How to Choose a Light Therapy Box

Light therapy boxes simulate the light a sunny day offers. The faux sunshine encourages a biological change that enhances a person's mood. While not an FDA approved method of treatment, light therapy benefits many suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression, or a mild case of grumpiness brought on by a cold winter day or jet lag. All light boxes are not created equal so keep in mind the following before buying.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine the needs and logistics of the light therapy box for specific uses. Where will the light box be used most? Will it need to be a tabletop model set next to a reading chair or a freestanding model placed near a treadmill? Is it feasible to allow the box to remain stationary for long-term use or will it need to be portable to ease jet lag or travel from room to room? Measure the distance between where you will place the box and where you will be.

• 2

  Decide if it's acceptable for the light box to look like a medical device or if it must blend in with the decor like a desk lamp.

• 3

  Armed with preferences, shop for a light box that offers light intensity of 10,000 lux. Intensities of 5,000 to 10,000 are standard, but lower amounts of lux require more time to be beneficial. A typical 10,000 lux box requires 30 minutes of time to be affective. Ensure the model chosen is UL approved, flicker-free, and UV shielded. Expect the price range, as of 2009, to vary between $250 to $500.