• Alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Bring the benefits of natural daylight indoors

About Light Therapy

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Light Therapy is one potential treatment of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) also known as the "winter blues". The NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider about which treatment, or combination of treatments is best for you.

The OttLite ClearSun® LED Light Therapy Lamp is like no other because of the proprietary ClearSun LEDs that come as close to the spectral output of the sun as you can get. Now you can have the rejuvenating power of natural daylight all year long in this discreet light therapy device with three brightness settings.

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What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Research shows that when we are deprived of natural daylight, our brain's chemistry is affected and our circadian rhythm is thrown off. Bright natural light stimulates hormones and neurotransmitters that influence our overall wellbeing such as serotonin, which improves mood and happiness. Light therapy can also help regulate production of melatonin in the evening, which promotes sleep. Studies have shown that exposure to bright, natural daylight quality illumination in near proximity (6 – 20 inches) at a 30 to 45 degree angle from your eye line will promote production of serotonin.

How do I use Light Therapy?

The OttLite ClearSun® LED Light Therapy Lamp has three brightness settings and a maximum output of 10,000 lux. The important things are to find a brightness setting, distance from your eye line, and length of time that is comfortable for you and produces the results you want. Start slow and make small adjustments.

Light Placement:

Position from 6 to 24 inches from your face at a 30 to 45 degree angle from your eye line (not directly in front of your eye line). Though you should not look directly into the lamp, the light should be in your field of vision.

Time of Day:

For best results, the Mayo Clinic recommends using Light Therapy in the morning to prevent your regular sleep patterns from being disturbed or disrupted.

Length of Time:

Studies show that exposure from 20 minutes to an hour is effective. However, personal preference and experience with light therapy is the most important indicator. Start with 20 minutes on the highest brightness setting at any distance that feels comfortable to you. Take note of how you feel and keep adjusting the light distance, brightness, and timing (up to one hour) until you experience desired results.

WARNING: People who are sensitive to light, people with certain eye diseases, or people taking certain medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight may need to use alternative treatments or use light therapy under medical supervision, according to NIMH.

Close supervision is recommended when used near children. Do not leave unattended near children.

Standard LED

Natural Daylight

ClearSun® LED Technology

Why OttLite is Different

The OttLite ClearSun® LED Light Therapy Lamp is like no other because of the proprietary ClearSun LEDs that come as close to the spectral output of the sun as you can get.

Most LED Light sources have high concentrations of blue and an uneven distribution of light wavelengths. The sun has an even distribution through the entire visible light spectrum. OttLite's proprietary ClearSun LED closely matches the spectral output of the sun, bringing the benefits of balanced natural daylight indoors for light therapy.

Want to learn more?

Mayo Clinic – Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment

National Institute of Mental Health – Seasonal Affective Disorder