Beat the winter blues with blue light therapy

Thu Nov 6, 2008 11:43PM EST

See Comments (6)

Medgadget got to try out a cool little device that I think I might need now that the days are getting shorter. goLITE is a lamp that helps you fight the winter blues which usually causes sleeping problems, weight gain, depression, and lethargy.

The idea that light therapy can improve your mood and boost your energy is nothing new. People have been using special lamps to improve their mood for years now, but since you have to sit in front of them with your eyes open, they usually end up giving you a headache.

Philips' goLITE BLU emits a blue light instead of a white light that's said to be twice as effective and causes less side effects. All you need is 15 to 20 minutes therapy each day to see quick results, according to the company. Medgadget says there's definitely a certain uplifting feeling after using it, and as far as looks go, it resembles the iPod's aesthetics, so it should look great on any desk.

The portable goLITE BLU lamp includes a built-in clock, a timer, and backlit touch screen controls. The stylish device goes for about $279, and is already available at www.lighttherapy.com.

Comments on Beat the winter blues with blue light therapy

Post a Comment

Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.

  • 1 Posted by the_beer_man_ on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:06PM EDT Report Abuse

    It would make me sad paying $279 for this! Seriously though, I think people will experience the placebo affect with this. They think it's going to make them feel better, so when they do feel better, they attribute it to the lights.

  • 2 Posted by acemtrx@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:44PM EDT Report Abuse

    why don't you just buy a blue light bulb from walmart. $2.99. Save money. Live Better.

  • 3 Posted by louisaevans@rocketmail.com on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'm really interested in this and have created a poll on TalkPerfection- a website for health and beauty conversations. The use of lamps has cropped up in conversation and I've heard they are really effective, but yes, $279 does sound pretty steep!

  • 4 Posted by cliffomayan on Wed Aug 19, 2009 6:02AM EDT Report Abuse

    Thanks for sharing this good information about ACNE prevention by using blue light therapy. I'm really interested on this.

  • 5 Posted by mshroyer@rocketmail.com on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    People who bash natural remedies are just brainwashed by Big Pharma. Every hospital in Canada uses light therapy to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder. As for the price, they are on sale now, and this one is the newest version of their light boxes, their older ones do the same thing basically, just don't look quite as cool and cost less. But I don't really get balking at making a one time purchase like this, instead of spending years buying prozac or zoloft every month, which have really harsh side effects.

  • 6 Posted by hjsawatzky on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:19PM EDT Report Abuse

    Get one at Costco on line, they are under $150 from Appolo and they work for people in need. If they have trouble going to sleep use it the firt 20 minutes in the morning. If they have trouble staying asleep use it in the afternoon or around 7:00 pm. It works, because it resets the internal circadian clock.

More Posts: First Prev 1 2 Next Last

Post a Comment