As the originator of the HappyLight®, one of the questions we are most often asked is "How does the HappyLight work?"
Although people want to know the basics like how to turn it on (answer: it plugs in and there is an on/off button), how long to use it (answer: generally about 30 minutes a day), and where to put it (answer: a flat surface like a desk or table top), what they really want to know is what results they may experience from using a HappyLight.
Since you may be wondering what exactly the HappyLight does, we've compiled a list of the most common ways light therapy changes lives - both from published clinical studies and from the feedback of our customers.
So read on, and get ready to get happy!
Shop HappyLight
Learn more about how HappyLight therapy lamps can help too!
1. Brings the Sunshine Indoors (Even When It's Raining)
Sunlight is an essential ingredient for a healthy lifestyle, but many of us don't get the amount of bright light that we need to experience its benefits. A HappyLight brings the daylight indoors by emitting a bright, full spectrum light that safely mimics sunlight but without harmful UV rays.
This is particularly powerful on rainy days when there's not a ray of sunshine in sight. Everyone else may be walking around with a cloud over their head, but the HappyLight allows you to get your healthy dose of bright light no matter what the sky may be doing. Simply put, a HappyLight is like sunshine in a box.
2. Energizes You Naturally
Ever notice how energized you feel on a sunny day? Our eyes - and specifically the retina - house receptors that detect daylight and stimulate a network of sensors in our body that affects our hormones. The hormone serotonin rises with exposure to bright light, and serotonin (also known as the "happiness hormone") naturally lifts our mood and energy level.
3. Resets Your Sleep & Wake Cycle to Your Natural State
Our body also sets its internal clock to a 24-hour cycle with light. The light-sensitive hormone melatonin promotes sleep and is regulated with daylight - or with a daily dose of light therapy. Regulating melatonin levels has far reaching positive effects not only on our sleep but our overall health as scientists report disrupting our sleep cycle (also known as our circadian rhythm) contributes to a host of diseases.
4. Enhances Mood During Seasonal Changes
The HappyLight and light therapy are most well known for being a natural, drug-free alternative for combating the winter blues. If you've ever found long winters challenging and noticed your mood suffering as a result, it may because you're just not getting enough healthy light during the winter months.
In these cases, a HappyLight can make the difference between suffering through the seasons or enjoying the transitions.
5. Helps Make Healthy Routines a Habit
One of the things we enjoy hearing most from our customers is how they incorporate the HappyLight into their daily routines, and the Verilux Instagram account has a number of great examples people have shared with us.
You can use a HappyLight while eating a healthy breakfast, getting your zen on in your yoga space, or even while listening to calming music during work. No matter where you choose to use your HappyLight, it can help support other healthy routines in your life.
6. Inspires You to Get Outside
By using the HappyLight and noticing its positive benefits, it makes people keenly aware of how important healthy light is in general. At Verilux, we believe that the best way to get light in your day is by actually getting outdoors and being active. But when that's not possible, don't skip your daily dose of healthy light. Remember, the HappyLight is just a switch away.
Want to see what makes the HappyLight design and features unique? Check out the HappyLight models, ranging from the HappyLight Liberty Compact to the HappyLight Liberty Deluxe.