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If you feel a little flat during the winter, chances are seasonal affective disorder (commonly known as SAD) is to blame – and you’re definitely not alone. Enter the best SAD lamps, which take advantage of bright light to help improve your mood during the dreary months.
With dark mornings and drawn out evenings gone, SAD lamps are here to make life a little brighter again. In the UK, we see less than eight hours of sunlight on the “shortest” day of the year – so it’s no surprise that this time of year can have a negative impact on our emotions.
“If your emotions are interfering with your everyday life, it could be a sign you have depression,” explains Stephen Buckley, head of information at Mind. “If [those feelings] Keep coming back at the same time of year, doctors may call it seasonal affective disorder”.
Often called therapy lights, SAD lamps are very bright lamps that you sit in front of, ideally in the morning and at lunchtime. As soon as bright light hits you, your brain will be prompted to slow down the production of melatonin (the hormone responsible for sleep) and instead start pumping out serotonin (the hormone responsible for how you feel). This will improve your sense of well-being and help increase your energy levels.
You need a light that ideally shines around 10,000 lux (lux is a measure of brightness) but even 2,500 lux has some impact. Then you might want to sit in front of it for about 30 minutes a day. After a week of consistent use, you should start to feel positive effects.
Although their function is slightly different, there is also evidence Wake-up lights and alarm clocks Can reduce SAD. For that reason, I’ve included a selection of the best SAD lamps as well in this review. Before you start your light therapy journey, it’s important to check with your GP, as light therapy is not suitable for everyone, including people taking antipsychotic medication and those with certain skin and eye conditions.
The best SAD lamps for 2025 are:
- overall best – Lumi Task Light Therapy Desk Lamp: £279, Amazon.co.uk
- best budget buy – Beurer TL30 Daylight Therapy Lamp: £35.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best Light-Up Alarm Clock – Beurer WL50 Wake-Up Light: £54, Amazon.co.uk
how i tested
I rated lamps based on how practical they were to use, as this had a direct impact on how likely I was to use them consistently. I also looked at the brightness levels, how they looked in our home, and the quality. Along with all this, I also considered value for money. Keep reading to find out which SAD lamps brightened my days.
Why can you trust IndyBest reviews?
zoe phillimore is a journalist and editor who has been reviewing home appliances for IndieBest since 2021, so he has a strong hold on the brand for efficiency and durability. whether she is reviewing best steam iron Or cylinder vacuumIts thorough testing process ensures that readers get the best value for money.