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Why Your SAD Lamp Isn't Working (And How to Fix It).

The Big Picture

Bright light therapy appears to be highly affective for both Seasonal Affective Disorder and also may improve some ADHD symptoms, but its effects are widely dependent on both consistency and also the strength of the lamp you have.

In Depth

Firstly, it's worth understanding that SAD lamps must be used at their specified distance. The effectiveness drops off exponentially with distance, which means if you are using it from further back, you won't get the majority of the effects. Secondly, most SAD lamps for sale are not intense enough to provide therapeutic effects; you should look for products that provide 10,000 LUX at 30 cm. These are usually more expensive but a lot more comfortable and realistic to use. Finally, you must use it within the first 30 minutes of the day to meaningfully shift sleep phase.

The Science

Bright light therapy advances DLMO (Dim Light Melatonin Onset). Allowing for more natural and healthy circadian rhythms.

Yale psychiatry article explaining how consumers should seek devices providing at least 7,500 LUX at 11 inches, so the lamp can be used effectively at comfortable distance.

Recommended Products

Carex 10,000 LUX at 12 Inches Lamp

As mentioned above, you should use a lamp above 7,000 LUX at a distance of 11 inches, this device exceeds both requirements.