Lightphoria, 10,000 Lux Energy Light Lamp

(These are my results so far and may not be typical) I am 41, live in Northern Indiana and for the last 12 years I have suffered with SAD (I do not take nor have I ever taken depression meds of any kind). It normally kicks into high gear around January and doesn't let up until late February or March... until now it seems! I purchased the Sphere Lightphoria on 1/4/13 and it arrived on 1/5/13 around 8AM (next day shipping). I decided I would at least give it three or four weeks before I gave up on it... Figuring it wouldn't help me. I used it that morning for 30 minutes and was depressed and overcome with anxiety the rest of the day. I used it the next morning for 30 minutes and had depression and anxiety the rest of the day. I used it this morning and noticed I feel fairly good. I have no anxiety and can push back the depression when it tries to sneak in. Several times today I have noticed I 'feel' like it is April or May although I know it is January. I still can't believe I feel almost somewhat normal. I don't think I've ever felt this good in January or February.The light itself is light weight and compact, perfect for traveling. The settings are easy to use and the buttons seem to be a decent size for someone who might have larger fingers. The cord length was longer than I expected which is nice. I would NOT call this piece of equipment cheap or junk as some reviewers have, but on the same token it isn't indestructible. All in all I would say this light is well worth the money we spent for it INCLUDING the $25 for shipping.1/9/13 I have used/owned the Loghtphoria for 5 mornings now. I still can't believe how good I feel. My mood is bright and I feel pretty good, almost chipper (if I didn't have the flu). The light still works great even though one of my children has knocked it off the nightstand a few times.10/14/13 I took a break from using the light from April through mid September because I get plenty of natural sunlight during those months. I have used this light every day for a SOLID 4 months and have had no problems with how it functions.Some people have complained about it not working for SAD. I can tell you that for me it has continued to be an absolute blessing! I think I might be using it differently than most people though. I am guessing that the light should be held closer than suggested to get the full effect. When I wake up in the morning I turn the light on to let my eyes adjust. While laying slightly inclined in bed I grab my iPad, place it against my bent legs, and hold the SAD light a few inches from and above my eyes. I hold it above my eyes so that it mimics the early afternoon angle of the sun. It has worked perfectly for me! Cheers!

This product arrived quickly and in excellent condition. It was well packaged, with no issues, and included everything as advertised. It is light in weight, but sturdily constructed. I've yet to use it enough to remark upon its results from a SAD or circadian perspective, but as a night shift worker, I'm pretty excited just considering its potential.The light itself is pretty simple. It has the LED lights, and a timer for 15-30-45 min intervals. Settings include low-medium-high. Last is an on-off button. The AC plug is obvious and requires no explanation. The adjustable stand is also simple, but effective. I'm not sure about the various heights that it offers, but I've got it propped up on a random item right now so as to angle the light even more downward, and its working. Doesn't get any simpler than that. Its super simple to set up straight out of the box and to use. I'm not an instruction manual-reader, which has only bitten me on the butt about ten thousand times. Not this time, though, so.... hooray!The light action itself? Well, I've nicknamed it "The Light of Ten Thousand Suns". Because no matter where you place it, at what height, or at what angle or setting, it is fairly blinding. I want to get the most therapeutic benefit from it, but to be honest, I can't afford a seeing eye dog or white cane just now. I'm still figuring out these logistics. I've read that your eyes have to be on the light for it to work, but bleeding, melted eye sockets seem contrary to a healthful goal. I will need to do more research into how best to utilize it, but I own that- not this product. Its certainly plenty bright, portable, and seems well constructed. Comes with a little velour drawstring bag for travel. I'm enthralled with it..... its my first I've ever purchased, and I've definitely been teased by plenty of my friends when I bust it out and they ask me "what it does"... I start with saying "well, it doesn't give off UV rays to prompt your body to manufacture vitamin D.... nor does it cause you to tan..." Usually I've lost them at this point, which is fine. I had spoken with my doctor prior to purchasing this light, and he swore by its use. Particularly during Daylight Savings etc. I know that the one he has in his office seems to feel nice. Its actually what made me think to ask him about these lights' effectiveness in the first place. I liked the idea of something soundly built but portable since I work on an ambulance and the opportunity to steal a moment here and there to use it for alertness and energy seems pretty sweet. I don't know how best to incorporate its use into my day/night as far as sleep patterns go since third shifters tend to burn the candle at both ends, but that simply requires more research on my part. I was initially drawn to the blue light versions, but am prone to complex migraines, particularly during periods of stress, inclement weather, and sleep deprivation. I didn't want to risk it. This light- so far- has not triggered anything but an ability to count the number of individual lights comprising the main lighted portion- even after closing my eyes- just by reviewing the image burned onto my retinas. I can't imagine requiring anything larger, so frankly, I think the main features of value would likely be sturdy construction, portability, simplicity. I wish I could have found a version that could be used as an alarm clock with a slowly lit- a la dawn- effect, a longer power cord or rechargeable battery option, and perhaps one with a plug for the car, but that said, I'm not sure I'm missing anything (and the plug aspect can easily be remedied, of course).At any rate, I gave this product 5 stars since thus far it has satisfied the specifics of its product description, does what it claims to from a function perspective, and seems decently built. If it DOES cause my eyeballs to burst into flame or somehow improve my SAD symptoms until world domination is clearly the inevitable and most reasonable outcome, I'll pop back on here to provide an update. In the meantime, 5 stars it is. If you're inclined to purchase one of these lights anyway, I think you will be satisfied with this product.