10000 Lux
What is a 10,000 Lux Light Box?
There are three factors that come into play when using a HappyLight: light intensity, session duration, and distance. Studies have shown that sitting in front of a 10,000 lux light box for about 30 minutes is the “dose” of light that has been found optimal to trigger biochemical changes in your brain. This provides the right amount of full-spectrum light needed to regulate that (sleepy) melatonin and boost that (happy) serotonin.
What is Lux?
Lux is a measure of the intensity of light as seen by the human eye. Technically speaking, one “lux” is one lumen per square meter. And to put that in perspective, a typical lighted hallway in an office building would measure about 80 lux, while direct sunlight on a bright day can measure upward of 80,000-100,000 lux.
Successful outcomes using light therapy lamps depend upon several factors: light intensity or lux, how far the light box is from your eyes, and how long you sit in front of it.
How Do I Get 10,000 Lux?
10,000 lux is the recommended amount for effective light therapy. For most HappyLight models, you will receive 10,000 lux if you sit in front of the lamp at a distance of no more than 24 inches for 30 minutes. However, everyone's sensitivity to light varies, so you can vary distance and timing to get the right result for you.
Greater light intensity + shorter distance = shorter session times
Less light intensity + longer distance = longer session times
If a smaller amount of light is reaching your eyes, then you need to sit in front of your light therapy lamp longer to get more lux. If a larger amount of light is reaching your eyes, then you don't need to sit with your light therapy lamp as long to get the same amount of lux output.
HappyLight 10,000 Lux Light Therapy Lamp
The suggested use of a 10,000 lux light box for 30 minutes is a guideline, and it is suggested you start with just 10 minutes to gauge your own reaction to the bright light. For some people, this intensity of light can appear too bright while others may want to use their HappyLight for a longer period of time.
Keep in mind you’re not supposed to actually look directly into the light, but position it at an angle from your eyes (if using a clock as an example, around “2:00” or “10:00”).
If you find that a more powerful 10,000 lux lightbox is too bright for you, a lightbox of a smaller size and intensity can work if you use it for a longer period of time. This is why we offer a 30-day, risk-free guarantee so that you can find the light therapy box that works best for you.
What are my Options?
Choosing the right light therapy lamp for you is primarily based on your lifestyle. Many people who use our Compact HappyLight Light Therapy Lamp use it at their desk while they work or a side table while watching TV or reading. It's best for longer sessions.
While others use our Full-Size HappyLight 10,000 Lux Light Therapy Lamp for shorter periods of time like 15-30 minutes over breakfast, reading email or putting on makeup.
Our HappyLight Comparison Guide shows you each of the HappyLight models and helps you to compare their features.
Whatever light therapy lamp you choose, the goal is to pick one that will easily blend into your daily routines already.