The article discusses how Seasonal Depression is a type of depression that is linked to changing light levels and how a sunlight lamp can help maintain sunlight exposure and keep your brain chemistry stable.
How to Use a Daylight Lamp
SAD lamps emit a low level of light that is thought to help people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) feel better. The light therapy is typically used for 30 minutes to an hour per day, but can be scheduled at any time. ..
These lamps are incredibly bright and should not be looked directly at while in use. Ensure that you’ve purchased an actual sunlight lamp designed for use with SAD. Most importantly, the lamp must be labeled as UV-free. If you purchase a light that emits UV, it can have side effects such as skin damage when used over long periods of time.
Key Benefits of Using Daylight Lamps
1. Daylight Lamps are Convenient
The main benefit of SAD treatment lamps is how convenient they are. Whether at work, home, or traveling, you only need to flip a switch and sit still in one spot for half an hour to get your dose of simulated sunlight.
A SAD lamp is a less disruptive and more flexible treatment plan for those who find it beneficial.
2. Improved Sleep Quality
When used correctly, Daylight lamps can improve sleep quality by increasing melatonin and serotonin levels. If your body follows the correct sleep-wake cycle, you’ll sleep deeper and longer. You can combine your lamp with other non-invasive sleeping aids, such as a white noise generator, for maximum sleep benefits.
3. Better Energy Levels and Mood
A daylight lamp can help people with winter-onset SAD feel more energetic and productive, with a stable mood during the day.
4. Sunlight Alarm Clocks Can Treat You While You Sleep
Some people find sunlight alarm clocks helpful in combating seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. After setting the time when you wish to wake up, the alarm clock simulates natural light dawn, starting a few minutes before you’re meant to wake up in an attempt to trigger a natural awakening. ..
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which people stop breathing during sleep. This can cause problems with daytime functioning, including increased risk for heart disease and stroke. There are many different treatments for sleep apnea, but one of the most popular is an automated device called a CPAP machine. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, and it’s a type of machine that helps people with sleep apnea breathe better by keeping their airways open during sleep. The machine uses a mask to keep your mouth and nose closed, and it delivers air pressure to your throat to keep your airways open. Although CPAP machines can be expensive, they are often worth the investment because they are very effective at treating sleep apnea. ..
When Not to Use a Daylight Lamp
-SAD is a mental disorder that is caused by light exposure -You have a history of depression or bipolar disorder -You are sensitive to light
Diabetes. Skin cancer. Lupus. Conditions affecting connective tissue. Macular degeneration.
If you’re taking a medication that can affect light sensitivity, be sure to ask your doctor if a daylight lamp could have a negative effect. The golden rule is always to ask your doctor before starting any sort of treatment, even one that doesn’t require a prescription.
Sunlight Lamps Don’t Replace Vitamin Supplements
Vitamin D deficiency is one potential cause of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, sunlight lamps do not produce the right type of light for your body to produce vitamin D. If your healthcare provider determines that your vitamin D levels are too low, you will need to take supplements even if you are using a lamp. ..
Our Top Picks for Sun Lamps
Northern Light Technologies Boxelite
The Boxelite is a lamp with a high output, which means you can work closer to the light without feeling discomfort or eyestrain. ..
The Boxelite reaches a 10,000 lux light level at a distance of 14 inches from the user. This is a UV-free, glare-free, highly diffused lightbox with a solid metal frame. It costs more, but it’s worth it. ..
This lamp is perfect for people who want to get relief from headaches, pain, and other symptoms of chronic pain. It uses a bright light to help your body heal itself. ..
This desk lamp offers a full spectrum 10 000 LUX light sources that can be easily angled for comfort. Despite being a (relatively) compact desktop model rather than a floor lamp, it offers 10,000 Lux at 12 inches away from the user. That makes it more comfortable to use than cheaper models that can only provide 10 000 lux at 6 inches.
This lamp is a great value for the price. It was named one of the best lamps of 2021 by Men’s Health and is also a great therapy lamp.
Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light
Philips offers a light that simulates natural sunrise and sunset. This light can help address sleep pattern disruption from jet lag or SAD-related light changes.
The Wake-Up Light is an automated light-based sleep regulator that includes an FM radio and five natural sounds through a built-in noise generator. It is better than the artificial lights we use at our bedsides, which usually have too much blue light in their spectrums.
Verilux HappyLight Luxe
The Verilux HappyLight is a compact and budget-friendly light that offers a full spectrum of brightness. The UV-free light offers the 10,000 lux of brightness that is necessary for a healthy environment. The light offers great adjustability, letting you adjust the color temperature to three different Kelvin levels. If you want less light, there are also four different brightness levels to choose from. ..
The Luxe lamp is a compact, thin lamp that can be taken with you when you travel or use it in any room you’d like.
Look On the Bright Side
SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is a real thing that can be difficult to deal with. However, there are many things you can do to make it less difficult, including using a therapy lamp. This is especially important for people who suffer from SAD in the winter months, as they may need more light to feel comfortable. ..
