Depression | Light Therapy Review

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Light Therapy & Veterans

Veterans struggle more than most people understand. Life after war is a never ending battle. From depression, to sleep disorders, to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to chronic pain, the war is never truly over. All of these conditions can result in a lack of sleep and insomnia, the last thing a suffering veteran needs. However, new help is being found with light therapy. Light therapy is enabling veterans to get the daily sleep they need in order to remain healthy.

Nearly half of returning veterans suffer from chronic pain. Veterans are four times as likely to develop sleep disorders. 19% of veterans have traumatic brain injuries. 31% of veterans suffer from post traumatic stress disorder and 50% of veterans with PTSD do not seek treatment.

These statistics are sad, but true. For decades, doctors have been treating these suffering veterans with medications. But new studies are regularly surfacing whichshows that light therapy, an all natural, drug free, harm-free treatment, can help veterans.

Our world has 24-hour days. For humans, the sun rises, our days begin, the sun sets, our days come to an end. But depending on where you’re located in our world, sometimes it’s difficult for our bodies to understand this schedule, known as our circadian rhythm, our bodies’ natural clock. Our circadian rhythm helps control the release of Melatonin to our brains. Melatonin is essential for a good night’s sleep but difficult to power through if released at a time other than bedtime. This is when we need Serotonin.

King 5 News in Washington recently covered a story on Lisa Smith, a war veteran who has been dealing with sleepless nights for nearly 30 years. Smith claims that she can fall asleep for about 15 minutes each night. She falls into a deep sleep but is woken up after 15 minutes and the rest of the night is spent tossing and turning. Smith explains that this all began when her tour of duty came to an end. While her duty was over, her body’s internal military clock wasn’t. Smith explained to King 5 News, “I’m still getting up early in the morning, 4:30, 5 o’clock in the morning, getting ready as if I’m going to stand in the 6 o’clock formation.” She also developed back pain due to her sleep disorder which is making everything even more difficult.

Smith is currently undergoing light therapy treatments and not only is she sleeping through the night, her chronic pain has also subsided. Smith, along with other patients who are part of a study at Rush University, are spending about an hour a day in front of a light box. This form of light therapy is UV free and drug free, a healthy alternative to sleeping medicine. As soon as Smith wakes up and sits in front of her light box. She reads the paper, eats her breakfast, talks on the phone.

Spending an hour a day in front of a light box helps keep our bodies’ circadian rhythms in check. The light box mimics the outdoor sunlight, creating a sunny day no matter where you are, regardless of the weather or time. When it’s time for bed, Smith says that her body is tired and ready to sleep. She recalls memories of being a little kid and crashing into her bed after a long day outdoors playing with friends. She says the light box creates a very similar feeling.

Light therapy is constantly surprising the world and consistently making it a better place. This medication free treatment is changing the world for veterans. Isn’t it time for you to get on board?

Posted on April 23, 2016 In Depression, Insomnia, Light Therapy, Mental Health, Uncategorized

Light Therapy & Autism Spectrum In Children

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder or ASD is a term used to describe a group of disorders. These disorders include Aspberger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder, known as atypical autism. The most commonly occurring form of Autism spectrum disorder is autism. The symptoms that are brought about by ASD are seen early on in childhood which is why it is called a developmental disorder. The word spectrum is used to describe the disorder because the symptoms, severity, and intensity can greatly differ between children. On average, 1 in 160 children will be diagnosed with ASD. Boys outnumber girls 4 to 1. 75% of these children have low intelligence levels while around 10% show high levels of intelligence typically in mathematics and computer sciences. Some children have incredible abilities in fields such as music and memory.

What are the causes?

While there is vivid explanation for the cause of autism spectrum disorder, research is constantly being conducted. According to the Australian Psychological Society, “There is no clear explanation about what causes ASD. However, family studies have shown that genes play a role. For example, if one identical twin has autism then the other has around a 75 per cent chance of also having autism. In non-identical twins, there is a five to eight per cent chance that both twins will have autism. ASD also tends to occur more often than expected among people with certain medical conditions. Researchers are investigating the link between children whose mothers had problems during pregnancy or delivery, as well as the contribution of viral infections, dietary imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals.” (Psychology.org)

Light Therapy & Autism Spectrum…

Children with autism spectrum disorder do not have easy lives. Consider most people’s daily struggles and then add ASD to it. When the natural ways of the world weigh on their shoulders, life can get tough. Light therapy is known to treat conditions such as seasonal affective disorder, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, skin conditions, and more. When children struggling with these conditions are also battling ASD daily, they need a little help. This is where light therapy comes into play.

My Aspergers Child is a website dedicated to helping parents of children with aspergers and high functioning autism. The website is run by Mark Hutten, M.A., a counseling psychologist, home-based family therapist and online parent coach. Hutten claims that his website is education and counseling for individuals affected by ASD. Hutton wrote a blog about light therapy being used for children and teens on the autism spectrum. Hutton writes,

“Phototherapy (also called “light therapy”), which involves exposure to artificial light, is quickly becoming a popular way to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in children on the autism spectrum. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time each year, usually in the fall or winter. During phototherapy, your child sits near a device called a light box. The box gives off bright light that mimics natural outdoor light.

Phototherapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders and other conditions. You may want to try phototherapy on your child for a number of reasons:

If the child is on medication for depression, it may allow him or her to take a lower dose of antidepressant
It’s a proven treatment for SAD
If the child has another condition (e.g., OCD, anxiety, insomnia)
If you want to try a treatment method that is safe and has few side effects

Generally, most children with SAD begin treatment with phototherapy in the early fall when it typically becomes cloudy in many regions of the country. Treatment usually continues until spring when outdoor light alone is sufficient to sustain a good mood and higher levels of energy.

If your child typically has fall and winter mood problems, behavioral issues or depression, you may notice symptoms during prolonged periods of cloudy or rainy weather during other seasons. You and your physician can adjust the light treatment based on the timing and duration of your child’s symptoms.

During phototherapy sessions, your child will sit near the light box. Many children use this time to complete homework. To be effective, light from the box must enter the eyes indirectly. Your child can’t get the same effect merely by exposing his or her skin to the light. While the eyes must be open, your child should not look directly at the light, because the bright light can damage the eyes. Be sure to follow your physician’s recommendations as well as the manufacturer’s directions.”

(MyAspergersChild.com)

How It Works…

Light therapy treatments are most effective when there is a perfect combination of three key elements. These elements are timing, light intensity, and duration.

Timing is most effective when done in the morning. It is recommended for children to begin their light therapy treatment session as soon as they wake up. Eating breakfast or reading in front of the light box is a good option to keep this a routine. When it comes to intensity, light boxes are measured in lux. Lux is a measure of the light received from the light box from a certain distance. Boxes usually range from between 2,500 lux and 10,000 lux. The distance the child can sit away from the light box depends on the level of lux as well as the session time required. For example, a light box that emits 10,000 lux will probably only require a 30 minute treatment session. A light box that emits 2,500 lux will probably require a session close to two hours. It’s important to consider a child’s energy and patience levels before purchasing a light box. The third key element is timing. It’s important to discuss this element with a doctor. During the beginning stages of treatment, a shorter time frame is typically recommended. For example, 10 minutes. As daily sessions continue, the time frame can lengthen.

Light therapy requires time, routine, and scheduling. It’s important to find a light therapy box that fits complacency into a child or teenager’s lifestyle. While phototherapy/light therapy doesn’t necessarily cure seasonal affective disorder, depression, insomnia, or any other similar conditions, it does ease symptoms, raise energy levels, boost confidence and increase happiness in children. But most importantly, it can improve the quality of life for a children struggling with ASD. Is it time for someone you love to try light therapy?

Posted on April 22, 2016 In Children, Color Light Therapy, Depression, Light Therapy, Mental Health, Uncategorized

Light Therapy & 3 Key Elements

The Three Key Elements…

Light Therapy can be used for a wide array of conditions and disorders. Each of these forms of treatment requires variations of the 3 key elements of Light Therapy. Duration, timing, and intensity.
The duration of the Light Therapy treatment refers to how long the treatment is conducted and the scheduling of it. This can look like once a week for two months all the way to five days a week for a year depending on the condition. The timing of the Light Therapy treatment refers to how long the treatment is conducted. For example, sitting in front of light box for thirty minutes, or keeping a body wrap around the back for fifteen minutes. The intensity of the Light Therapy treatment refers to the power of the Light Therapy device being used. For example, using a light box with 10,000 lux in order to treat seasonal depression. When these three key elements are scientifically and accurately combined, Light Therapy patients will find themselves on a path to a happier and healthier life.

Choosing The Three Key Elements…

Light Boxes for Depression:

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that occurs each year during the months of fall and winter. The depression occurs due to the lack of sunlight as well as day light savings. These tough months can seriously affect our circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock inside our brains. Normal depression, which can occurs during any of the 12 months of the year, is also very sensitive to light. Using a light box in situation such as this has been proven extremely effective. If someone is struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, a light box will lift their mood and remind their brain what time of day it is in order to keep mood levels high. If someone is struggling with Depression, a light box can help by effectively elevating the chemicals in the brain that make us feel low.

After much research, the ideal light boxes have been created to fit individual’s lifestyles. Light boxes come in all different shapes and sizes as well as different intensity levels. The method of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the seasonal depression as well as the device being used. The stronger the light, the less time should be spent in front of the light box. Most people use light boxes for a minimum of 30 minutes each morning. A morning treatment can start your day off right and keep your body’s internal clock in check. However, some people don’t have time in the morning and choose to do the treatment at a different time. This is okay too. The more effectively you can fit the treatment into your schedule, the more you will benefit from it. Below is a list of light sources and how much light we receive indoors versus outdoors. Also, note that lux is a standard unit of light flow.

Bright moonlight – 1 lux
Candle light at 20 cm – 10-15 lux
Street light – 10-20 lux
Normal living room lighting – 100 lux
Office fluorescent light – 300-500 lux
Sunlight, 1 hour before sunset – 1000 lux
Daylight, cloudy sky – 5000 lux
Daylight, clear sky – 10,000-20.000 lux
Bright sunlight – 20,000-100,000 lux

Outdoors on a sunny day is 50-100 times brighter than office or room lighting.
(List borrowed from PsychEducation.Org)

With that being said, most light boxes are around 10,000 lux. It’s important to keep cost in mind as well. The higher intensity of the device, the more expensive it is going to be. But if Seasonal Affective Disorder or Depression are controlling your life, is cost necessarily a factor?

Dawn Simulators have also been proven extremely effective in scenarios such Seasonal Affective Disorder and Depression and they are noticeably cheaper than light boxes. A Dawn Simulators mimics the sunrise and sunset in your home through a small lamp. A timer must be set and when it’s time for you to start waking up, the simulator will turn on, mimicking the sunrise. This can be left on throughout the day and then slowly shut off as your day winds down. Most people only use the simulator to wake up, sort of acting as an alarm clock. But for people working from home or spending a lot of time in their home during the fall and winter months, it may be effective and helpful to leave the simulator on throughout the day.

Light Boxes For Other Mood Disorders:

Light boxes and dawn simulators, which were described above, are also extremely effective when it comes to mood disorders such as insomnia and jet lag. Seasonal changes, depression, medications, and stress, can all trigger insomnia. And for people that travel a lot for work or pleasure, jet lag can quickly control your life.

Using a Dawn Simulator for both of these conditions can be extremely effective. If you’re struggling with insomnia, a dawn simulator will help you wake up and go to sleep at appropriate times, helping create a proper sleep schedule and breaking insomnia. Also, because insomnia is also a side affect or depression, you could kill two birds with one stone. Using a light box could help too. It could elevate your mood, thus decreasing your stress levels, ultimately letting you fall asleep.

A Dawn Simulator can help fight off jet lag by keeping your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm in check. The simulator will help remind your brain the time of day and get you back to normal. A light box could definitely be effective too if it is used in the morning. It will not only keep your brain in sync with the day, but it will also put a smile on your face and a glow on your skin.

Light Therapy Devices For Cosmetic Conditions:

Light Therapy devices are commonly used to fight acne, slow down the cosmetic aging process, and even reverse hair loss. Handheld devices are typically used for acne and usually use either red or blue light. The device uses infrared lighting to penetrate into the pores on the skin to kill the bacteria that creates acne. The devices can also reduce the inflammation on the skin. This process can be done at home or in a dermatologists office. However, at home treatments are going to be far less expensive. The devices are typically held to the skin for 10 minutes increments and the light is commonly between 400 and 1,000 nanometers in intensity.

Anti-aging is one of the most popular benefits of Light Therapy. Red light therapy is commonly use for skin rejuvenation. Treatments can reduce wrinkles, minimize fine lines, reduce cellulite markings, and leave you with a young and healthy glow. Handheld devices, similar or the same as the ones use for acne, can help achieve all of these goals. Red light therapy beds are also extremely common. Similar to a tanning bed, the person undergoing the treatment would lay in the bed for a certain amount of time on a set schedule. Typically 15 to 30 minutes one to multiple times a week.

Hair loss is treated with red light therapy as well. Whether the hair loss is due to old age, pattern baldness, stress, or a skin condition, red light is known to help. The patient will either use a handheld device or a light panel and set a schedule for themself. The intensity is the same at the options discussed above. Of course, for all of these things, reading instructions and taking your personal condition into order before beginning treatment will give you the best results.

Light Therapy Devices For Severe Skin Conditions:

Light Therapy can help with more serious conditions, such as Rosacea, Eczema, Athlete’s Foot, Psoriasis, and more. If you are currently taking medication for any of these conditions or similar ones, it may be worth discussing Red Light Therapy with your doctor and finding a better option for your body. The treatments won’t take over your life and can be easily fit into your daily routine.

Red light therapy is used for just about all of these conditions. The same devices discussed above are used for these skin conditions. Blue light therapy is currently being used to treat certain types of skin cancers and it is remarkable. A solution is put onto the skin and then blue light is applied to the cancerous areas. The light penetrates through to the skin, killing the cancerous matter.

As discussed before, depending on the severity and exact circumstance of the condition, the treatments length and intensity levels differ. These treatments, aside from skin cancer, can be done at home or at a doctor’s office.

Light Therapy For Pain:

Red light therapy is commonly used amount athlete’s for pain management. Red light can treat aches and pains, reduce muscle and joint pain, help manage chronic pain, speed up the healing process for a wide array of injuries, and much more. Red light therapy beds, as discussed above, are commonly used for all of these conditions. Body wraps that use red infrared light are used as well and are much easier to fit to your lifestyle.

Starting The Treatment…

As with all major lifestyle changes regarding your health, it is always important to consult with a doctor who knows your history first. The next step is to choose whether to do the treatments at home or in a doctor’s office. If possible, at home treatments are usually the best route. Not only are they far less expensive, it is also easier to manage your time around the treatments if you only have to worry about your own schedule. It’s important to choose the right light therapy device. If it doesn’t fit your needs or schedule, you will never use it!

And lastly, but most importantly, keep an open mind. Light therapy is a natural form of therapy which could lead to doubts. But if your mind is open and you stick to a schedule, light therapy can seriously be life changing. The treatment will not heal you over night, but if you are dedicated, you can witness wonders.

Posted on April 15, 2016 In Acne, Blue Light Therapy, Depression, Hair Loss, Light Therapy, Mental Health, Psoriasis, Red Light Therapy, Skin Treatments, Uncategorized

Top 5 Light Therapy Products For Travelers Under $100

Light Therapy is all the rave right now. It’s all natural, drug free, chemical free and harm free. It’s being used to treat acne, rejuvenate skin, treat cancer, treat all different forms of depression, treat skin conditions, cure hair loss, and so much more! The biggest factor when it comes to any sort of medical treatment is convenience. If the treatment does not easily fit into your schedule, it’s very common to not give it the chance it deserves. In order to get the best results for light therapy treatments, patients need to set a schedule for themselves and be sure to follow it. In order for this to happen, the treatment has to work with the patient’s daily routine. Many people travel, right? Whether it’s for work, pleasure, family, friends, etc. However, traveling quite frequently while also following a medical treatment plan can be difficult. This is why finding the right Light Therapy product is so important. If you’re a traveler and looking to add Light Therapy to your lifestyle, this list is for you. We have created a list of the Top 5 Light Therapy Products For Travelers Under $100. Our list is succinct and accurate, helping you find the perfect product. These devices are easy to pack in your carry on, can be used just about anywhere, and they won’t empty your wallet. You’re welcome!

1.) Nature Bright Sun Bliss 2 in 1 Portable Light Therapy & Wake-Up Light

Amazon for $60.30

The Nature Bright Sun Bliss 2 in 1 Portable Light Therapy & Wake-Up Light is perfect for the traveler who needs a little help keeping their circadian rhythm in check. This light is made with a 10,000 lux bright light which is meant to mimic the sun no matter what time of day it is. It can be used as a simple light box that you spend some time in front of to raise your energy levels or you can use it as an alarm clock. Set the time you’d like to start waking up and the light will slowly start to turn on, mimicking the sunrise and keeping your mind’s internal clock in check. The Nature Bright Sun Bliss Light is light weight and portable, weighing in at only 15.5 ounces and 1.2 inches in height.

2.) Zadro Sunlight 365

Amazon for $34.95

The Zadro Sunlight 365 was specially designed for the winter blues traveler. This light consists of 35 blue LEDs and has 10,000 lux of light which is quite impressive considering the size. The light is adjustable from 0 to 100% and has a small panel on the front that shows the time and other optionable settings. This light is plastic, small, and portable, making it a necessary addition to your carry on bag.

3.) Verilux Happy Light Liberty 5K Natural Spectrum Energy Lamp

Joann for $19.99

This lamp is on sale! You better add it to your cart quick! The Verilux Happy Light Liberty 5K Natural Spectrum Energy Lamp is only about 6″x7″x3″ which makes it perfect for your office, desk or hotel room. It’s plastic and portable, making it easy to fit in your suitcase or briefcase. It emits 5000 lux which is ideal for mild to moderate cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, jet lag, shift changes, insomnia, and more. This lamp may be small but it sure is mighty.

4.) LED Light Therapy Skin System For Beautiful Skin

Amazon for $99.99

The LED Light Therapy Skin System for Beautiful Skin uses multiple forms of light therapy to target skin conditions such as acne, wrinkles, scars, inflammation, psoriasis, Rosacea, and more. This skin care package includes three detachable light heads which can be changed according to what your skin requires. The device is hand held, cordless when in use and charges with the included cord. The device is aimed to give you a 30 minute treatment per charge and has a built in timer to let you know when your treatments are finished. Treatments are usually 10 minutes long. The device is only 5.6 ounces and 2 inches long, making it easy to continue your skin treatments while traveling. How often do you get to treat your acne on the go? This device makes it possible.

5.) ReVive Light Therapy Skin Treatment

Amazon for $79.95

The ReVive Light Therapy Skin Treatment is a handheld wand that penetrates deep into the skin to kill acne and the bacteria that causes it. The device is made for all skin types, even the sensitive ones! The light head consists of 40 LED blue light bulbs which makes this device a bang for the buck! The device should be used for a minimum of 3 minutes each day and used with goggles if the light is close to your eyes. The ReVive Light Therapy Skin Treatment device is small, portable, and will fit nicely in your toiletry bag while you travel. Continue your treatment on the go! It’ll be worth it.

Posted on April 11, 2016 In Acne, Blue Light Therapy, Depression, Light Therapy, Mental Health, Products, Red Light Therapy, Skin Treatments, Top 10's

Best Light Therapy Products For Depression

Light Therapy is being used to help treat depression all over the world. Many people struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a form of depression that occurs annually during the fall and winter months. Due to the fact that there is little to no sun during these months and the time changes make it difficult to keep track of what time of the day it is, it is easy for depression to settle in. For people that struggle with depression regardless of the time of year, Light Therapy has also been proven effective. Light has the power to lift energy levels, making it easier to live with depression. Also, depression and insomnia commonly go hand in hand. Light Therapy helps keep the brain’s internal clock in check which can help fight insomnia. Waking up to “sunlight” in your room can awake you in the right mood and remind your body that it is time to arise and get the day started.

Whether you’re struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, insomnia, or any other disorder that’s got you down, Light Therapy might be the right path for you. A simple light box that you leave on your desk may flip your life around. Spending as little as thirty minutes in front of a light box while you read, work, eat, write, or knit may be what you need to feel like yourself again. More 3 million people in the United States are diagnosed with depression each year. If you or someone you know is one of those 3 million people, Light Therapy can take a heavy burden off your shoulders. Shouldn’t you give it a chance? This is why we made a list for you. Below you will find the best at home Light Therapy products currently on the market. All of these products are highly reviewed, easy to use, and have the power to drastically improve your life. What are you waiting for? Start reading!

Carex Health Brands Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp
Amazon for $119.79 (on sale!)

If you’re going to fight depression, why not do it the right way? The Carex Health Brands Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp is one of the best at home light therapy devices on the market. This lamp provides the maximum recommended 10,000 lux of glare-free white light. It safely blocks 99.3% of UV rays. It also projects the light downwards, which is doctor’s recommend as the best method for treatments. The angle and height are both adjustable, making this lamp easy to use in most places. Spending as little as 15 minutes each morning in front of this lamp can drastically increase energy levels and have you feeling rested and ready to take on the world.

Philips HF3520 Wake-Up Light With Colored Sunrise Simulation
Amazon for $129.99 (on sale!)

Dawn/sunset simulators are one of the best treatment methods for Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, or insomnia. The Philips HF3520 Wake-Up Light mimics the sun rise each morning and the sunset each night at the time of your preference. This device is slightly different than most simulators on the market. Philips actually made this light to mimic the colors of the sun which will help you gradually wake up or fall asleep. There is also a choice of 5 natural and calming sounds. Waking up in this fashion each morning is guaranteed to start your day off right as well as keep your circadian rhythm (your mind’s internal clock) in check. Letting yourself wind down with the colors of the sunset will also improve your nightly sleep.
Aside from being a simulator, the Philips HF3520 Wake-Up Light is also an FM radio and a tap-to-snooze alarm clock. Why wouldn’t you want to add this product to your bedside table? It has everything!

Northern Light Technology Travelite
Amazon for $164.99

Fighting depression, no matter what kind it is, requires consistency. When undergoing Light Treatments it is important to set a schedule and stick to it. For people that travel a lot, spend most of their day at work, or live in a small home, it is important to use a light therapy device that can easily fit into these unique lifestyles. This is why the Northern Light Technoology Travelite is one of the best at home light therapy products for depression on the market right now. This light box offers 10,000 lux of diffused light at a safe and comfortable 12 inch distance and only uses 48 watts of energy. Weighing in at only 2.9 pounds, and 13 inches in height, this lamp is extremely powerful and effective for it’s size. Don’t be fooled! It also includes a folding stand that can support the panel in either the vertical or horizontal position. The Northern Light Technology Traveliteis UV free, meaning it’s harm free and safe for anyone! Time to add this light therapy device to your travel bag!

Posted on April 7, 2016 In Depression, Light Therapy, Products

Top 10 Light Therapy Products For Depression Under $100

Light Therapy is being used to help treat depression all over the world. Many people struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a form of depression that occurs annually during the fall and winter months. Due to the fact that there is little to no sun during these months and the time changes make it difficult to keep track of what time of the day it is, it is easy for depression to settle in. For people that struggle with depression regardless of the time of year, Light Therapy has also been proven effective. Light has the power to lift energy levels, making it easier to live with depression. Also, typically depression and insomnia go hand in hand. Light Therapy helps keep the brain’s internal clock in check which can help fight insomnia. Waking up to “sunlight” in your room can awake you in the right mood and remind your body that it is time to wake up and get the day started.

Whether you’re struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, insomnia, or any other disorder that’s got you down, Light Therapy might be the right path for you. A simple light box that you leave on your desk may flip your life around. Spending as little as thirty minutes in front of a light box while you read, work, eat, write, or knit may be what you need to feel like yourself again. We know that many people struggle with all different forms of depression and we know that time, money, and convenience all play a role in our treatment options. This is why we made a list for you. Below you will find the Top Ten Light Therapy Products For Depression Under $100. These products are highly reviewed, easy to use, and inexpensive.

1.) Sphere Gadget Technologies Lightphoria 10,000 Lux Energy Light Lamp

$69.99

If your mood could be bumped up a few notches and your space is limited, this is the light therapy lamp for you. The Sphere Gadget Technologies Lightphoria 10,000 Lux Energy Lamp is not only portable and sleek, it’s also well made and sturdy. It emits 10,000 Lux of light energy and is made with 72 energy efficient LEDs that consume 7.2 watts. This is impressive considering it’s size. The lamp has options for different intensity levels and a timer that can be set for 15, 30, or 45 minutes.

2.) NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp

$39.99

The NatureBright Sun Touch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp uses 10,000 lux light therapy and negative ion therapy which is worth pointing out after seeing it’s price point. This lamp was created to balances your body’s internal clock which is the main reason why Seasonal Affective Disorder exists. Once your mind and body are back on track you start to feel refreshed, energized and youthful. Ion therapy has also been proven effective when used as anti depressant and can show results in as little as three days. This lamp is recommended by the Columbia Department of Psychiatry and the New York State Psychiatry Institute. Definitely a product you should add to your cart!

3.) Philips Wake-Up Light

$69.99

A dawn/dusk simulator is necessary for anyone struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, insomnia, or jet lag. The Philips Wake-Up Light is intended to be an all natural and highly effective alarm clock. Instead of blasting a loud alarm in your ear to wake you up in the morning, this Light Therapy device slowly begins to mimic an outdoor sunrise when it reaches the time you set it to. The purpose is to awake you naturally, leaving you refreshed, energized, and ready for the day. There are also 10 light settings, a snooze option, and an alarm beeping option in case you sleep through the light.

4.) Verilux VT10WW1 HappyLight Liberty Personal Portable Natural Spectrum Energy Lamp

$39.95

Light Therapy Lamps are intended to improve your mood and outlook naturally, drug free, and harm free. The Verilux VT10WW1 HappyLight Liberty Personal Portable Natural Spectrum Energy Lamp is highly reviewed and trusted for doing just that. The LED light panel on the lamp is only 8″ in height and width and it emits 5,000 lux of light energy. This is a moderate output range, making this lamp ideal for mild to moderate cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder and other forms of depression. The size and intensity of the lamp make it perfect for desk, office, and travel use.

5.) Aura Light Therapy Lamp

79.89

The Aura Light Therapy Lamp is sleek, modern, and highly reviewed. This lamp emits 10,000 lux of light energy and has a 6 inch photopic measurement. This lamp is a must have for anyone dealing with the winter blues. The company recommends performing light therapy treatments as early as possible in the morning and credits itself for being highly effective in lifting moods, stabilizing energy levels, and treating depression. The high number of happy reviewers on Amazon agree too!

6.) Nature Bright Sun Bliss 2 in 1 Portable Light Therapy & Wake-Up Light

$60.30

The Nature Bright Sun Bliss 2 in 1 Portable Light Therapy & Wake-Up Light is perfect for someone who needs a little help keeping their circadian rhythm in check. This light is made with a 10,000 lux bright light which is meant to mimic the sun no matter what time of day it is. It can be used as a simple light box that you spend some time in front of to raise your energy levels or you can use it as an alarm clock. Set the time you’d like to start waking up and the light will slowly start to turn on, mimicking the sunrise and keeping your mind’s internal clock in check. The Nature Bright Sun Bliss Light is light weight and portable, weighing in at only 15.5 ounces and 1.2 inches in height. This lamp is perfect for your desktop, bedside table, or carry on bag!

7.) Lighten Up! Sunrise / Dawn Simulator

$39.95

This sunrise and sunset simulator is a little different than most. The Lighten Up! Model 308 Sunrise Simulator actually does not include a lamp. Instead, this device plugs into the light source of your choice, turning it into a simulator. With this device you can control your own lamp and have it on a specific timer, staying in tune with the outdoor light, thus keeping your internal body clock in check. This simulator is perfect for helping treat seasonal depression, jet lag, insomnia, and more. For people who live in areas that deal with long periods of darkness, for example Alaska in the winter, this simulator can help your body remember what time it is and where your brain should be at at that time. This simulator is very well priced and the fact that you can control just about eveything about it including the light source isn’t too bad either.

8.) Zadro Sunlight 365

$34.95

The Zadro Sunlight 365 was specially designed for the winter blues victim on the go. This light consists of 35 blue LEDs and has 10,000 lux of light which is quite impressive considering the size. The light is adjustable from 0 to 100% and has a small panel on the front that shows the time and other optionable settings. This Light Therapy lamp is plastic, small, and portable, making it a necessary addition to your carry on bag.

9.) Verilux VT15WW1 Happy Light Liberty 7,500 Lux Energy Lamp

$43.99

Okay, we’ll admit it. This lamp isn’t too different from all the other ones we’ve discussed. But when a light is this powerful and this cheap, it’s worth pointing out! The Verilux VT15WW1 Happy Light Liberty 7,500 Lux Energy Lamp emits 7,500 lux light energy at an 8 inch photopic measurement. It’s also UV free, flicker free, and small enough to put on your desk, but not small enough to not give you the power you need to fight the blues. HappyLight has been making Light Therapy devices since 1956 and all of their devices are worth your hard earned money. We promise!

10.) Hammacher Schlemmer Desktop Light Therapy Lamp

$99.95

Yes, this is another light therapy box, and yes, this one is more expensive. But didn’t your parents ever tell you “you get what you pay for!” The Hammacher Schlemmer Desktop Light Therapy Lamp is sleak, clean, and effective. The lamp is equipped with 10,000 LUX of daylight spectrum light, which is rare for a product of its size. The high level of light being emitted is perfect for counteracting seasonal depression, seasonal change, jet lag, and more. Spending just 30 minutes a day in front of this light therapy lamp can help stop the release of melatonin in your brain. Melatonin is a sleep hormone and when it is stopped from being released throughout the day, you will find yourself with a much higher energy level from sun up to sun down. The Hammacher Schlemmer Desktop Light Therapy Lamp uses a 36 watt bulb rated for 10,000 hours. It also includes an electronic ballast to stop buzzing while operating and flicker elimination technology. This light therapy lamp definitely needs to be added to your cart!

Posted on March 29, 2016 In Depression, Light Therapy, Mental Health, Products, Top 10's