11 Light Therapy Lamps to Make You Feel Less Like an Empty Husk This Winter

We’re deep in the trenches of winter now and chances are you’re working well past dark o’clock these days, especially if you live in a part of the country where the sun sets pretty darn early. If you find yourself feeling particularly down this time of year, you’re not alone — seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a real condition marked by a pattern of depressive episodes that correspond with the change in seasons. Fortunately, there’s something you can do to combat it: bright light therapy, via light therapy or SAD lamps.

Consistently using a SAD lamp for 10-30 minute daily sessions can drastically improve your mood, as well as boost your energy levels and sleep quality according to Mayo Clinic. Note that it’s important to recognize that a SAD lamp is not a substitute for any and all treatment plans and medications. Talk to your healthcare professional to ensure you have an accurate diagnosis and aren’t dealing with a condition that may require a different and more effective treatment. SAD lamps can also be harmful if you have retinal disease, so make sure your eye health is in top shape before using one as well.

If your provider does recommend a SAD lamp, there are many options available on the market to fit most budgets. Experts recommend looking for one that provides about 10,000 lux light, AKA the measurement of light that indicates its intensity, at eye level. Read on for our picks of the most versatile, compact and aesthetically pleasing SAD lamps to get you through the winter season.