I depend on my light lamp. Best random item given to me ever (by someone clearing out a late relative's apartment).

Light therapy is excellent. It can make a difference WHEN during the day you use it. There's a bio rhythm survey here: http://www.cet.org/eng/Tools_ENG.html

I was using mine too late in the morning and have noticed a difference in my mood by doing it earlier.

The design of these lamps is enough to make me depressed, counteracting any of their healthful benefits.

Does anyone have a floor lamp version of these lights they would recommend?

I swear that getting outdoors, even if it's cloudy outside will work to alleviate SAD symptoms. Taking yourself for a walk every day, gives you the added benefit of moving your body. Double Therapy! This works even better as soon as Dec. 21st comes and goes.
The quality of the light changes, the couple of minutes more of light every day is something to look forward to, and notice. And it's free.

I've had a couple of these lamps over the years, and the best thing I've had is from a company called BioBrite (I got mine on Amazon). They have the standard lights, which is how I discovered the company, but they've also got an alarm clock that wakes you up gradually to a natural-looking sunrise, and go to sleep to a sunset, if you want. It's totally changed my sleep and my mood in the mornings.

And @tharms... I completely agree.

@tharms I would love to go outside during the day, but I am at work the entire time that it is light out. I do walk for short periods of time outside, but I do not get more than a couple of minutes at a time. I still experience SAD, but the lights have helped. I received two for Christmas last year. One is an alarm clock, and it makes waking up much easier. The other is on my desk, although I use it less this year because my classroom gets more sun than the office I was working in last year, it still helps me particularly on cloudy days.

I use a full-spectrum bulb in my regular, quite fashionable office lamp. I have very mild SAD and I'm not sure if it's the bulb itself that has helped over the years or the combined bulb/placebo/fashionable lamp. Either way, I'm no longer as SAD!

Don't forget to get outdoors on sunny days too. Not only will it make you happier but a new study found that people in temperate climates don't get enough vitamin D from the sun and it can lead to serious diseases like multiple sclerosis and put you at higher risk for cancer. Put on your fleece clothes and sneakers, and take a refreshing run. You'll enjoy winter so much more.

Is it just me, or does the woman in the first photo just need to open the windows BEHIND her lamp? Problem solved, and for free!

I do *kind of* like the triangle lamp, though it seems awkwardly placed. Who wants a lamp right in their face while working on a Sudoku puzzle?

@trishwah is totally right- if you use one of these too late in the day, it will mess with your sleep cycle. Also, there are tons of pseudo-science light boxes out there- like the quote from the doc said, 10,000 lux is the recommended brightness, and many aren't that bright (the Syrcadian for example, doesn't say how bright it is). Reviews from this kind of thing aren't really reliable either, the placebo effect doesn't just apply to taking pills...

Sorry for nerding it up here.

I agree with alikaye. Please open your blinds, lady!

I am outside for at least an hour and a half every day, longer on weekends. Some of us live too far north for the light in the winter to be any good. The sun is simply too far away for our bodies to generate vitamin D without aid. I had to start taking supplements and it made a huge difference within weeks.

It seems to me that one of the greatest things about sunlight is how inviting it makes the outdoors. When it's bright out, taking a walk, running errands, or meeting a friend just feels more pleasant. When the days get shorter and colder, it seems natural to retreat inside after it gets dark.

The lamp mimics some aspects of sunlight, but I suspect the other properties of sunlight (it's outside, it makes the weather warmer, it makes the world look more appealing etc.) are just as important in combating depression.

Research has shown that the physical properties of sunlight affect mood, but I feel that oversimplifies things a little. Speaking personally, there are other factors at play. I find it harder to go to the gym or meet up with friends when it's cold and dark out. I suspect the isolation and drop in physical activity play a role in seasonal affective disorder too.

Is noon too late to use the light box? Should I use mine as soon as I wake up instead?

Some of these folks are far to far from the light.
10-12"
And THE CUBBY--- earlier is better. Later leads to insomnia for many.
My patients LOVE their lights. I have been recommending the Verilux Liberty--- it is pretty inexpensive and small and inobtrusive.

Thanks so much, DrMom. I'd probably been sabotaging my better mood by giving myself insomnia.

Too bad they're all hideous.

Eero Aarnio has designed some nice looking SAD lamps, e.g. the Kubo:
http://www.look-after-yourself.com/designer-light-range/kubo-light/0/

I've just put up a comparison between Day-light Sky and Uplift Technologies SAD lamps on my blog, it can help you choose which one to get if you's like: http://www.light-therapy-reviews.net/the-best-light-therapy-lamps/

Isil: Blue Max has floor lamps. Their products are very good.
http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/floor_lamps_2_ctg.htm

I got a small Verilux light on sale for only $29 around Christmastime. I really helps me concentrate on what I am doing and generates more energy when I feel sluggish. I love getting fresh air and real sunlight, but suffer from three chronic pain conditions that make that difficult to impossible some days. I also use mine in the late afternoon and still get the effect. I make sure that don't use it in the evening, however.