SAD Lights

Best Light Therapy Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder ("SAD") often benefit from SAD lights, the use of light therapy. With so many SAD lights available, it's hard to know what to choose, as all SAD lights are different. Here is a list of 5 SAD lights that are a good value for the money.

Note: The Mayo Clinic¹ states that the FDA has not officially approved light therapy for the treatment of SAD. Studies have had mixed results on the effectiveness of light therapy on seasonal affective disorder. Also, blue spectrum lights have not been found to be any more effective and have more chance of damaging the eyes.

Tips for Choosing a SAD Light
In order for a SAD light to be most effective in reducing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, it should have a wide light area, be a full spectrum light, have 10,000 Lux of light available at the furthest distance possible, be able to be set above eye level and be a product that states it is specifically used for the treatment of SAD.

Prices are accurate as of the date of this writing.

#1. Daylight DL930 Light Therapy by Uplift Technologies
This is number one on the list based on price, distance for full Lux benefit and large light area. The Daylight DL930 SAD light uses full spectrum light and has a UV filter that blocks 99.3% of UV rays. Adjustable legs allow this wide screen light to be adjusted above eye level and angled downward toward the eyes. 10,000 Lux are available at 12 inches of distance on high setting.

The Daylight DL930 SAD light is the best value for the price. As of the date of this writing, the best place to get this SAD light is on Amazon.com² for $139.99.

#2. BOXelite by Northern Light Technology
The BOXelite is similar in design to the Daylight mentioned above. The BOXelite uses full spectrum light, has a large light screen and UV blocking. The legs do not look adjustable, but the SAD light can be set up and angled downward. The benefit of the Boxelite over the Daylight is that it offers the maximum 10,000 Lux at 17 inches rather than just 12 inches.