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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. People commonly use sun lamps, also known as SAD lamps, to treat a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). These lamps can also help a person’s body make vitamin D, which helps ensure that specific body functions run smoothly. Share on Pinterest A quick look at the best SAD lampsBest overall Verilux HappyLight LuxeBest adjustable lux settings: Aura Day Light LampBest for inducing natural sleep and waking Philips SmartSleep Light Therapy Lamp rangeBest bulb life Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy LampBest for vitamin D Sperti Vitamin D SunlampDoctors sometimes refer to the use of a sun lamp as light therapy. People with SAD commonly use sun lamps or lightboxes to improve their symptoms. This article discusses what SAD is and how SAD lamps can help. It also lists a range of lamps a person can consider and answers some frequently asked questions about SAD lamps. About SAD SAD is a type of depression that is more common in the late fall and winter months. Most people who experience it find that their symptoms become less severe or even resolve in spring and summer. Individuals with vitamin D deficiency may also use a SAD lamp. Vitamin D helps the nervous system, muscles, and immune system function correctly and helps the body absorb the calcium necessary for maintaining healthy bones. Most people receive the vitamin D they need from their diet and the sun. However, those who do not get enough sunlight exposure or who have a health condition that stops their body from absorbing vitamins from food might develop a vitamin D deficiency. This can lead to rickets in children, while adults can develop muscle weakness and bone pain. Sometimes, people also use SAD lamps to help with sleep disorders or depression. How do SAD lamps work SAD lamps, also known as sun lamps or light boxes, work by imitating sunlight. People need sunlight for many reasons. It affects the body’s natural daily cycles, also known as circadian rhythms. These govern how individuals feel and when they go to sleep and wake up. The skin also uses sunlight to make vitamin D. Additionally, sunlight helps the brain produce hormones that the body needs to function. Some examples are serotonin, which plays a role in mood, and melatonin, which helps with sleep patterns. According to a 2013 review, sunlight may trigger the production of serotonin through the eyes and skin. SAD lamps typically show measurements in lux, which refers to the lamp’s luminance level. For example, doctors might recommend that a person with SAD sit by a lightbox that provides 10,000 lux for 30 minutes each day as soon as possible after waking up. A person may also use lower lux lights, such as 2,500 lux, for 1–2 hours. There is some evidence to support the benefits of light therapy, but there is a lack of up-to-date research on this topic. Additionally, this type of therapy may not suit everyone. People with light sensitivity, bipolar disorder, diabetes, or eye health conditions should avoid this treatment. Experts advise individuals who wish to try light therapy to use only SAD lamps that emit fluorescent light with no UV wavelengths, as UV light can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer. However, for people using a SAD lamp to help their skin make vitamin D, UVB light is essential. Anyone considering using a SAD lamp should first consult a healthcare professional. What to look for in a SAD lamp A person looking for a SAD lamp should consider the following factors:Light intensity: An intensity level of 10,000 lux is part of the standard treatment guidelines for light therapy.Positioning: A person should be able to angle their SAD lamp downward to reduce glare.UV filter: Individuals should look for a lamp with a built-in UV filter and UV-blocking capabilities.Efficiency: Some SAD lamps use replaceable bulbs, while others use LED lights that can last for 50,000 hours. Before making a purchase, a person may wish to consider how energy-efficient their chosen SAD lamp is and how much extra cost new bulbs may require. How we chose Medical News Today chooses SAD lamps that meet the following criteria:Health claims: MNT includes companies that make no questionable health claims.Safety: MNT selects products that emit safe light levels and include UV filters.Price: MNT will choose products that suit a range of budgets. Five of the best SAD lamps The following are five of the best SAD lamps a person can consider purchasing. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best overall Verilux HappyLight LuxePrice: $69.99Dimensions: 11.7 inches (in) height (H) x 7.5 in width (W) x 0.5 in depth (D)Lamp intensity: 10,000 luxWeight: 2 pounds (lb) Verilux sells a range of HappyLight products, which provide full-spectrum, UV-free light with 10,000-lux intensity. The company’s HappyLight Luxe is portable and comes with adjustable color temperatures, timers, and a choice of four brightness levels. People who use the product say it helps improve their mood, sleep patterns, and energy levels. This lamp may be suitable for a wide range of users, as it offers many features for a reasonably affordable price. Individuals may consider the following advantages and disadvantages of this lamp: Prosthree color temperatures: 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 kelvincountdown timerUV-free light Conssmaller surface area than SAD treatment guidelines recommendnot adjustablemay be less powerful than other models The Verilux HappyLight Luxe is available to purchase online for $69.99.SHOP NOW Best adjustable lux setting Aura Day Light LampPrice: $139.99Dimensions: 14 in (H) x 8 in (W) x 2 in (D)Lamp intensity: 3,500–10,000 luxWeight: approximately 1 lb The Aura Day Light Lamp has an adjustable light output and does not use UV light. Individuals can adjust the lux setting from 3,500 to 10,000, depending on their preference. A person can also mount the lamp to a wall, and it automatically shuts off after use. The manufacturer advises that the lamp’s design can boost mood and increase concentration, focus, and energy. This lamp may be best suited to people who would like to experiment with the strength of light they need. Below are some advantages and drawbacks of the Aura Day Light Lamp for a person to consider. Prosadjustable angleadjustable light intensityUV-free lightcountdown timerwall-mountableswivel bottom Consreaches 10,000 lux at a short distancehas bulbs that may burn out quicklycomes at a higher price that is unsuitable for smaller budgetsnot easily portable The Aura Day Light Lamp is available to purchase online for $139.99.SHOP NOW Best for inducing natural sleep and waking Philips SmartSleep Light Therapy Lamp rangePrice: $49.99–199.99Dimensions: vary by modelLamp intensity: 200 luxWeight: varies by model Philips designed its SmartSleep Sleep and Wake Up lamps to help people who have difficulty getting to sleep or waking up. Most of the lamps aim to prepare the body for sleep by simulating sunset, gradually decreasing the light in the room. In the morning, the lamps do the reverse, simulating sunrise by gradually increasing the light. People who use these products say that the lamps help them get to sleep and wake up more naturally, allowing them to feel more energetic during the day. This product is especially suitable for people who would like a SAD lamp to support their circadian rhythm and improve their sleep. Individuals may consider the following advantages and disadvantages of this lamp: Prosa range of available lamps adjustable brightness levels on all lampslight that gradually increases to mimic sunrisedesign that supports natural waking and sleeping Conslight intensity of 200 lux, which does not meet standard SAD treatment guidelinessmaller surface area than SAD treatment guidelines recommenddifficult to adjust for optimal SAD treatment positionnonreplaceable bulbon the cheapest model only, no sunset simulation option to promote sleepdesign that supports natural waking and sleeping but not SAD specifically The Philips SmartSleep Light Therapy Lamp range is available online for $49.99–199.99, depending on the model.SHOP NOW Best bulb life Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy LampPrice: $49.99Dimensions: 9.5 in (H) x 7 in (W) x 2 in (D)Lamp intensity: 10,000 luxWeight: 1.69 lb The company writes that these lamps do not use UV light. They come in various designs with an intensity of 10,000 lux. The manufacturer writes that this lamp’s design imitates the sun at noon, and a person can adjust the lamp through three brightness levels. Additionally, rather than fluorescent bulbs, this lamp uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that have a 50,000-hour life. The lamp comes with a 2-year warranty. This lamp may be best suited to people who would like to use higher light strengths. A person may consider the following advantages and drawbacks of the Lumine lamp: Prosprovides 10,000 lux to meet SAD treatment guidelines on brightnessdoes not use UV lightuses LED bulbs that last 50,000 hourshas three levels of brightnessproduces white light Conssmaller surface area than SAD treatment guidelines recommendno timerno option to adjust lighting angleshort electric cord The Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy Lamp is available online for $49.99.SHOP NOW Best for vitamin D Sperti Vitamin D SunlampPrice: $700.24Dimensions: 22 in (H) x 12 in (W) x 6 in (D)Lamp intensity: not listedWeight: 13 lb The Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamp claims to provide the UVB rays that the body needs to make vitamin D. According to the manufacturer, it is the only product of its type with recognition from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The device also features an adjustable timer and includes two pairs of UV-blocking glasses to protect the eyes during use. According to Sperti, doctors recommend that people use it for only a few minutes at a time to avoid burns. This product may suit people who would like a SAD lamp to improve their vitamin D levels. Below are some advantages and disadvantages of this lamp. Prosreportedly meets recommended surface area guidelines for SAD treatmentadjustable timer1,000-hour bulb lifecomes with two pairs of protective eyewear Consunsuitable for smaller budgetsnon-adjustable brightnessproduces potentially harmful UVB raysunspecified lux levels The Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamp is available to purchase online for $700.24.SHOP NOW How to use a SAD lamp There are general guidelines for using a SAD lamp to reduce SAD symptoms. A person may consider:sitting in front of the SAD lamp first thing in the morningusing a fluorescent light source with a diffusion screenensuring 30 minutes of exposure to 10,000 luxangling the SAD lamp to -30 degrees away from the person’s line of sightsitting 12–24 in away from the SAD lampnot looking directly at the bulbstarting to use the SAD lamp in the fall and continuing its use through to spring SAD lamp comparisonsPriceFeaturesSizeLight Verilux HappyLight Luxe$69.99has 3 color temperaturesheight: 11.7 in width: 7.5 indepth: 0.5 in10,000 luxAura Day Light Lamp$139.99suitable for wall mountingheight: 14 in width: 8 indepth: 2 in10,000 lux at a short distancePhilips SmartSleep Light Therapy Lamps$49.99–199.99increases light gradually to mimic sunrise varying200 luxCircadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy Lamp$49.99uses LED bulbs that last 50,000 hours height: 9.5 in width: 7 indepth: 2 in10,000 luxSperti Vitamin D Sunlamp$700.24comes with two pairs of protective eyewear height: 22 in width: 12 indepth: 6 innot listed Frequently asked questions about SAD lamps Below are answers to some of the top frequently asked questions about SAD lamps. Can SAD lamps damage your skin or eyes A 2017 review recommends that people who take medications that increase their sensitivity to sunlight or who have medical conditions that have the same effect exercise caution when using SAD lamps. Additionally, those with cataracts, retinopathy, or glaucoma should use a SAD lamp only under the care of an ophthalmologist. Do SAD lamps increase your vitamin D levels A 2017 study suggests that lamps that produce UVB light may help a person’s body produce vitamin D. However, future research is necessary to learn more. If a person has concerns that they have a vitamin D deficiency, they should speak with their doctor as soon as possible. How long does it take for light therapy lamps to start working The exact amount of time it takes to see a reduction in SAD symptoms may vary, but research shows that most people begin to experience symptom relief within 7 days of starting treatment. Do I need a prescription for a SAD lamp No. A person can buy a SAD lamp online without a prescription. A person should speak with a doctor before using a SAD lamp for a health condition. Are SAD lamps safe Doctors generally consider SAD lamps safe. However, certain light wavelengths that some SAD lamps use can increase a person’s risk of cancer. Additionally, people with certain health conditions should not use SAD lamps. Side effects of light therapy may include eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. A person should speak with a doctor before using a SAD lamp to ensure that it is safe for them. What are the benefits of SAD lamps SAD lamps may imitate the effects of sunlight, including stimulating the production of serotonin. They may also help regulate a person’s circadian rhythm and increase vitamin D production. However, more research is necessary to explore the benefits of SAD lamps for health. Summary SAD lamps, which work by imitating the sun, may help some people with SAD, vitamin D deficiency, or sleep issues. However, individuals should be careful when using these devices. In most cases, people should look for products that do not use UV light, as this type of light can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer. If a person has a vitamin D deficiency, their skin needs UVB light to make the vitamin. However, in most cases, it is better to get vitamin D from food and natural sunlight than to use a SAD lamp. It is important to note that light therapy will not work for everyone. Those with light sensitivities, bipolar disorder, diabetes, or eye health conditions should avoid this treatment. Anyone thinking about using a SAD lamp, especially those who suspect they have a vitamin D deficiency, should speak with a doctor first. Last medically reviewed on September 12, 2022DepressionMental HealthPsychology / PsychiatryComplementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine 13 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Campbell, P. D., et al. (2017). Bright light therapy: Seasonal affective disorder and beyond.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6746555/Chandra, P., et al. (2007). Treatment of vitamin D deficiency with UV light in patients with malabsorption syndromes: A case series.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC2846322Grigalavicius, M., et al. (2015). Vitamin D and ultraviolet therapy in Caucasians [Abstract].https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S101113441500086XKimball, S. M., et al. (2017). Sunbeds with UVB radiation can produce physiological levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in healthy volunteers.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5821157/Melrose, S. (2015). Seasonal affective disorder: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches.https://www.hindawi.com/journals/drt/2015/178564/Nussbaumer-Streit, B., et al. (2019). Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder.https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011269.pub3/fullRadiation: The known health effects of ultraviolet radiation. (2017).https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-the-known-health-effects-of-ultraviolet-radiationSansone, R. A., et al. (2013). Sunshine, serotonin, and skin: A partial explanation for seasonal patterns in psychopathology?https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3779905/Seasonal affective disorder. (n.d.).https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/seasonal-affective-disorder/index.shtmlSeasonal affective disorder: More than the winter blues. (2014).https://www.apa.org/topics/depression/seasonal-affective-disorderSloane, P. D., et al. (2008). Light as therapy for sleep disorders and depression in older adults.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3839957/Sunlamps and sunlamp products (tanning beds/booths). (2020).https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/home-business-and-entertainment-products/sunlamps-and-sunlamp-products-tanning-bedsboothsVitamin D: Fact sheet for health professionals. (2022).https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Joslyn Jelinek, LCSW — By Amanda Barrell and Danielle Dresden — Updated on September 12, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about seasonal affective disorderMedically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD Seasonal affective disorder causes a person to feel low during a particular season of the year. It is now more commonly known as major depressive…READ MOREWhat to know about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in summerMedically reviewed by N. 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