Dating back to over 30 centuries ago, light therapy lamps are an easy and inexpensive way to alleviate the symtoms of a variety of health conditions. While they’re most widely used for treating seasonal depression (SAD), light therapy lamps can also help with treating sleep disorders, skin disorders, cancer, and more.
While they’re in no way a miracle cure for anything, light boxes are an excellent at-home treatment with little to no side effects. Most light therapy lamps are UV-free, so you don’t even have to worry about wearing sunscreen.
Keep reading to learn more about bright light therapy, what it’s used to treat, and how it works. We’ll also highlight the best light therapy lamps in Canada this year.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: Verilux HappyLight VT43 Luxe
Jump to Review - Best Portable: Circadian Optics 2.0
Jump to Review - Best Infrared: Beurer IL51
Jump to Review - Best For SAD: Carex Day-Light Sky
Jump to Review - Best Floor Lamp: Northern Light Technologies Flamingo
Jump to Review
Are light therapy lamps effective?
Light therapy boxes can be used to treat a variety of health conditions, but do they actually work? Well, the answer to this questions varies depending on the health condition in question.
A study published in the International Journal on Disability and Human Development found that light therapy was indeed an effective treatment for seasonal depression (SAD) when used daily for several weeks. The study found that mood was immediately improved after a short 20-minute light therapy session.
Another study published in the Sleep Med Rev found that light therapy was an effective treatment for sleep disorders, including insomnia and circadian rythm sleep disorders.
To get the most out of light therapy, it’s important to make sure you’re using the right type of light for the condition you’re trying to treat. For example, white light is used for treating internal conditions like depression, whereas red light therapy is used for treating skin conditions like eczema.
Light Therapy Lamp Reviews 2023
We’ve analyzed dozens of light therapy boxes to provide you with a list of the best models. Here are our reviews of the best light therapy lamps in Canada this year:
Verilux HappyLight VT43 Luxe Therapy Lamp
The Verilux HappyLight Luxe is one of the best light therapy lamps in Canada. It’s sleek and emits up to 10,0000 lux of full spectrum lighting. With it’s stable tabletop design, it’s the perfect light therapy lamp for offices or for discretely blending into any space.
What’s particularly great about the HappyLight is that it’s highly customizable. The lamp has four brightness levels and three color temperature options to choose from. In terms of hues, you can choose from Warm, Normal or Cool.
Another feature we appreciate about the HappyLight Luxe is its built-in timer. The lamp has a countdown timer that can easily be timed for up to an hour.
The only downside with the HappyLight Luxe is that it’s not as portable as advertised. While it’s lightweight enough to easily transport, the lamp must be plugged into an outlet while in use.
Overall, with its minimal tablet-like design, the HappyLight is an excellent light therapy lamp for your home or office.
Circadian Optics 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp
Offering 10,000 lux of full spectrum light, the Circadian Optics 2.0 is one of the best portable light therapy lamps in Canada. Instead of being plugged into a wall outlet, the lamp can conveniently be plugged into a USB port. We’re also impressed by the lamp’s 50,000-hour lifespan.
The light emits 10,000 lux of UV-free light. Its white light is comparable to afternoon sunshine. However, users have reported that due to the shade of the light, it may not be as bright as lamps with a comparable lux rating.
The lamp has three brightness levels to choose from and they’re quite easy to adjust with just one button. If you have sensistive eyes, the middle to lowest setting may be best for you.
The main downside with this light therapy lamp is that its base is not stable enough. This makes it easier to knock over in certain positions.
Beurer IL51 Infrared Red Light Therapy
If you’re looking for a therapy lamp that can treat more than just depression, the Beurer Infrared Therapy Lamp might be for you. It emits a soothing and warming light that can be used for treating colds, chronic pain, in addition to seasonal depression. The addition of heat helps improve circulation and blood flow.
In terms of size, the Beurer IL51 is about 8 inches wide and easy to move around. Its light surface is large enough to treat a large portion of the body at a time when positioned at a minimum of 12 to 16 inches away. In fact, it can treat a surface area of about 12 by 16 inches.
Since the lamp emits heat, it comes with a few safety features. For example, the light has a built-in timer with an auto on/off feature and features overheat protection and ventilation. The lamp also comes with safety goggles that should be worn when treating face-related conditions, such as a sinus infection.
In terms of adjustability, the lamp can tilt up to 50 degrees. While this is excellent for treating the upper body and lower body, it may not be suitable for treating certain parts of the mid-section.
Overall, with its medical-grade construction, the Beurer IL51 is one of the best infrared heat lamps on the market.
Carex Day-Light Sky Light Therapy Lamp
While it’s not the most minimal option on our list, the Sky Bright Light Therapy Lamp is another excellent 10,000 lux light therapy lamp. With a sturdy base and easily adjustable light angle, the lamp can be used in a variety of settings.
In terms of intensity, the lamp emits 10,000 lux of balanced white light when positioned 11 inches away. It has a second lower intensity setting that emits just 6,500 lux. The light has a diffuser to help soften the light and reduce headaches.
We appreciate that the light is quite easy to adjust. For example, the light’s angle can be adjusted easily by pressing a button. The light intensity is also quite easy to adjust using a toggle switch.
Similar to natural sunlight, the light emited from the Day-Light Sky Lamp enters your eyes from above. This is the optimal angle for getting the most out of a light therapy lamp.
The main downside with this lamp is its large size. Its base measures 27 by 14 inches, which is larger than a standard desktop computer monitor. The lamp weighs about 8 pounds.
Overall, the Day-Light Sky is an excellent quality light therapy lamp that does a great job at mimicking natural sunlight.
Northern Light Technologies Flamingo Light Therapy Floor Lamp
The Northern Lights Light Technologies Flamingo is our favourite light therapy floor lamp. It offers full spectrum lighting and 10,000 lux of diffuse light. As a floor lamp, it doesn’t require a tabletop to sit on. This makes it a highly flexible therapy lamp that can be used anywhere around your home.
The light therapy floor lamp is 4-feet tall, which makes it suitable for using in bed, while exercising, or while on the couch. The angle of its light can easily be adjusted by rotating its head.
In terms of intensity, the lamp’s light emits 10,000 lux when placed 12 inches away and 5,000 lux at a 20-inch distance. Its LED bulbs are energy-efficient and block out all UV rays.
Overall, if you’re looking for a freestanding light therapy lamp, the Northern Light Technologies Flamingo Floor Lamp is worth considering.
How to choose the best light therapy lamp?
There are a variety of light therapy lamps available in Canada. Light therapy lamps vary in price, design, lightbulb types, treatment purposes, and the features they offer.
When choosing a therapy lamp, it’s important to consider the intensity of light. A therapy lamp’s intensity generally ranges from 2,500 to 10,000 lux. Therapy lamps with higher amounts of lux are more efficient and, therefore, require shorter treatment times. A light therapy box should also block out any UV radiation.
Another factor to consider is the lamp’s customizability. For example, can you easily adjust the light’s brightness level, hue, height, and angle? You ideally want a light therapy lamp that can adapt to your particular needs.
What is light therapy used to treat?
Light therapy, also known as heliotherapy or phototherapy, can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. While its most widely used as a treatment for seasonal depression (SAD) and major depressive disorder, it can also be used to treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Light therapy can also be used to treat certain types of cancer. When used as a treatment for cancer, light therapy is referred to as photodynamic therapy and is combined with a pharmaceutical drug.
How does a light therapy lamp work?
Light therapy lamps uses artificial light to simulate the benefits provided by natural sun exposure. To be effective, it’s typically recommended to sit near a therapy lamp with a light intensity and hue that mimics afternoon sunlight. Light therapy sessions should be limited to about 30 minutes per day.
In terms of how they work, it ultimately depends on what they’re being used to treat. For example, when treating seasonal depression (SAD), light therapy lamps work by triggering the brain chemicals that affect sleep and mood.
When being used for treating skin conditions, a red light therapy lamp is used to provide your skin with energy. This boost of energy helps your skin cells repair themselves.
What precautions should you take with light therapy?
Since most light therapy lamps are UV-free, you don’t have to worry about wearing sunblock. Research has also found that light therapy is safe for the eyes in physicially healthy and unmedicated individuals.
However, it’s important to be aware of any conditions you may have that can be worsened by sun exposure. For example, people with epilepsy or with a history of skin cancer should avoid light therapy. We strongly recommend consulting with a health professional before beginning any at-home light therapy treatment.
Furthermore, you should also take precautions with light therapy if you are taking a light-sensitive oral medication. For example, antihistamines and certain antibiotics can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Refer to the National Library of Medicine for a list of light-sensitive oral medications.
Light Therapy FAQ
If used correctly, light therapy lamps are generally very safe to use. Any side effects caused by light therapy lamps are generally mild and short-lived. Potential side effects can include irritiability, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. These side effects can be preventd or reduced by adjusting the duration and timing of light therapy sessions. You can also take breaks throughout longer light therapy sessions to minimize side effects.
Tanning beds are not an effective alternative to light therapy lamps and can actually be dangerous in the long-term. Tanning beds do not have UV blocking or filters that would otherwise protect your skin and eyes from UV radiation. Unless your tanning salon offers red light therapy, tanning beds cannot be used for light therapy.
