What are SAD lamps?

SAD lamps, also known as seasonal affective disorder lamps, are special lights used to treat the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder is a condition where people experience changes in mood and mental health correlated with day length; long days in spring and summer generally improving mood, while shorter days in fall and winter can lead to lower mood and affect for many people. SAD lamps provide very bright light, typically more than 10,000 lux, and are used particularly in the morning to expose people to high levels of bright light which has been shown to be effective in treating the disorder. These lamps are placed in frequently used areas like the kitchen counter, dining table, or office, providing bright light exposure as a way to counteract the lack of natural sunlight during shorter winter days 1 2.

SAD lamps function differently from the light sources normally encountered, like standard incandescent or LED lights, as they are specifically designed to mimic the brightness of natural sunlight. The bright light exposure is important for maintaining healthy levels of melatonin, the hormone involved in sleepiness and falling asleep, and can set one's circadian rhythm which is essential for mood and overall mental health 3.

While SAD lamps can be somewhat expensive, there are more affordable alternatives such as 900 lux drawing tablets, which, although not as effective as SAD lamps, can still provide some benefits 4. However, it is worth noting that no artificial light source is as beneficial as actual sunlight exposure 5.

SAD lamps and their use underline the broad role played by light exposure in regulating mood, sleep, and general health, highlighting the tight interconnection between environmental light and the body's biological systems.