SAD sufferers tend to experience low energy and motivation, restless sleep, lethargy, and low spirits – all caused by the decrease in light levels during the winter. But a good SAD lamp can help to ease the symptoms. A SAD lamp or light box is designed to mimic the natural outdoor light we miss during the winter months, and stimulate the same physiological response in users. If you’ve been diagnosed with SAD and you live in the UK, you can claim back the VAT on products designed to help with symptoms. Find out more by reading government guidance. Some of the lamps also feature light alarms that can help SAD sufferers wake up more easily in the mornings. They reproduce the stages of early daylight to allow you to wake naturally, and can be a huge help to people struggling with a lack of light in their winter routines. For more general light alarm options, have a look at our guide to the best light alarms. And, to get the best rest possible when you most need it, check out our ultimate guide to choosing a mattress. For more information on SAD lamps, and for buying advice, read on after the chart.
The Best SAD Lamps
How do I use a SAD lamp?
Recommendations can vary by device, so it’s always worth checking the instructions. The latest advice suggests you should use it every morning for half an hour while you read or watch TV.
Bright Not harsh light Well priced
Must be plugged in at all times
It has to be plugged in, but the cable is long enough that you can pop the lamp on a bedside table or a desk. It can stand in portrait or landscape position thanks to its kickstand, and the only button or control is the on/off switch on the back. The effects of the lamp will vary from person to person, so it’s tricky to offer a verdict on whether or not it’ll work for you, but 30 minutes while getting ready for work made us feel noticeably more awake and alert in the morning. It’s one of the best priced SAD lamps we’ve seen, but others with higher price tags often include alarm clocks or wake-up features, while this is a straightforward, simple solution.
10,000 lux Wake-up light Class 2a medical device
Must be plugged in
This compact little dedicated SAD light box boasts up to 10,000 lux output and adjustable brightness levels to suit your tastes. For light therapy, you can set it on a choice of brightness and timer settings, and use the adjustable stand to position it towards your face for the most effective light therapy. The wake-up light has a 15 or 30 minute sunrise option, along with a snooze function. The blue-enriched white LEDs give the impression of natural daylight coming into your room, making it a gentle light to wake up to. You can set an optional beeping alarm, but you can’t choose any other soothing sounds as you can on dedicated wake-up lights. The Lumie Zest does need to be plugged in all the time but because it’s so small, you can move it around your home easily. It may not offer all the same features as some of the dedicated products, but this little hybrid definitely packs a punch – and most importantly, it’s a class 2a medical device.
Sounds & light options Medically certified
Expensive Resets when unplugged Fiddly
It has mixed LEDs that shine combinations of white, orange and red to create a realistic sunlight effect that isn’t too blinding and can increase and decrease gradually over 15-90 minutes, at up to 20 different light levels. While it’s primarily sold as a wake-up alarm, it’s also medically certified for light therapy purposes. If you’ve been diagnosed with SAD, you’ll probably still want a dedicated SAD light box, but a light alarm is a handy complement to it, giving you an energy boost when you probably need it the most. We opted for the maximum brightness scale over 30 minutes and found we woke up naturally. However, you can set the alarm at the end of that time period if you don’t trust you’ll wake up using the light alone. The alarm can be set to beep or use one of the preset sounds including a stream train (unusual), ping pong (also odd), waves (more conventional), or the inbuilt FM radio. Annoyingly, if you turn it off at the mains all the settings reset to factory, and the buttons on the unit mean it’s fiddly to set up. However, once it’s up and running, it’s an excellent product.
4 brightness settings
Other features limited
Compared to other SAD lamps, the design is basic, with an adjustable neck and a smooth plastic finish. It’s not battery operated, so it will have to remain plugged in for use. The Desklamp’s style is quite severe and clinical (it doesn’t surprise us that it’s a Class 2a medical device). We found it to be fairly chunky too. The light itself, however, is clear and bright at 10,000 lux at full strength – which makes it a great study or work lamp if you wanted to integrate it into your day-to-day life. It comes with a detachable diffuser. Lumie recommends sitting under the light for 60 minutes a day, or 30 minutes a day with the diffuser removed. There’s no need to sit and stare into it. In fact, that’s not a good idea. Instead, angle it so you look past it. It should be placed on a desk or shelf around 15-25 inches from your face. But this information is just a guide. All SAD lamps will have different instructions for use, so if you buy one, check the manual before using it.
SAD light buying advice
When looking for a SAD light, brightness is one of the main concerns. Ideally, look for one rated at 10,000 lux. You’ll also want to make sure it’s medically certified to treat SAD, and isn’t just an ordinary lamp. Blue light treatment can have an even stronger effect, although it can disrupt sleep, so you won’t want it on just before bed. There are dedicated blue light lamps, as well as some SAD lamps that let you switch between different types of light. UV light is dangerous. Most SAD lamps – and all in this round-up – are UV-free but if you’re considering another model, check to ensure that it is safe first.
Light alarms
Some SAD light boxes feature light alarms, which are also known as wake-up lights or dawn simulators. These are alarm clocks that slowly build up light in the morning to wake you gently. They’ve been clinically shown to help treat some of the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. It’s worth noting that, alone, they are not full treatments, and generally aren’t anywhere near as bright as dedicated SAD lamps. Emma is Home Tech Editor at Tech Advisor. She covers everything from kitchen appliances to smart home devices, from floor care to personal care to air care technology. She’s particularly interested in environmentally conscious brands and products that save people time and money.
