My roommate recently got a happy light and brought it into our room—and I love it! As someone who annually suffers from seasonal depression, this lamp therapy has made quite an impact. We sit in front of it with our eyes closed, pretending to be somewhere exotic with the sun on our skin and a lemonade in hand. And for the few minutes we indulge, it works. It simulates the way sun feels through closed eyes. We may look silly sitting so close to an obnoxiously bright light, but it works, and I’m convinced everyone would benefit like we have. These lamps come in many styles and are sold lots of places like Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Bed Bath & Beyond.
Boosts Energy
Bright light early in the day can stimulate our body’s production of serotonin. This helps keep you moving without the midday crash. A happy light should be used throughout the day in fifteen-minute intervals when needed; this allows your body to keep going all day. Happy lights come in different sizes too, so you can take it with you during the day.
Resets Sleep & Wake Cycles
Switching on the happy light in the morning always helps me wake efficiently. In sun-deprived months, it is especially important to have natural light to signal to your brain that it is time to wake up and get moving. Using the light reduces the levels of melatonin released, which can assist in altering the body’s internal clock. So, if you are someone that usually sleeps until noon and needs assistance waking up for your 8am, then a happy light can help! Be cautious not to use the light before bed though, as it can make it difficult to fall asleep.Enhances Mood
Daily intake of light can improve your mood. Exposure at the right time of day supports a healthy lifestyle. The chemicals in our brain are highly responsive to light; happy lights stimulate the release of hormones and neurotransmitters that contribute to your overall emotional state.
Brings Sunshine Indoors
When it rains for days and the sun never comes out, like in Indiana, it is so pleasant to have “daylight” indoors. The imitation of sunlight is refreshing, and the lamps use a full spectrum light to simulate it. Full spectrum light uses all colors in the electromagnetic wavelength that provide signals to the body that help you relax and feel revitalized. Also, it doesn’t have harmful UV rays. That being said, no, the happy light will not make you tan, but you can pretend to be stretched out on a beach somewhere.