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That’s the recommended light intensity for a light therapy lamp, but it may seem harsh at first. The Verilux HappyLight Light Therapy Lamp was one of the most effective lamps we tested, boosting our energy level every time we used it.Īt its brightest, the lamp delivers 10,000 lux of light. Then we had a physician and a member of our Review Board review the article for medical accuracy. And they also assessed the lamps for design, ease of use, and value. Every day, testers noted their mood, energy level, and sleep quality before and after using their lamp. Each tester assessed one lamp at a time, using that lamp for 30 minutes daily for five straight days.
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To find the best light therapy lamps, we tested 15 top-rated options at home, performing five-day tests to find the eight best lamps. A good light therapy lamp should suit your space, offer 10,000 lux of light exposure, and make it easy to adjust brightness when needed. And though it’s unclear how light therapy works, some suspect the bright light exposure may boost serotonin (the “happy chemical” that naturally occurs in our bodies) or reset our circadian rhythms. As you shop for light therapy lamps, consider size, style, light intensity, and brightness settings. Regular light therapy has been shown to alleviate symptoms of SAD, depression, and other mood disorders.
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Some of the best aspects of light therapy are that you don't need a prescription to reap the benefits, the lamps are widely available, and you can use them at home: Simply turn on your light therapy lamp and sit near it for a set period of time (typically 15–60 minutes). Light therapy lamps are bright lamps commonly used to boost mood and energy levels or to treat conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression, or sleep disorders.
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