efficiency.
Shape And Design
When it comes to shapes and design, light therapy lamps offer a wide range in the market. From round, circular shapes to rectangular or square, or any shape you could think of. There is even one shaped like a pentagon! You’re sure to never run out of unique designs for a light therapy lamp.
The design and build you’d like your light therapy lamp to have will depend a lot on what you have in mind for it. If you’re planning to take it with you on your travels, something more compact, light, and portable will suit you. You can also consider one with a detachable or convertible stand. Other options can be light therapy glasses. There are a few brands that manufacture these like Lucimed. They are the company that produced the Luminette 3. Light therapy glasses are great for people who are constantly on the go. So if you fit in that criteria, light therapy glasses would be a wise choice.
If you only plan on putting your light therapy lamp in one place like the living room or on top of a desk, then the standard light boxes will be just fine. Do take note that a lot of these light boxes are heavy and big in size. So make sure you have enough room or space for them.
There are also light therapy lamps in the form of a floor lamp which I personally find quite nice. You can easily carry them around your house and let them stand on any part of the room while you do your thing.
Overall, it’s only a matter of preference which you’ll choose to invest in when deciding on a light therapy lamp.
SAD lamps can be quite pricy. There are definitely cheaper and more affordable options for sure but either way, you’d still want to get the most bang out of your buck when investing in such a device.
The main reason we choose to get a light therapy device is to help us feel better and boost our overall wellbeing. If that’s something our light boxes can’t give us then it’s a complete waste of money. Not to mention the amount of time we spend sitting in front of such lights only to not feel a single improvement.
So before going straight ahead for the cheaper option, make sure that they are still worth every penny and ticks all the boxes in our criteria.
For Who And What Is It For Specifically?
In case you’re unaware, some light therapy lamps are not made for people with SAD. There are light therapy lamps that specifically cater to people with skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and so much more. While some lamps are more effective in fixing a person’s circadian rhythm or irregular sleep patterns. If you get one of these kinds of light therapy lamps, it might not work in improving your symptoms of SAD. So it’s important to know which kind of light box you’re getting!
I would highly advise seeking your health care professional’s recommendations regarding which light therapy lamp will suit you the best. This is also to prevent any future problems you might encounter when using a light therapy lamp and get the best outcome possible.
Other Features
Every SAD lamp in the market has some unique feature that makes them stand out from other competitors. Here are some features you might want to consider:
Adjustability. If you are someone who likes to move around and constantly change positions, you ought to get a lamp that you can adjust without a hassle. There are tons of lamps in the market that has an adjustable neck or an adjustable head. Some you can even attach to a stand so the light is higher than your eyes. With this feature, you’ll be able to freely move your light around depending on your comfort level.
Timer. Some light boxes offer an automatic timer. This means the devices turn off by themselves once the session is over. This helps a lot if you don’t want to manually time your light therapy sessions. It also prevents you from overexposing yourself which may lead to health problems if done repeatedly.
Light Settings. Another feature to mention is that some light therapy lamps give you different light setting options. Usually, this means you can either use the maximum 10,000 LUX for your light therapy session or you can opt for a lower light setting. This is perfect for more casual situations where you don’t need that much light.
Conclusion
Overall, a light therapy lamp has many benefits and anyone using them properly will surely get the results they want. Whether it be a boost in energy or their mood, regulating their sleep patterns, or treating symptoms of SAD, a light therapy lamp is quite beneficial to have around. They’re an invasive treatment and produce little to no side effects.
If my guide has helped you finally invest in a light therapy lamp, let me know in the comments below. I’d like to know your thoughts!
The Luminette 3 is claimed as the World’s First Light Therapy Glasses. It’s actually the latest model from the Luminette Light Therapy Glasses, a step up from its previous design. So how do light therapy glasses differ from your traditional light therapy lamps? Are they more beneficial? Do they actually work? All your lingering questions will soon be answered as we dive into my review below.
For the longest time, sunlight has always been a necessity to one’s health. The right amount of sunlight exposure can give significant positive effects on our physical and mental wellbeing. That’s why during the colder seasons like winter, our moods and energy levels tend to dip. This is due to the lack of daylight hours. For some, the effects can be much worse and lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression usually occurring during the change of seasons from warmer to colder.
According to experts, sunlight triggers the release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone associated with boosting one’s mood, making you feel calm and positive. Without enough sunlight exposure, our serotonin levels dip and can cause negative effects on our overall wellbeing.
Luckily, today’s medical advancements had led experts to use light as a treatment for a range of health conditions including SAD. One particular medical device doctors advise to treat SAD is the use of light therapy.
I’m sure you’ve heard of light therapy lamps before, but light therapy glasses are one of the latest innovations in treating people experiencing SAD. It’s also a more portable way of relieving the symptoms of SAD.
Manufactured by a Belgian health-tech company called Lucimed, the Luminette 3 is a type of light therapy glasses that uses blue-enriched white light with 3 light settings for you to choose from. Its brightness intensity range from 500, 1000, and 1500 LUX. It’s made for people experiencing SAD, low energy levels, have difficulty sleeping, or have irregular sleep patterns, etc. Equipped with filtered LED lights that replicate the color properties and brightness of natural sunlight, the Luminette 3 is sure to improve those symptoms.
The Luminette 3 is the third version of light therapy glasses Lucimed has launched way back in 2006. They market the Luminette 3 as a wearable light box that you can use without having to change your daily routine. You’ll be able to do your activities throughout the day seamlessly while getting your light therapy sessions in.
With a patented optical system, the Luminette 3 is intended for optimal comfort. The light you get from the glasses is angled top-down with the actual device is placed above your eyesight. This is supposed to mimic the way you get natural sunlight from above and not hinder your line of sight.
Additionally, due to the Luminette 3’s safe, blue-enriched white light peaked at 468 nm, it is proven to be optimum in triggering your body’s positive response to sunlight.
Watch the video below to get more insight on how the Luminette 3 works.
How To Use The Luminette 3 and What’s In The Box
The Luminette 3 is fairly easy to use. Depending on your preference with the light intensity, you can choose between 500 LUX, 1000, LUX, and 1500 LUX. Once that’s settled, the duration of your light therapy sessions will depend on the light intensity you chose. For 1500 LUX, the recommended time is 20 minutes. While you get 45 minutes with the lowest intensity, 500 LUX. It’s also recommended to be used only once a day.
The photo below indicates the different parts and features of the Luminette 3 for your reference.
For what’s in the box, you get the light therapy glasses, the case, a few instruction pamphlets, and the charger.
Pros
There’s a lot of impressive things about the Luminette 3 that make it so great and sets it apart from its competition in the market. Why I think it can be better than your traditional light therapy lamps. So I’m here to explain all the benefits you can get from the Luminette 3 in clear detail.
One of the main features of the Luminette 3 that I like so much is how portable and convenient it is for any situation. Let’s say I have a terribly long day dedicated to working and I won’t be able to spare some time for my daily light therapy session. That can be quickly solved by the Luminette 3. All I have to do is wear it, turn it on, then go about my day as usual. I can wear it while I’m working, while I’m exercising, doing household chores, and any other activity I can think of.
It’s convenient enough that I no longer have to worry about changing or adjusting anything in my daily routine.
It Caters To A Lot Of People
The Luminette 3 isn’t just for people with SAD. This particular light therapy glasses can also be used by people with irregular sleeping patterns or disorders, people traveling frequently, jetlag, people with shifting schedules at work, and so much more.
If you struggle with irregular sleeping patterns or have sleeping disorders, the Luminette 3 will help improve that. With regular use, you’ll start to feel significant improvements and changes in your sleeping patterns. This is due to your circadian rhythm (or more commonly known as our body clock) naturally shifting its phase and resetting so by the time nighttime rolls in, you would be ready for bed.
If you’re someone who travels frequently, one session of the Luminette 3 can be a natural substitute for caffeine and energy drinks. This is also perfect for someone with shifting schedules at work or with graveyard shifts. A great energy boost without the negative effects of caffeine!
Light
When it comes to light quality, the Luminette 3 does not fall behind. In addition to having 3 different options for light intensities and uniquely filtered LED lights, the Luminette 3 is the only device that uses a hologram lens system. So what does this mean? Basically, the LED lights are directed away from your eyes and onto a mirrored surface which then reflects the light back into your eyes.
In an independent study, it was shown that the Luminette 3 works just as well and effectively as your traditional light therapy lamp with 10,000 LUX.
A Dedicated App
Another feature worthy of mention is the Luminette 3’s app called “MyLuminette”. It’s a chronotherapy application developed by an actual Chrono therapist. It’s equipped with programs helping you reshape your body clock, help you with light exposure and when to avoid it, monitors your sleep cycles and melatonin levels, just to name a few.
The MyLuminette app is available for download on both Android and IOS. Keep in mind that the app itself does not connect to the glasses, but it has a calendar for reminders and other helpful programs to keep you healthy.
Research Background & Ongoing Trials
With the Luminette 3, you’d be glad to know how much research and studies were put into these light therapy glasses. As of the moment, they also have ongoing trials for it. This means the Luminette 3 is only going to improve even more in the future, making it an even better investment.
If you’re interested in the research, you can read all about it here.
Risk-Free
Most likely, a lot of you are concerned about placing a light therapy device so close to your eyes. I would be, too. But you’ll be happy to know that in accordance with the international standard CEI 62471, the Luminette 3 is certified 100% safe for the eyes. Since its launch with the original model in 2006, more than 100,000 people have been safely using the Luminette 3 with zero risks.
Cons
Like any other product in the market, the Luminette 3 is bound to have a few flaws here and there. Keep scrolling if you’d like to know more about them.
One Size Fits All
While the Luminette 3 can probably fit most head sizes, I find that having only one size for their light therapy glasses not ideal. Every person has different head shapes, some will be bigger or smaller than others. This will cause the Luminette 3 to either slide off your head or just not fit entirely. Inclusivity is a must and having different size options would have been a great bonus in my book.
Battery Life
Because it’s such a small and portable device, the battery life of the Luminette 3 can be quite underwhelming. Regular charging is a must for this device. It’s not that big of a deal for me, but it can be annoying when you need a quick light therapy session and your device is down.
It’s Not For Everyone
The Luminette 3 can’t satisfy everyone. If you’re not a fan of glasses and don’t like anything sitting on top of your head, then this product will surely not be up to your speed. You’d be better off with checking out traditional light therapy lamps like the Carex Day-Light Sky.
Conclusion
If you have plans of transitioning from the traditional light therapy lamps to light therapy glasses, the Luminette 3 is your best choice.
For first-time users, the Luminette 3 can be an adjustment. Especially if you have been only using light therapy lamps. They will feel a little weird and new at first but you’ll quickly settle and get used to the feeling. You’ll also realize how convenient it is compared to other light therapy devices in the market. You don’t have to worry about the distance and losing light when you have the Luminette 3. It sits comfortably on your head without blocking your vision. It goes wherever you go and you’ll still be getting enough light for your light therapy sessions.
If you have an active lifestyle that gets hindered by SAD when the winter months come, investing in a Luminette 3 could be a life-changer.
If you already own a Luminette 3 or thinking of getting one, let me know in the comments below your insights and experiences!
Shortened daylight hours and the change of seasons tend to have varying effects on people. For some, the colder months can mean a drop in their energy, being more prone to mood swings, etc. While to others, these effects can be a lot more serious.
This is where SAD Light Therapy Lamps come in. After researching multiple light therapy lamps in the market, I’m here to tell you why the Carex Day-Light Sky Bright Light Therapy Lamp is one of the best for people with SAD.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term SAD, it’s an abbreviation for Seasonal Affective Disorder. According to experts, SAD is identified as a form of depression. Its symptoms usually occurring during the colder months of fall and winter. Symptoms can vary from feelings of sadness, loss of interest or energy, to difficulty in functioning or concentrating on your day-to-day activities. There’s a lot more that goes into it and if you feel like you experience such symptoms, seeking a professional is highly suggested. While SAD lamps can be bought by anyone, it’s good to keep in mind that light therapy lamps are best used under the advice of a medical expert.
When winter arrives and you start to feel your SAD symptoms taking their course, using a light therapy lamp is sure to help you out on those darker days. With various SAD lamps currently out in the market, I’m here to tell you why the Carex Day-Light Sky is the best choice for anyone coming down with the winter blues.
What Is The Carex Day-Light Sky And How Does It Work?
Made by Carex Health Brands, the Carex Day-Light Sky Bright Light Therapy Lamp is a light therapy lamp made to ease the symptoms of SAD such as fatigue, loss of energy, mood swings, feelings or thoughts of sadness, and many more.
This light therapy device has the recommended 10,000 LUX by researchers and clinicians in order to replicate natural sunlight. This gives you optimal bright light therapy. Additionally, it gives you two lighting options: the full 10,000 LUX settings for light therapy sessions or the ambient option with 5,000 LUX for a softer light. The Day-Light Sky is also made of Hi-impact polycarbonate with the lens filtering 99.3% of harmful UV rays. This keeps your eyes and skin well protected.
The Carex Day-Light Sky Bright Light Therapy Lamp uses a glare-free and flicker-free LED that evenly distributes light for optimum sessions of light therapy. It’s made of high-efficiency LED diodes which eliminate flicker that comes with ordinary fluorescent fixtures. It’s best used for 20-30 minutes every morning to get your mood up when you’ve just started your day.
Compensating for its non-adjustable legs, the Day-Light Sky’s head can be moved in different angles depending on where you’re comfortable. On the side of the lamp’s arm, you’ll find large chrome pushbuttons. This is where you’ll also see the light head to adjust the height and angle. When you push this button, the lamp will be locked into place and won’t move. At the base, a toggle switch is located that allows you to switch turn off the device, or change between the 10,000 LUC and 5,000 LUX.
In case you’re finding difficulty in setting up this light therapy lamp, here’s a complete user guide and an instructional video provided by Carex Health Brands themselves on how to build the Carex Day-Light Sky properly.
The Day-Light Sky excels in a lot of things that make it stand out from every other SAD lamp you see in the market. I’ve listed them below:
Design
A noteworthy feature to point out from the Carex Day-Light Sky Bright Light Therapy Lamp is its smart design.
If you have gone through Amazon’s list of light therapy lamps, you’ll see there is a variety of shapes and sizes. Some manufacturers have their products shaped like a square or a circle. There are light therapy lamps that rest on top of your desk, directing the light right in front of your face. Some have their lights a little too small. Some even sacrifice their light intensities to make their products more portable. The list is endless. But this is where the Day-Light Sky shines the brightest.
The Day-Light Sky is designed to perfectly mimic outdoor light or natural sunlight. It’s designed in a way that the light enters your eyes from above, exactly how the sun is like during the sunnier seasons. This is considered to be the most beneficial and optimum positioning during light therapy sessions.
In addition, the lamp’s ability to pivot in different angles and directions gives you enough versatility to either use it for work or light therapy sessions.
Overall, I find the design fairly contemporary. It fits perfectly in any office or indoor setting as well. It’s sturdy and well-built. It’s not too bold or loud or too medical device-looking. Despite its size, I find it quite discreet and can pass off as a traditional lamp rather than a medical instrument sitting on your house.
Light
Aside from the Day-Light Sky’s ergonomic design, its light quality and performance are just as impressive.
This light therapy lamp is glare-free and has zero-flicker. I’ve also mentioned before that it has two light settings. The 10,000 LUX gives you the optimal effect during light therapy sessions. While the 5,000 LUX provides more ambient light for a casual setting.
The Day-Light Sky’s light quality combined with its design can also be perfect for crafting or detail-oriented work. Rest assured that you won’t experience any headaches from this device as it also includes a diffuser cover to help soften the light. That way, it won’t be too bright to cause any problems for you.
Distance
The Day-Light Sky’s field of light is huge. You actually get up to 12 inches of distance from its 10,000 LUX of light. It gives a comfortable enough distance to move around without losing light.
While it still falls 4 inches short of the recommended minimum distance, I find the Day-Light Sky’s field of light already generous. Compared to other light therapy lamps, some only give you 6 inches or even 2 inches of distance. So the Day-Light Sky still delivers well on this aspect.
Cons
No product is perfect and the Day-Light Sky is no exception. Though admittedly, it was quite difficult to find flaws on the Day-Light Sky. Some of these I don’t mind at all, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind in case they might be potential deal-breakers for you.
Size
If you’re concerned with heavy and large products, then the Day-Light Sky’s size might pose a problem. Its unit is definitely not the most portable or has the lightest design in the market. In fact, it might even be one of the largest.
For reference, the Day-Light Sky’s product dimensions are as follows: 13.75 x 10.5 x 27.25 inches; 8.2 Pounds.
So if you’re thinking of putting the Day-Light Sky on top of your work desk, be ready that it’s going to take up a lot of space. This will potentially make working uncomfortable for you. If the lamp is placed behind your monitor, you might find it difficult to feel the effects of the light as you’ll be out of its range already.
Bulb Replacements
Because the Day-Light Sky uses fluorescent bulbs, you’re going to have to replace them from time to time. Though they are rated for 8,000 hours, the light intensity does degrade over time. So you’re not always going to get as much brightness as you did during the first time of use.
If you’re someone iffy with this kind of feature, you can try looking for light therapy lamps that use LED lights instead.
Timer Function
As we progress with technology and gadgets, we kind of lean more to items that automatically do things for us. Sadly, this cannot be expected with the Day-Light Sky.
A lot of light therapy lamps already offer automatic timer functions where the device turns off once the session is over, but this doesn’t apply to the Day-Light Sky. Instead, you have one button for switching between different modes of lighting and for turning it on/off.
Personally, I don’t see this as a huge deal breaker, but adding an automatic timer would have been definitely nice. Saves me the effort of having to use a separate timer!
Color
This is most likely just me nitpicking, but I’m quite fussy when it comes to colors. Especially when they are devices that will be out on display in my house.
I’ve mentioned previously that the Day-Light Sky has a fairly contemporary design. While it fits in perfectly in almost any interior, it can come off a little bit too plain for me. You only get one color option, which the manufacturer describes as teal blue. I don’t mind the blue at all, but different color options would have been a great plus for me.
My Final Verdict
In conclusion, the Carex Day-Light Sky checks the criteria I have when it comes to being effective and safe. It delivers well on the therapeutic aspect and produces high-quality light, it’s well-built and just overall topnotch.
In addition, it’s cheaper compared to its competitors in the market. For under $200, The Day-Light Sky packs a lot of power and generally has positive feedback from people who have bought and used it. They have stated it gave them almost instant effects, relieving them of their winter blues, and left them with a more positive outlook during the winter season. Overall, this lamp makes a great alternative to the lack of daylight hours we get once the colder seasons arrive.
Have you gotten yourself a Carex Day-Light Sky light therapy lamp yet? Comment down below and let me know how your experience was!
