As the days get shorter and we see less daylight, it’s not uncommon to feel more tired, less alert, or even more down or anxious. The lack of natural blue light, especially in the morning, can affect our brain’s wakefulness mechanisms.
Additionally, without enough sunlight, our bodies produce less vitamin D, which is crucial for calcium absorption, inflammation regulation, and supporting our immune systems and brain health. This issue is further exacerbated by the clocks going back an hour this weekend, disrupting our circadian rhythms and leaving us without the necessary blue light to reset them.
For some, these issues may develop into Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression triggered by the transition to darker, colder seasons. This is where light boxes come into play.
These devices are designed to mimic sunlight in your home, triggering the same responses in your brain and on your skin as actual sunlight. Currently, you can purchase a highly-rated one on Amazon for just £62.99, reduced from £99: the Lumie Vitamin L Slim Light Box.
The Lumie Vitamin L Slim Light Box, designed by the Cambridge-based firm Lumie, is a certified medical device that may be just what you need to lessen the negative impact of decreased sunlight and to ease symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). By incorporating it into your daily morning routine and using it for approximately 30 minutes beside you, Lumie asserts that this light box will make you feel more alert, upbeat, and full of energy, reports the Daily Record.
There’s no need to gaze directly at it, as your eyes can easily take in the light, making it a perfect aid while you’re getting ready for the day, watching TV or starting work tasks.
Boasting 10,000 lux of brightness and featuring a rippled diffuser to soften the intensity of the light, the light box has been crafted to integrate smoothly into your daily life. Customer feedback on Amazon has been glowing; the light box has secured an impressive average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 2,200 reviews.
Enthusiastic users have left plenty of positive comments about its effects.
“I would highly recommend the Lumie Vitamin L Slim Light Box to anyone suffering from the winter doldrums,” mentioned one satisfied individual in a five-star review. “It’s a simple, effective, and oh-so-bright way to chase away the blues. Just don’t forget to wear sunglasses if you decide to get up close and personal with it.”
Another user who experiences SAD shared their positive results: “If you are weather-dependent like I am, you’ll be surprised because it’s actually working,” the review articulated. “I’ve been using it every morning for a week and I feel so energised compared to before. Works miracles, highly recommended.”
“I have been using this for over a week now and am very happy with the quality of the product. It’s well designed and made, as well as being compact,” another added. “It is extremely bright (as expected), but keeping it at arm’s length when using makes this manageable. It’s easy to use and has made a significant difference to my mood even in the short time that I’ve been using it.”
“Light cannot be dimmed at all and [the] light [is] too bright to look directly into,” one three-star review noted, but it’s important to remember that direct eye contact with the lamp isn’t necessary for its effects to reach your eyes, brain, and skin.
Another customer remarked: “I bought it hoping it was the larger size and was disappointed by how small it is.”
They continued: “However, it does give off a bright working light and the build quality is good.”
For those considering other options, there’s a £49.99 alternative available at Debenhams, reduced from £66.99, which features a more rounded design and includes white noise functions for enhanced relaxation. Meanwhile, Dunelm offers the Wellness Therapy Lamp for £38, presenting a more budget-friendly choice.