Do you find yourself feeling more and more depressed when the temperatures start to drop and the sunlight starts to fade earlier and earlier in the day? If so, you're not alone, and it's definitely not all in your head. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects a large portion of the population. When we're indoors for too long and we don't get enough natural sunlight, we're at risk for developing SAD symptoms: namely, feelings of depression, lethargy, and poor sleeping habits. This is why, when the weather gets gray and cold and you're spending more time indoors, a light therapy lamp can be a major comfort. Light therapy lamps help mitigate the wintry blues by emitting bright light that's similar to natural sunlight. This, in turn, may increase your serotonin levels and improve your sleep and mental health. Of course, not all light therapy lamps are created equal, which is why we've rounded up a few of the best ones available here. Miroco Light Therapy Lamp (Standing) A Light in the DarkThis Miroco light closely mimics the sun, giving you a burst of energy and happiness whenever you look at it.Best OverallFind on Amazon Welcome to your daily boost of (much-needed) sunshine: the Miroco Light Therapy Lamp. This powerful, soothing lamp delivers a high dose of natural light (up to 10,000 lux), but unlike the sun, it’s extremely safe for your eyes and skin, so you truly get the best of both worlds. This mood-brightening device also has three different modes and a built-in timer, so you can achieve precisely the lighting experience that you’re aiming for. All that, and this lamp is lightweight, compact, and folds up neatly, so you can easily store it anywhere or take it with you on the go. Pros: Delivers bright, full-spectrum light up to 10,000 lux Super-safe for your eyes and skin (thanks to the UV-free LED light) You can really customize your light experience, using the three different brightness modes Comes equipped with a built-in timer Compact, lightweight, portable size Cons: You really can’t leave it plugged in by your bed. The power button is too bright Miroco Light Therapy Lamp (Compact) Small in Size, Powerful in FunctionDon't have a ton of extra space? This Miroco light is the perfect size.Most CompactFind on Amazon The Miroco Compact Light Therapy Lamp is great if you don’t space in your home for a bigger model. Although it’s very thin and compact (at just 5.9 x 5.9 x 1.25 inches), this lamp is mighty powerful. It has three brightness levels that go up to 100%, so you get the full effects of a bright, sunny day. Handily, its memory function allows you to turn your light on from the last brightness setting it was on, and its unique shell shape makes for an attractive piece of decor. Pros: Ultra-sleek shell design Has a 6,500 K color temperature Has three adjustable brightness levels (30%, 60%, 100%) Has a solid memory function Portable; fits anywhere Cons: You have to be careful to place this lamp at least 5.5 to 20 inches away from your eyes Miroco Light Therapy Lamp (Adjustable) All About the AnglesThis Miroco light can be used both horizontally and vertically, so you can really customize your experience.Most AdjustableFind on Amazon The Miroco Adjustable Light Therapy Lamp does a fantastic job of suffusing your home with bright, buttery light. That’s because this lamp is fully rotatable, with a stand that can be used in portrait or landscape, so you get the best light and angle possible. From there, the cutting-edge features don’t stop. Case in point: it has a 30-minute timer and memory function, adjustable brightness levels that go from dim to extra-bright, and a paper-thin design that fits pretty much anywhere you want to put it. Pros: The rotatable bracket allows you to pivot the stand to get the right angle Has a wonderfully effective UV-free LED light that closely mimics natural daylight Has a 30-minute timer and memory function The brightness levels go from 10% to 100% The design is ultra-thin and lightweight Cons: The power switch is at the bottom front of the light, so it’s a little too easy to accidentally turn on or off Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp Bask in the BeautyFor those that want something stylish and subtle, check out this sleek pick from Circadian Optics. Sleekest DesignFind on Amazon Looking like something from the future, this sleek lamp provides light therapy in style. And it’s not just a pretty face, either. This pick provides 10,000 LUX to help you get the light you need for regulated sleep and energy. Built using LEDs that last longer than you’ll ever need (up to 50,000 hours), this option is a long-lasting and fashionable way to get the photons you need. Pros: The glossy look compliments any bedroom decor The easy-to-use design can switch between three different light levels Doesn’t emit harmful UV light Cons: A bit pricier Light adjustment is in integers, not a sliding scale Frequently Asked Questions What does a light therapy lamp do? Light therapy lamps may offer relief for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that’s related to changes in the weather and seasons (most notably, a lack of sun exposure). These types of lamps emit light that’s similar to the sun’s UV rays, which then creates a positive chemical change in the brain. Who can benefit from using a light therapy lamp? When the weather gets cold and the days get shorter, if you find yourself feeling more moody, depressed, and lethargic, you may suffer from SAD and could greatly benefit from using a light therapy lamp. When should I use my light therapy lamp? It’s recommended that you use your lamp first thing in the morning for about 20 to 30 minutes at a time to reap the full benefits of light therapy. Related posts: The Best Dog Collar Lights The Best Light Up Dog Collars The Best Light Up Dog Collars In 2024