The best Light Therapy Products: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

Call me a corporate shill but I use a happy lamp and, I know it's anecdotal, but it makes a huge difference for my mood and energy in the winter months.

You can get a 10,000 lux lamp on amazon for 40-50 dollars. Use it for 30 minutes in the morning while you are drinking your morning coffee. Game changer.

EDIT: Since there were some questions about recommendations, I use this one. I actually spent quite a bit of time agonizing over what to buy since I have a min-max issue in real life and I have to say I'm happy with it. If I recall, a majority of the negative reviews were regarding the "ionizer" portion of the product which, to be frank, I have no idea about. There is no research to suggest that inhaling ionized air is beneficial. There is plenty of science to support the benefit of these lights for SAD as long as the strength of the light is 10,000 lux. This is important. Again, there is no scientific evidence to support that anything less than this will be beneficial. As with any product, user mileage will vary so I can't, in good conscious, suggest that you buy one of the "higher end" models for 200-400 dollars without knowing if you benefit so this is a good option. Having seen one of the more expensive lights be used in the resident room of the hospital I worked at, I suspect the more expensive ones do the same thing but are more aesthetically pleasing and have a larger spread of light.

As for use, the idea is to expose your skin to the light. I have it sitting on my dining room table so, in the morning while I drink my coffee and surf reddit, it's hitting my face. I use it for 30 minutes a day.

https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY on mobile, so I’m not sure this will work but this is the one I have. It’s just one of the cheapest on amazon and it gets the job done.

I use a Nature Bright Sun Lamp (10,000 lux) like the on here on Amazon which was about $50. I have used it religiously for almost 4 years now, and I love it. Last year I managed to get one of those Philips Wake-Up / Sleep Fade lamps from goodwill for $30, and I love it. Managing your indoor lighting, blue light devices and light colors is totally worth consideration, in addition to a sun lamp!

The Carex lamp mentioned here is great. Here it is on Amazon.

It's not cheap but it's bright. When you see lamps advertised as 10k lux look at the distance they are rated at. Some are like 6". This one is at least 12" maybe 18". With the stand you can actually comfortably keep that lamp a foot away, above eye level, and read a book.

I have the Verilux. Its basically a lamp that provides a light similar to sunlight. The only worry is mania, but Im more depressed than manic so it hasnt been an issue for me.

I do about 30 min when I do it and sometimes a bit on the lower setting if Im dragging in the afternoon. It's on amazon. This is the kind I have link here

Yes cannot recommend this enough. My psychiatrist suggested it and I was skeptical but I actually started to look forward to doing it in the morning, i really struggle with getting out of bed when I have seasonal depression and using the light made it easier to get my day started.

If you’re going to buy one make sure it meets the specs for actual therapeutic use though, a lot of the smaller ones on Amazon are too dim or they’re small enough that you’d have to sit 2” away from it to get the recommended amount of light. I have this one and I believe you have to sit 20-24” away to get 10,000 lux, anything smaller and you have to put your face right up next to it.

I got this one last year and it helped a lot. I bought it when I got really depressed the first week that the clocks changed for daylight savings, and it made such a difference! I just had it on in the morning while I got ready for work.

I take magnesium before going to sleep, most people are deficient. Also D3/K2 in the mornings.

Passion flower can help with staying asleep. Also ashwaganda 30 minutes before sleep to lower cortisol levels that could be keeping you up. L-theanine can be relaxing. So can lavender in an essential oil diffuser.

CBN has a lot of potential for sleep, I look forward to it being affordable and available.

For your sleep cycle, you can use flux to stop the spectrum of light at night that's telling your brain it's daylight. Also a therapy lamp can be helpful for the mornings if you aren't getting out in the sun early.

I'm so glad my suggestions are useful! I've been researching skincare since I was in my 20s and I want to avoid anything invasive, so I am dedicated to trying new things all the time.

https://smile.amazon.com/Therapy-Wolezek-Infrared-Device-Relief/dp/B07TDP67LR This is the light I bought.

The hardest thing is finding a good lamp for the bulb bc it's SUPER heavy. I went with this one. It's not a perfect base but it works. A clamp lamp would also be a good way to use it (especially the kind with the cage over the front, so it's safer) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RXSRQCC/ref=tsm_1_tp_tc

Yup. Right there with ya. Don’t give up! They are pretty pricey, but you should try a Happy Light. Sometimes if I can’t do anything, I’ll turn that on in the same room with me and it gives me a little more steam. They also help with insomnia. My doctor told me they need to be at least 10,000 lux. I’ll attach the link to the one I’ve been using for about a year. Again, it’s definitely not a cure-all but it helps me quite a bit. You obviously still have to push yourself but it feels a little less impossible.

Verilux® HappyLight® Full-Size - UV-Free Therapy Lamp, Bright White Light with 10,000 Lux, Adjustable Brightness, 2 Interchangeable Lenses, Detachable Stand, and Wall Mountable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094HBU6I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_FoCcGbEKF91FY

There are cheaper ones but this is the specific one my doc recommended because his wife uses it. But he said cheaper ones probably work too as long as they have at least 10,000 lux.

If you're interested in finding something EVEN cheaper, wouldn't this be ideal?

https://www.amazon.com/Therapy-Wolezek-Infrared-Device-Relief/dp/B07TDP67LR/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=infrared+red+light&qid=1610761324&sr=8-7

Also your eyes need to be open the whole time and the light has to be slightly above you, looking down (as if it were a sun). Look at this basically: https://www.amazon.com/Carex-Day-Light-Classic-Bright-Therapy/dp/B00PCN4UVU

My wife just went on Amazon and found one.

Verilux HappyLight VT10 Compact Personal, Portable Bright White Light 10,000 Lux Therapy Lamp with 20 sq. in. Lens Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K08ZDBI/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_fabc_EZO0Fb1T8T78S

Plenty of different ones between $30 and $50.

Hate to advertise amazon but here.

Verilux HappyLight VT10 Compact Personal, Portable Bright White Light 10,000 Lux Therapy Lamp with 20 sq. in. Lens Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K08ZDBI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_UxdTFbCQ045CS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Light therapy boxes seem kind of dumb but have seen a lot of people report success using them. Not sure about any sort of peer reviewed studies.

Something like this I guess Verilux® HappyLight® Full-Size - UV-Free Therapy Lamp, Bright White Light with 10,000 Lux, Adjustable Brightness, 2 Interchangeable Lenses, Detachable Stand, and Wall Mountable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094HBU6I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xYYQFbBHSKDN5

Absolutely! They're fantastic. Don't get a cheap one though: I use this one and it has honestly changed my winter life: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00PCN4UVU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZU6KFbY2777B6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

>Interesting. So if I stay indoors, curtains closed, my circadian rhythm won't be reset (going into day mode) as much effective as getting good sunlight or light therapy right after I wake up?

Yea. You'd essentially be in the same boat as night shift workers and all the health problems they deal with.

I've used one in the past when my schedule didn't permit me to always get sunlight at the right times. My device, which was one of the cheaper units on amazon, bit the dust a while ago. So right now I'm just making a point of getting direct sunlight in the morning everyday.

SAD devices are definitely worth it if you aren't getting sunlight in the morning regularly.

https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY That's the lamp I got; there is a review on Amazon which explains why you should NOT use the ion therapy part of this otherwise excellent lamp.

You can find this album on iTunes and if you want to give it a try, one of the tracks is the short version of yoga nidra. It's the one I've mostly done and is great. If you like it you can get the long version track, too; I think the other track on the album is some weird yoga music, I just have the two guided meditation tracks. https://www.amazon.com/Experience-Yoga-Nidra-Relaxation-Remastered/dp/9197789429

I've started using mine again; I really think it's helping. I bought the cheapest $35 version...right now, Amazon even has a $27 "open box" option at that link. I got inspired because I was reading The Vitamin D Solution, and in the middle of talking about how Vitamin D can help SAD, the author takes a detour into how effective light therapy is for SAD and even regular depression and bipolar.

N=1, but as someone with MDD (that is year round but gets worse in the winter), I've found that bright light is extremely helpful for my mood and sleep (questionable delayed sleep phase disorder), especially in the winter. This is, of course, in addition to meds + normal well-being regimen. Last winter (MS1 year) was the first winter I used the light, and I felt as if I had more energy throughout the winter.

I try to use it for ~30 minutes in the morning, but will admit that getting into a routine can be difficult, and I do occasionally miss a day, though I am more vigilant about it during the winter months. I am not a morning person, so setting aside 30 minutes sometimes just doesn't happen. Not quite sure what I'll do on my surgery rotation, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

I bought a light off Amazon that was advertised as being 10,000 Lux, which is the brightness that I saw was being used in studies/recommended on UpToDate. Here's the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IU9MMPI/ref=emc_b_5_t Granted, I have no way of measuring the brightness, but it was the highest-rated light within my price range I saw, and I've been happy with it so far. I'm happy to answer any questions!

We bought a bulb and an Ikea lamp. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TDP67LR/ It feels really good on my knee (no cartilage). I never make time to use it for my face. Unrelatedly we love having it for our newborn......

For fine lines, nothing works as well as botox.

Plus This

Nature Bright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy by Amazon.com Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W8Y7FY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_ESHwFb5AERAJE

Midwest, here, I understand the dread. The sun lamp take 3-4 day for me, to feel the lift (30 min 1x/day) but is very nice. 12” distance is what was researched; makes it hard to do anything so I will read my Bible with it a little further away than that. Get the lamp now, Oct 1 used to be my usual start but the past couple of years I have started on Labor Day.

I found the agmatine sulphate to be a lively addition... other talk about it in grams and 250mg had a definite effect to me. Just take your time with it, do your research but it’s generally considered safe.

Are you able to walk around the block (or up and down the street)? Can you get a 20 minute walk in during little one’s nap? Gets you a break with fresh air and some light exercise: all wins.

Get a list of slow cooker meals for if things get bumpy, so you don’t have to think about it you can just grab a list.

Hugs.

I'm not from such a cold place but I have heard light boxes like this can help ward off SAD during the cold months. My boss loves hers and bought them for her whole family lol

I love my happy light. This is a light for Seasonal Affective Disorder but I find it helps me in general. When I feel rough I sit in front of it and it starts to help right away. At least one study has shown that light therapy is effective for PMDD!

Invest in a happy lamp (like this). They really help with the winter lethargy doldrums. Also add vitamin D, but only after checking with your doctor.

I have one, but it’s called a Happy Light haha. OP, these can get really expensive, but the one I’ve used for the past few years works well IMO and pretty affordable, here’s the link if you’re interested: https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Compact-Personal-Portable/dp/B00K08ZDBI

I got mine because I have what my sleep doctor called “idiopathic hypersomnia” which literally just means I sleep too much and they couldn’t figure out why, even after a sleep study. Not sure if it’s connected to my ADHD or not. It gets way worse during the winter when hours of sunlight are so limited. Instructions for happy lights are funny because they treat it a bit like caffeine- you’re supposed to turn it off before you feel jittery/over-stimulated. It gives me a really good calm energy when I use in the morning for like 30-45 mins on days when I’m not otherwise getting sun.

I’ve also generally found that cardio exercise generally makes my brain work better and lowers my anxiety. I know this isn’t an option for everyone, but I got a Peloton during the pandemic- good option for people who can’t or don’t want to do group classes or drive to a gym. I think it’s a shared sentiment in this group that the less barriers there are to engaging in healthy activity, the more likely we are to do it. Some days all I can manage is thumbing around on my phone while I do a 45-minute class, but I’m still sweating and releasing endorphins, and I feel so much better after.

As much as you want to pack minimally but smart, I highly recommend a SADD light. THis Verilux is inexpensive and does the job:

https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Lucent-Bright-Therapy/dp/B079YBGPM5/ref=asc_df_B079YBGPM5/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242002247899&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8874767491998936661&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033842&hvtargid=pla-467034652315&psc=1

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Also.. clothing = layers and avoid cotton. You want synthetics and/or wool. You want to stay dry; so good footwear (boots & socks) are vital.

I have these issues too and always have a difficult time with seasonal affective disorder. This year I'm going to try this light therapy device. Just a suggestion, and as I said, I've yet to try it myself.

https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Lucent-Bright-Therapy/dp/B079YBGPM5/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=happy+light&qid=1666153485&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjgxIiwicXNhIjoiNC42MCIsInFzcCI6IjQuNDUifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Lucent-Bright-Therapy/dp/B079YBGPM5/ref=asc_df_B079YBGPM5/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242002247899&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6096357263543172642&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&a...