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Best SAD lights Review

May 19, 2010 By

If you are looking for the best SAD lights on the market then you have come to the right site. The Sad Light Box Review team have sourced, shortlisted and chosen the winning s.a.d. light boxes to treat seasonal mood disorder. If you are in a hurry, here is our winner for the UK, US and Canada:

>>>>Find out more about Philips goLITE BLU Energy Light (US only)

>>>>Find out more about Philips HF3330 goLITE BLU Energy Light (UK only)

This is it. Our winner was unanimously the Philips goLITE BLU. This little yet powerful lightbox will be a hard product to beat in future.

Unexpectedly, the best priced products that we could find were on Amazon. This may be because they can buy in bulk which reduces unit costs.

The goLITE is what it sounds like – it is a lamp that uses both blue light and white light, with the recommended 10000 Lux output that I always talk about.

It is one for people ‘on the go’ as it is one of the smallest light boxes around, so can be taken anywhere.

The goLITE also requires the least ammount of time to use compared to other leading light box products. You can benefit from the golite by using it for as little as 15 minutes per day.

Best Sad Light Product

The Sad Light Box Review team cannot pick any faults in this light, which believe me is extremely unusual.

It is even ‘new and improved’ with a wider field of light  so that you can get on with other things in your day. It also has a soft anti-glare panel to prevent any eye strain or headaches in early use.

I have personally found this light box very beneficial. It has improved my concentration levels, reduced the blurry vision that I suffer with when I tired in the latter part of the day, and has also lifted my mood on dreary days.

Philips are so serious about providing cutting edge products and looking after thier customers that they have also included instructions on how to use your goLITE in different time zones to restore balance to your body clock.

With  Philips being the longest standing company to develop and produce light therapy products, they are a name that can be trusted. There is also a 2 year warranty with the goLITE, so that is added assurance of quality and trustworthiness.

Here is just one of a lot of golite reviews that we have collated:

“I find aesthetics important and this is one of those nice, roundy edged items that it feels pleasant to have around (if Apple made a light box, I suspect it would look like this).

The unit stows in a smart padded leather effect soft slip wallet. A metal rod to create an easel effect for use is packed away (held magnetically) in a slot at the back. The charger is one of those `all in the plug’ type units so there is no heavy in line adapter to contend with.
This Unit could slip into a large coat pocket or handbag – certainly it can slip into a drawer or a bag for travelling and it is so, well, dinky. Not only that but it weighs very little – a light, light box if you like.”
S. Thomas, 13 April 2010

>>>>Find out more about Philips goLITE BLU Energy Light (US only)

>>>>Find out more about Philips HF3330 goLITE BLU Energy Light (UK only)

Added Best Sad Light Know-how

Whilst larger sad light boxes make us the consumers believe that the light bath will be more effective, this is not true any more because the tech has really moved on. The smaller more compact lightboxes and alarm clocks around now use a smart technology that produces a wider field of light than you would expect.

Gone are the days of lugging large clunky lightboxes around the house (I still have one) or trying unsuccessfully to store it away. These smaller models, complete with rechargeable function so that you don’t always have to be plugged into the mains to use it, are much easier to use and fit into your lifestyle.

Other Sites And Resources

What is the best cure for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Here is the Seattle area, it’s not as rainy as many people like to say, but we get plenty of dark and gray days making life hard for us SAD sufferers. I cope with Christmas lights, inside and outside. 

Apollo Energy Light Review
At Sad Light Box, we would rate this light box as being the best full size light on the market right now. It weighs just 6lb, so its a winner. 

Do SAD Lights Cause Cancer?
I have battled depression and have wondered several times whether SAD could be a big part of it, as I always feel my best during the months when we have longer daylight hours and more sunshine overall. 

Filed Under: Featured Sad Light Box Tagged With: , , ,

White Light Therapy Tips

May 19, 2010 By

White Light BoxIf you are looking for white light therapy treatment, or you want some white light treatment advice, then you have come to the right place. The Sad Light Box Review team have sourced and tested a range of light therapy products to find you the best ones at great prices. If you are in a hurry, here are the links to our favourites:

>>>>Go to Day Light Lux Wellness Light (UK only) (Lower Budget)

>>>>Go to UpLift Day Light Natural Light Lamp (US and Canada)

White light therapy is essentially the same as other terms such as blue light therapy or full spectrum light therapy.

White light therapy light boxes all have a LUX rating added to thier product description, usually from 5000 to 10000 Lux. Lux ratings represent each unit of illuminance and luminous emittance, i.e 1 lux is one unit or candle of light.

When shopping for a credible white light therapy device, you should always choose lightboxes that have 10,000 Lux. The ‘weaker’ S.A.D. light boxes at 5000 have been medically proven to not be entirely beneficial the the user, unless the individual is happy to sit in front of the light box for up to 2 hours per day. Obviously for most people this would simply be impractical.

The perfect part of modern day lightboxes is that you usually only have to use them for a maximum of 30 minutes per day, and in some cases as little as 15 minutes. Both winning white light therapy products above work fast to lift the mood and restore balance back cardacian rhythms (body clock).

The new UpLift Day Light Natural Light Lamp from ComfortChannel is a superb multifunctional model. It can be used with its stand to sit on your table top or desk, or it comes with brackets for wall mounting. The stand is great because it allows full adjustability so that you can get the angle of the light right for your eyes and seating position.

The UpLift Day Light Natural Light Lamp is fairly large, so you can be sure that the surface area of light will be absorbed fully by your eyes no matter how you are sitting or what you are doing. Don’t worry though, this lamp is extremely light and has been designed to be portable.

The best part about the Uplift is that it can be adjusted from 10000 Lux to 7000 Lux to suit your purposes. This is a unique feature that is not in most sad lamps, and is great if you are using the lamp in the latter half of the day when you want a slightly dimmer light therapy bath.

The Uplift has a 5 year Warranty, so you don’t have to worry about the Sad lamps longevity.

In the UK, the winning lightbox is the Day light Lux Wellness Light. This product is simple, and does what it says on the tin so to speak.

It has 10000 Lux output, and is also multifunctional in that it can be mounted on the wall or used on the desk top with its fully adjustable frame so you can get the angle just right.

The Sad Light Box Review team think this is a winner because it is extremely affordable, it has the right Lux output for optimum white light treatment, and it also light weight and portable. But don’t just take our words for it. Here is a great review (one of many) that we found on this super little light:

“I purchased this lamp as I work from home and during the winter months seldom get out during daylight hours. Delivery was good, packaged well and the lamp provides really bright light which has transformed my working conditions. I use contact lenses and find that my ability to read small print has improved dramatically. I keep this on all day from when I first sit by my PC till when I go to bed at night. A great buy!”
Elizabeth Smith, Yorkshire, 18 Feb 2010

>>>>Go to Day Light Lux Wellness Light (UK only) (Lower Budget)

>>>>Go to UpLift Day Light Natural Light Lamp (US and Canada)

Extra White Light Therapy Tips

It is usually advisable to start white light therapy as early as September until late spring (approximately 6 months) If you suffer from Winter Blues (SAD). This will help to reset the body clock on a daily basis.

A light box is also brilliant if you work in an office or studio that has limited or no natural light source. White light therapy will improve vision, concentration and overall work performance.

It is best to use the light box in an uninterrupted block of time, i.e. not when you are likely to be away from your desk or seat alot.

From The Blogosphere

Light Therapy
I’ve always been concerned that my room is slightly poorly lit with only one standing lamp for light. I have white ceiling lights but I don’t like white light so I don’t use them except when I want to clean. 

A closer look at light therapy
See the Light: A closer look at light therapy and hundreds of other skin care and beauty articles at DERMAdoctor.com. Free Samples with every order.

Light Therapy for Finding Energy
Philips LivingColors LED Mood Light, Mini, Glossy White. Philips SpotOn LED Light, White, One-Pack. Philips SpotOn LED Light, Gold, One-Pack. 

Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device
These melanopsin photoreceptors absorb light of a specific wavelength and that is BLUE (460-480 nm). Older light boxes used white light (which contained blue light) that mimicked light from the sun, but apparently those are superbright.

Filed Under: Seasonal Affective Disorder Tagged With: , , , , ,

10000 Lux Light Box Review

May 17, 2010 By

If you are looking for a 10000 lux light box then you are on the right site. If you are in a hurry, here are the links to our best 10000 Lux lamp products on the market in the US, Canada, and UK:

>>>>Find out more about Day Light LUX Wellness Light 10000 LUX (UK only)

>>>>Find out more about Philips goLITE BLU Energy Light (US only)

As you are searching for 10000 Lux Sad Light products, you will already know that it is important to select a SAD light box that has a 10000 Lux output.

You may have seen cheap sad light boxes that have an output of as little as 5,000 Lux. Medical evidence prooves that these weaker bright lights are not effective at treating mental health complaints, including fatigue and depression.

The Sad Light Box Review team have researched, tried and tested several leading lightboxes in the US, Canada and Europe. To explain how we have chosen the above winners, this is our shortlist criteria:

1. Sad Lamp must have 10000 LUX output (excluding sad alarm clocks with dawn simulators.)
2.Products have to be affordable, preferably under £70 or $110.
3. Sad Lamp should be compact and practical for everyday or travel use.
4.Products must have at least a 2 year warranty.
5.Light box bulbs must have a longevity of at least 3 years.

We tested a range of products, from Apollo light boxes to Philips, compact travel light boxes to full spectrum standard size sad lights.

Our team of experts, as well as a carefully selected group of volunteers suffering from a range of complaints from insomnia to Seasonal Affective Disorder chose the Philips goLITE and the SAD Light 10,000 High Lux Lamp as the winners.

The Philips goLITE Blu ticks all of the boxes for us. Philips is definitely a name that can be trusted internationally, and are world reknowned for thier reliablity and customer satisfaction. The goLITE  has a two year warranty which is of course very valuable.

The best part about the goLITE is that it is effective from as little as 15 minutes a day, so it really wont change your lifestyle at all.

The goLITE has a 10000 Lux output, and Philips have added diffussion optics  for softer light to prevent harsh light glare from affecting your eyes.

The Golite is one of the smallest sad light boxes on the market, so easy for travel. It’s also fully rechargable so you can plug in anywhere.

Admittedly, the goLITE is a little on the expensive side at $144.50. For what it is, it is worth the investment. You wont need to buy a new one for at least a decade.

In the UK, the votes were in for the Day Light LUX Wellness Light 10000 LUX. Whilst there are also goLITE lamps available in the UK (click here), the panel and volunteers preferred the Day Light Lux for its simplicity, effectiveness and price.

OK, so this lamp isn’t full of all the bells and whistles that some products have, but is does what it is meant to do, it treats Seasonal Affective Disorder. It has brilliant customer reviews, and is light and slimline too so it is also easy to move and take on your travels.

The features that we really like is that it comes with a wall mountable tripod, so you can put it up in your study or office, saving even more space and allowing easy usage.

Here is just one of many glowing reviews that we have sourced on the Day Light Lux Lamp:

“I originate from South Africa and although I have been in the UK for 10 years now, I still suffer greatly when the days are short and the sky disappears. Recently this has got worse because I work alone from home and my north facing office gets no direct sunlight. I received my daylight lamp a few days ago and what an absolute difference – my office is as bright as a south african sunroom (without the heat!). I dont face the lamp for 20-30 minutes as recommended, I find it very bright and so prefer to have it on a longer time but illuminating the whole room, so it hangs on the wall behind and slightly to the side of me. The white light also makes it really easy to work with computer screens. It seems to clear my mind and give me all the energy that I need to get through a healthy working day. I recommend this to anyone who feels down in the winter – there is really no need to let the darkness get to you!!”
MC, South Africa, 30 Jan 2009

At just £44.99, this 10000 Lux Lamp is really worth it, it’s great value.

>>>>Find out more about Day Light LUX Wellness Light 10000 LUX (UK only)

>>>>Find out more about Philips goLITE BLU Energy Light (US only)

From the 10000 Lux Light Blogs

New Travelite 10000 Lux SAD Light Therapy Light Box
New Travelite 10000 Lux SAD Light Therapy Light Box Northern Light Technologies Sad Light Therapy: Travelite It fits in a briefcase. A compact and versatile light box that will let you enjoy the light in a variety of situations.

Differences in Lighting
Many of the light box manufacturers provide shields to filter away the UV light. Make sure that the unit you buy complies with this. The NorthStar 10000 is a broad spectrum light. With our brightness level of 10000 lux.

Full Spectrum Light Bulb
Staving off that winter dread, they also save the economic strain of wiring a crowded jumble of incandescent bulbs to achieve the 10000 lux for light therapy brighter than most rooms, and still not as bright as sunlight.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (sad) ? What to Look for in a Light
The intensity of the light box you use may determine the distance at which you need to be from it and most importantly the length of time you need to use it.

Sad Light Box Review

Filed Under: Light Boxes Tagged With: , , , , ,

Light Therapy Lamp Review

May 14, 2010 By

Bright Light TherapyIf you are suffering with depression, insomnia or other complaints and you want to find out the truth about seasonal affective disorder lamps, then I should be able to help. Here is a list of winning light therapy lamps that actually benefit you the user. If you don’t have much time, I thoroughly suggest that you check them out:

>>>>Find out more about Philips goLITE BLU Energy Light (US only)

>>>>Go to UpLift Day Light Natural Light Lamp (US and Canada)

>>>>Find out more about Philips HF3330 goLITE BLU Energy Light (UK only)

>>>>See more about Philips HF3463 Wake-Up Light With Radio Alarm (UK only)

>>>>Go to SAD Light 10,000 High LUX Lamp (UK only) (lower budget)

I just want to cut to the chase and explain how to be sure that you are buying a credible product that is backed by medical evidence so that you reap the most benefit and not waste your money.

There are lots of terms bandied about on the media, including Blue Light Therapy, White Light Therapy, Bright Light Therapy and more. So here is the break down:

Essentially, Blue Light Therapy and Bright or White light therapy are the same thing. Any good lightbox will have both blue light and white light fitted within the model.

Blue light is omitted in short wave-lengths, with bright or white light in long wave-lengths. Blue light therapy is extremely affective in treating depression and other mental illnesses, with depression and light exposure being deeply linked.

The only thing to be aware of with blue light therapy is that in some cases it can cause visual glare, meaning that you could experience headaches or eye irritation. If this happens, simply set the light further away from yourself until your eyes can adjust.

In some cases, blue light can be harmful to your eyes if it is not regulated and administered correctly. That is why is it so important to buy a seasonal disorder lamp that is a trusted brand. Cheaper alternatives could cause you long term eye damage.

All of the sad desk lamp products that are listed above have been tried and tested by the Sad Light Box team, as well as having certified medical evidence that they are safe and brilliantly beneficial to use. Here is why we chose them:

Firstly, Philips are a brand that people trust. They have been developing and producing seasonal disorder lamps for over 20 years, and always seek to make thier products more practical for users, as we as reducing the treatment time necessary to cure ‘winter blues’ and other ailments.

Secondly, Uplift lamps are unique patented products that allow full daily treatment to occur in just 20 to 30 minutes. Uplifts are also versatile in placement; they can be placed on the accompanying stand with that is fully adjustable to allow height and angle of light to be altered.

It can even be wall mounted without the stand. We love this as it looks brilliant on an office or study wall, saves desk space, and can also be passed off as a modern peice of art!

The most important point to make is that all of these lamps are 10,000 lux or more. It is vital that you choose a lamp with no less than 10,000 lux, otherwise the treatment simply will not work.

Another great addition is that all of the sad lamps that the Sad Light Box Review Team have chosen all come with a 2 to 5 year warranty. This will give anyone added security that they have chosen well.

Lastly, then sad light boxes selected are all brilliantly priced, from $39.99 upwards.

>>>>Find out more about Philips goLITE BLU Energy Light (US only)

>>>>Go to UpLift Day Light Natural Light Lamp (US and Canada)

>>>>Find out more about Philips HF3330 goLITE BLU Energy Light (UK only)

>>>>See more about Philips HF3463 Wake-Up Light With Radio Alarm (UK only)

>>>>Go to SAD Light 10,000 High LUX Lamp (UK only) (lower budget)

More Light Therapy Lamp Tips

When you are purchasing SAD light boxes, it is always a good plan to think about your lifestyle, and what kind of product would be most practical. For instance, if you travel alot, a for work or other reasons, then a compact lightbox would be best.

Bright Light Therapy is best when taken first thing in the morning, either when you are eating your breakfast or reading the morning news. This will increase your energy levels for the day, making you more alert and ready to face the working day.

From the Light Therapy Blog Network

NatureBright PER3 Deluxe Light Therapy Lamp
This subtle light therapy helps keep your spirits high and set you on a standard time zone or work schedule. The PER3 also serves as a glare-free bedside reading lamp; its clear bright light is highly beneficial for reading.

Light Therapy and Sport | sport and health club
Results : Physical exercise were effective to diminue the depressive symptoms if the person was exposed to light therapy. So, if you exercise at home install a light therapy lamp infront of your apparatus, the result can only be better.

Light Therapy for Finding Energy
These symptoms are due to a loss of sleep, which can easily be beaten thanks to the use of light therapy lamps.

Seasonal Depression and Light Therapy
Light therapy lamps and seasonal depression or SAD. The principal symptoms of winter season depression start to show at the end of summer when the days start to grow short and become dull as there is less light it is the seasonal change.

What’s a good light therapy lamp for SAD?
Are there any SAD sufferers out there willing to share their successes and failures with different light therapy lamps? 

Filed Under: Light Boxes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,