Best Light Therapy Lamps for 2025
The most important features to consider when purchasing a light therapy lamp are the light intensity and the type of light emitted. Research supports the use of a SAD lamp of up to 10,000 lux as a therapy for depression.
Another key is that you don’t want a solar lamp that emits UV rays because they can cause damage to your eyes and skin. Even though you’re not supposed to look directly into a light therapy lamp, you still don’t want to expose yourself to UV rays on a daily basis while trying to treat your seasonal depression.
Size matters, to a point. A larger light panel allows you to position the light further away while you use it, so keep that in mind when shopping. A smaller lamp should be closer to your face and placed at eye level. You may need to spend up to an hour each day using a small SAD lamp, but only half that with a larger lamp.
As the Mayo Clinic notes, “The effectiveness of a light box depends on its daily use, so buy one that works for you.” »
