Best SAD Light: NatureBright Sun Touch Plus

Between 4% to 6% of people in the United States suffer from a form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. More common in nothern latitudes, it's a circadian rhythm disorder caused by the reduced light levels during the fall and winter.

Through photoreceptors in the eyes, our body's sense light levels. Light and the circadian rhythm are inextricably connected. The amount of light drives the production of biochemicals in our bodies. Although it affect a couple of different biochemicals, the two primary biochemicals that it affects are serotonin and melatonin. During the fall and winter, serotonin levels decrease and melatonin levels can become skewed. While serotonin promotes feelings of well-being, melatonin induces sleepiness. The symptoms of SAD can include: depression, irritability, difficulty sleeping, carbohydrate cravings, weight gain, and more.

Nowadays, it seems like many doctors think the answers to medical problems are found in pushing pills rather than seeking natural remedies. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs are commonly prescribed for SAD. However, SSRI side-effects can be worse than the disorder. Dependant upon which brand you take, they can the cause nausea, headaches, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, and more. in some cases, they can even magnify depression and cause violent behavior and suicide.

Since there is a connection between reduced light levels and SAD, for more than a decade, scientists have been researching the effects of bright light therapy on SAD. In clinical trials, light therapy has been found just as effective as anti-depressants. Not only is light therapy effective, high density negative ion therapy has been found to be just as effective as light therapy.

In light of this, I believe the NatureBright Sun Touch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp is the best SAD light on the market today. Unlike other SAD lights, this one combines two effective SAD treatments in one product: bright light therapy and negative ions therapy. They can work in conjunction with each other or independently.

In addition to using two treatments rather than just one, there are several other features I like. First, it uses 10,000 lux of blue light. An important considerations when choosing a SAD light, lux is the intensity of the light. The higher the lux, the less time needs to be spent in light therapy treatment.

Initially, 10,000 lux of white light or full spectrum light for 30 minutes shortly after awakening was considered the most effective treatment for SAD. However, as research progressed, researchers that certain wavelengths of light were more effective than others in treating SAD.

Another important consideration is how close you have to sit nearby the light for it to be effective. Lux is also a function of the distance away from the light. Lux decreases the further away you sit from the light. When choosing which light is best, it is important to notice what the lux rating is at a certain distance. For example, a manufacturer may describe the light as 10,000 lux at nine inches away from the light. Realistically, only sitting 9" away from the light for 30 minutes would be an uncomfortable distance. Consequently, since you will more than likely be sitting further away from it, the lux will decrease. With this light, it's rated at 10,000 lux at a distance of 30". Since 30" would be a more comfortable distance, this light has a higher lux rating than the hypothetical light rated 10,000 lux at a distance of 9" away.

In addition to these great features, the NatureBright Sun Touch Plus has a better warranty than many other sad lights. With a 90-day money back guarantee, a 2-year warranty, a high customer satisfaction, and it's 34% off right now, this light is a bargain. If you have SAD, shine NatureBright Sun Touch Plus on your depression and watch your mood brighten up.