By: Tiger

Tiger — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 04:18:41 +0000

Very Good, But Compare Alternatives I really do like this as a mood enhancing secondary light if you are affected by the darker winters. It works best as something you just put on off to the side and still slightly in your field of vision, and leave it on for 2 hours while you work. I really do feel like my mood is lifted. However if you are in a place that you cannot use a device in your own privacy and don’t want to draw attention from having a bright unshaded light, or if you need a more concentrated approach to fit in a short period of time such as during breakfast, you probably need to look into alternatives. Considering the cost compared to some stellar alternatives, you should compare the cost and value of alternatives. Depending on price fluctuation, a little more could buy you a stellar alternative. I personally see this as a great secondary device that I use after I use a better concentrated approach.You should definitely look into a more concentrated approach like the which is very compact in comparison, more powerful, and does its work in 15 or 30 minutes while eating breakfast. You could easily use the Philips goLite in an office with minimal attention of others unless they come up from behind it or notice the blue glow it might reflect off surfaces. The goLite is directional light that you only see from the front. This light here is pretty much a fluorescent light with a special bulb that you wouldn’t know was different by the light it throws, and shines all around like a lamp. So this one is nowhere as discrete as the goLite, and requires a lot longer exposure too. But I think you have to see them as different solutions and apply which one to what you need at which times. If you can have only one, this isn’t my first choice. But given I can have a secondary one, I am in fact very happy to have this one.Quality wise, I have some cosmetic issues with the one I received. The light cover wasn’t snapped on correctly out of the box. It left a small opening at the bottom. You just remove the cover, as it is supposed to come off for bulb replacement like any fluorescent light fixture cover, and just snap back on correctly which took me only 30 seconds and is now perfect. Next, there was a spec of dirt on the control switch on the front. When I through it was surface grit, I just tried to dislodge it with my nail, it easily came loose, but turned out it was embedded in the paint and tore away the paint over the plastic switch beneath it. If this happens to you, just return it as defective and get a replacement, so that shouldn’t be a problem and is entirely cosmetic. Otherwise it is just fine. It has a bulb, switch, and housing, and not too much goes wrong like any other light, except the bulb will eventually burn out. It should last a while, but not forever, like most other fluorescent lights, and will be more expensive to replace as it supposedly is a special kind of bulb you order from the manufacturer. In comparison, the Philips goLite uses LEDs, which should last a lot longer than fluorescent.

By: Charlotte

Charlotte — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 04:06:38 +0000

Wonderful solution for insomnia, SAD, & more… I tried this light to see if it would help improve anxiety and insomnia, the idea being that using it in the morning would help re-set the body’s circadian rhythm and that natural sunlight could help alleviate anxiety during the long winter here in Montana. However, I believe it’s main use is for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).Having used this light for several months, I’ve actually been really happy with it! Here are some of the pros and cons:Pros:-small & lightweight-user friendly operation (just slide the switch)-full spectrum mimics natural sunlight-works great-high and low brightness settings-does not get hot with hours of use (just slightly warm)-plastic filters out harmful UVB-sturdy constructionCons:-a little expensive-really REALLY bright, even on low setting (my husband hates its brightness!)-plastic filters out harmful UVB (sometimes you want UVB!)The UVB issue is both a pro and a con. You want it filtered out as it can cause skin cancer, but it’s an important component of sunlight for mammals (like people), birds, and reptiles. So if you are seeking UVB, this will not work.Having said that, my birds ADORE this light as well! I have medium-sized parrots who thrive on natural daylight for their emotional well-being. They seem to prefer this light over their full-spectrum UVB reptile light this winter, and they love it cuddling with this light when they are hanging out loose in my room. (Just keep the cord out of their reach!) I mentioned that this light has “sturdy construction” because except for having to hide the cord, it has proven parrot-proof, which is saying A LOT. These guys can DESTROY many plastic items, but with the smooth lines and seamless feel, they can’t get their beaks in there to damage this light.So beware that it’s really quite bright, and of course it’s a little expensive, but in this case, I really think you get what you pay for. This is a solid light that is lightweight, convenient, and easy to use.It HAS helped with my anxiety and insomnia when I use it in the mornings and during the daytime, and I believe it would likely prove effective if used daily for anyone looking to alleviate SAD-like symptoms. (Whether you have the full disorder or not.) I should also note that I’ve only ever used it on the “low” brightness setting, and it has still been effective.

Comments on: Verilux VT05FWW1 Happy Light Energy Lamp

By: Tiger

By: Charlotte