Sun lamps, sometimes referred to as SAD (seasonal affective disorder) lamps, emit light to recreate the positive effects of sunlight indoors. The key difference between a sun lamp and an ordinary lamp is the intensity with which they give out light. Whereas a regular 40W bulb delivers light at about 440-460 lumens, an industry-standard sun lamp produces a dazzling 10,000 lumens at close distances, which is far closer to the stellar volumes of light we can get from the sun on a bright day. Being exposed to bright light has a number of scientifically proven benefits. The light can improve the body’s regulation of melatonin, a hormone involved in our sleep cycles, and also of the mood-regulating hormone, serotonin. Light therapy with sun lamps has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD – those whose body chemistry is disproportionately affected by winter. We tested six sun lamps of various types, to see if these devices really could lift our spirits during the darker months. We’ve included a wide variety of options, ranging from SAD lamps intended for therapeutic use, to less intensive products such as a sunrise alarm that emits a mellow glow as you wake. Each product featured here has been tested and approved by our review team. Please bear in mind that if you intend to use a sun lamp therapeutically, you should do so in accordance with the advice of a medical practitioner.