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Therapy lamps help you increase your energy and make you feel good about yourself. We’ve shortlisted the 5 best light therapy lamps for 2021!
Light therapy is not a new concept, but only a few people know its full benefits. Today’s article is focused on what light therapy really is and the benefits that you can reap from using it.
Light therapy is a therapy that uses artificial light and is considered as an effective way to treat mood problems and SAD (seasonal affective disorder) according to the American Psychological Association. This therapy uses the same light that we can normally get from the sun.
But what makes it better? Can’t we just expose ourselves to the sun then?
The most notable advantage of light therapy is that it emits the same light as that from sun rays but without the harmful UV rays. Although further research has to be done to explore this topic, many health professionals and researchers alike vouch for its effectiveness in enhancing one’s overall mood.
Our Top Pick for the Best Light Therapy Lamps
If we are to choose our top pick, we will recommend the Doraubia UV-Free Light Therapy Lamp. This light therapy lamp has many features and gives you full control of its brightness from 5% to 100%. Its timer and memory functions are a plus. In other words, you can have a lot of benefits yet it’s affordable and durable at the same time.
Best Features:
- 10,000 LUX
- Adjustable brightness from 5% to 100%
- With 3 color temperature settings
- Timer can be set up to 1 hour
- Portable and safe to use (UL certified)
- With memory function which remembers your last setting
- with USB phone charger
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Light Therapy Lamps: Important Features
Just like any other therapy devices, certain features have to be secured in order to get the full benefits. Below are the most vital features to take note of when buying the best light therapy lamps:
LUX Output
The best light therapy lamps for treating SAD should have at least 10,000 light output for it to be effective. The lux output is used to measure the intensity of light within an area. Most indoor lighting has lesser intensity than the ones used in light therapy.
Remember light therapy should emit the same intensity as the sunrays, which is approximately 20 times higher than the standard indoor lights.
However, it is important to secure one with anti-glare features and one that can be positioned in a downward angle. You don’t want to hurt your eyes while doing your therapy session.
Light Surface Area Coverage
Another consideration is the surface area coverage of the lamp. The best light therapy lamps for depression usually cover 12 to 15 inches light surface area. But if you can find a greater surface area coverage, then much better as this ensures you get the same benefits even if the lamp is placed farther away.
Color Temperature
There are different functions of light therapy lamps. The best light therapy lamps for treating skin conditions are also available. They are usually called the blue light therapy. However, if you specifically want the best light therapy for seasonal affective disorder, then look for lamps with color temperature of 5600K; this is the pure white light, similar to what the sunlight has.
Meanwhile, the best light therapy for sleep should have a soft or warm color temperature. This usually ranges from 3000K light or a bit lesser. They are usually soft red or yellow light; these lights have shorter wavelengths and have no effect on your internal body clock or commonly called the circadian rhythm.
5 Best Light Therapy Lamps Review 2021
1. Miroco LED Light Therapy
Via: Amazon.com
Miroco LED light therapy lamp is a best-seller for some reasons. This lamp emits 10,000 Lux UV-free light. It mimics the full light spectrum of sunlight without the harmful UV rays.
Another cool feature is its 90-degree pivot stand, which lets you move and adjust the light angle. The brightness levels can also be adjusted from 20% to 100% by just touching the buttons +/- for 2 seconds.
Pros:
- Delivers 10,000 lux
- Has 6500K color temperature
- With pivotal stand up to 90-degrees
- Suitable for treating depression and SAD
- Also equipped with a timer that can be set up to 30 minutes
- Has a memory function that remembers the last brightness setting you use
- Ultra-thin design to fit in small places and storage
- Can be easily dimmed with just a touch
Cons:
- Might need an adaptor when used in countries outside the U.S.A.
- Needs more than one session to feel its effect
2. TaoTronics Light Therapy Lamp
Via: Amazon.com
This light therapy lamp is also UV-free and emits 10,000 lux light output. Instead of the conventional rectangular shape, this one boasts a round shape. This glare-free best light therapy lamp has a 6500K color temperature which helps you boost your energy and lift up your mood.
This is also an energy-efficient lamp as it makes use of 60 LED bulbs to deliver bright light at just 12 watts. You do not have to worry about UV light exposure nor radiation. The compact design of this lamp also allows you to set it up easily, either on the bedside table, or on top of your vanity mirror.
Pros:
- 6500K color temperature, full daylight brightness
- Consumes less energy at 12 watts the most
- Has easy touch control and power button
- Allows customized brightness from 20% to 100%
- Has an elegant round shell shape
- With a solid stand for stability
Cons:
- May produce slight noise when turned on
3. Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp
Via: Amazon.com
If you would rather have a thinner light therapy lamp for your bedroom, then this Circadian Optics light therapy lamp is the perfect choice. The best light box therapy lamp does not have to be bigger for it to be effective. Take this slimmer LED therapy lamp which has a full sunlight spectrum.
It has pure white light that helps boost mood for a happier and livelier YOU! The best part is that it only weighs 1.3 pounds and is easy to transfer within your house. It also has a glossy finish, which adds to its sophisticated look, perfect for modern homes.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Looks stylish with its gloss finish and slimmer structure
- Certified UV-free light
- Emits the recommended 10,000 lux of brightness
- Helps regulate your sleep, boost energy, and enhances SAD symptoms
- Long-lasting for up to 50,000 hours
- With color temperature of 5500K
- Allows you to customize brightness in 3 levels
- The best light therapy lamp for sleep
Cons:
- Brightness level can only be set low, medium, and high
- Must be placed closer to get its full benefits
4. Philips SmartSleep Therapy Lamp
Via: Amazon.com
Philips has been a trusted name when it comes to electronics and home appliances. This light therapy lamp from the brand is indeed a masterpiece. If you have trouble starting your day right or have difficulty falling asleep at night, then Philips’ SmartSleep lamp is worth it investment.
This therapy lamp is clinically proven to help improve your sleep and wake-up routine and health professionals recommend this to improve your morning mood.
Pros:
- It is specifically designed for wake-up and sleep routine
- The lamp’s light helps you breathe properly and relaxes your senses for you to fall asleep peacefully.
- Targets your morning mood by emitting natural sunrise light to kickstart your day
- Lightweight and portable
- Helps you sleep faster by calming your breathing and with its own sleep manager app
- Adjustable brightness and light intensity
- Equipped with FM radio to help you relax at night
- Also charges your phone
Cons:
- Must be put on tabletop for stability
- The sleep manager app load slow and has bug issues
5. Doraubia UV-Free Light Therapy Lamp
Via: Amazon.com
Last on our list is this LED sun therapy lamp from Doraubia. It is also a UV-free lamp with timer and memory function.
Its sleek and modern design is what most buyers love about it. It is round and produces 10,000 lux. You can adjust its brightness from 5% to 100%.
Pros:
- Has 3 color temperature settings
- Provides natural daytime lighting at 6000K
- Certified glare-free and helps combat gloomy mood
- With 1-hour timer and memory functions to quickly set the last brightness setting
- Uses 180 energy-saving LED bulbs
- Brightness levels can be adjusted from 5% to 100%, allowing you full control if its brightness
Cons:
- Lithium-ion batteries are needed
- Less effective in treating depression but can prevent and improve the symptoms by lifting up your mood
Our Top Pick
If we are to choose our top pick, we will recommend the Doraubia UV-Free Light Therapy Lamp. This light therapy lamp has many features and gives you full control of its brightness from 5% to 100%. Its timer and memory functions are a plus. In other words, you can have a lot of benefits yet it’s affordable and durable at the same time.
Best Features:
- 10,000 LUX
- Adjustable brightness from 5% to 100%
- With 3 color temperature settings
- Timer can be set up to 1 hour
- Portable and safe to use (UL certified)
- With memory function which remembers your last setting
- With USB phone charger
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