HappyLights: The SAD Truth

#sad #verilux Verilux is the market leader for SAD therapy lights. As a lighting researcher, I question some of their marketing claims, especially the claim that their lights provide "10,000 lux" of illumination.
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LINKS
Verilux:
WebMD Seasonal Affective Disorder: www.webmd.com/depression/guid...
Wikipedia Lux: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lux
Wikipedia Lumen: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumen_(...)
WELL Building Standard: www.wellcertified.com/
WELL Circadian Lighting Design: standard.wellcertified.com/li...
WELL Equivalent Melanopic Lux (Tables L1 and L2): standard.wellcertified.com/ta...
UPRtek CV600 Spectrophotometer: www.uprtek.com/en/product/SPE...
Bedtime Bulb: bedtimebulb.com/
Note: Links below that are marked with "Affiliate link*" may earn me a commission, account credit, or other bonus. More info at the end of the description.
HappyLights (affiliate links*)
VT31 Lumi (LED, Brightness Control): amzn.to/35kkGZW
VT32 Touch (LED, Brightness and Color Control): amzn.to/2PffFMB
Full-Size (Fluorescent, Brightness Control): amzn.to/2rusXfr
Compact (Fluorescent): amzn.to/2EcKxXZ
Studio Lights (affiliate links*)
GVM 560AS (my studio light): amzn.to/2EadmEf
Light Stand: amzn.to/34gziZ8
Umbrella: amzn.to/2sqU5Mb
Light Stand Umbrella Mount: amzn.to/2t8edDb
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:18 Product Overview
02:45 Company History and "Natural Spectrum"
04:27 10,000 Lux Claim; Lux vs. Lumens Explanation
08:46 Lux vs. Distance Test; Lamp Positioning
12:03 Melanopic (M/P) Ratio & Melanopic Lux
16:22 Vertical Placement
18:25 LED Measurements; Choosing a Better LED
20:00 Flicker Test
22:49 Final Thoughts
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FOLLOW ME
Website: gregyeutter.com
Instagram: / gregyeutter
LinkedIn: / yeutter
*Affiliate link: I may make a small commission from purchases made after clicking this link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@shynie4986]

I have never seen anyone talk about lights with so much passion and calmness at the same time!!!

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@2jcward]

My office was moved to a basement level and I felt myself getting depressed. I purchased light therapy and I’m back to my normal self. Daylight is so important.

[@clarastezowski517]

Stumbled upon this and it's probably the most informative KZbin video I've seen in the last 6 months. Really well done

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@alisonc5746]

I can't agree more. Thank you Greg Yeutter.

[@tomsimon5433]

You are full of sh*t!

[@tomsimon5433]

@@alisonc5746 why lie?

[@tomsimon5433]

Liar

[@Karim-ik5ij]

Sleep medicine doc here. A lot of our colleagues had no idea what on earth 10000 lux meant and just recommended it for people for insomnia. This video is great! I have a lamp myself but I was aware that I was not getting 10000 lux. I figured that was just an insane number. I also have luminette glasses which I think are pretty effective.

[@GregYeutter]

Really appreciate your input on this. We are working on a product that is going to make the 10,000 lux claim completely obsolete and give people more balanced, low-glare illumination that still supports circadian stimulus. If you're interested, please sign up for the newsletter at bedtimebulb.com or drop us a line at hey [at] bedtimebulb [dot] com.

[@trousersnake81]

@@GregYeutter Do you guys also make a therapy light product for SAD, or do you even recommend that anymore at this point? I know this video is a few years old, is it better to just get regular lightbulbs that have enhanced spectrum?

[@starrynight8007]

@@GregYeutter. Greg, you are awesome. I will sign up for your newsletter. > any science regarding dementia patients? You see, they are giving dementia patients anti-depressants under the guise- to help raise serotonin levels! Well, these anti-depressants are not very nice. They damage the mitochondria in the neuronal cells.

[@martinlutherkingjr.5582]

@@GregYeutterHow is a product going to make a unit for measuring light intensity obsolete?

[@GregYeutter]

@@martinlutherkingjr.5582 It's not that the metric itself is obsolete, it's that it's the wrong metric for circadian input, so the "10,000 lux" claim should not be made. Will have more to show soon.

[@JTMcAwesomeFace]

I've been watching a bunch of generic stuff from psychiatrists about light therapy but this was what I was looking for. The light box I purchased (prior to watching this) does have a 6500k LED so that's good. Vertical placement makes sense since the sun shines down into your eyes at an angle. I think I'll be leaving my light on for a longer time at a lower intensity. Thanks for the great info.

[@willowen139]

I can’t express how refreshing it is to have come across this video. The information here is so clear, concise and relevant. You’ve done a fantastic job at explaining this and the effort really shows. Thank you!

[@karla.a.]

This guy has such a charming and soothing personality to me, I ended up watching the whole thing 😍😂 Very informative video! Thanks!

[@trotptkabasnbi6655]

you must be gay enjoying a guys voice

[@conordouris173]

As someone who knew absolutely nothing about lights previously, thank you for explaining everything so clearly and effectively.

[@emmalinajo]

I had a rough day and for I appreciated this video so much. Interesting and calming. Thank you for the video!

[@shannonbartle394]

Mr. Yeutter, Thank you for taking the time to research this and make this video. After having positive results using this light, I’ve been recommending the happy light to people in my life, but I couldn’t really explain why it works, circadian rhythm, or what a lumen is. I celebrate you, Mr. Light Nerd. My favorite quotes (Paraphrasing): “I measured this with my spectrophotometer” and “I built an Excel to figure this out.”

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@loriannbourgeois349]

Thank you, for sharing your video. It’s very informative. 🙂

[@LencoTB]

I learned so much watching this video. Just the difference between lumens and lux was explained so well that it got stuck in my mind. One of the most informative videos on this topic.

[@mctoom]

I wish everyone would review products the way you did here! Great job sir

[@GregYeutter]

Timestamps: <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="138">02:18</a> Product Overview <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="165">02:45</a> Company History and "Natural Spectrum" <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="267">04:27</a> 10,000 Lux Claim; Lux vs. Lumens Explanation <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="526">08:46</a> Lux vs. Distance Test; Lamp Positioning <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="723">12:03</a> Melanopic (M/P) Ratio & Melanopic Lux <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="982">16:22</a> Vertical Placement <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1105">18:25</a> LED Measurements; Choosing a Better LED <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1200">20:00</a> Flicker Test <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1369">22:49</a> Final Thoughts

[@sandercohen3309]

Since you have a Spectrophotometer, it would be really cool if you could measure the Lux of the Elgato Key Light at various distances. It's an extremely popular light that claims to be offering 2800 lumens, but it doesn't say how many Lux (and at what distances) That's because it's not meant specifically for light therapy, but for video production and streaming. But it looks really bright, so I'm wondering if it can be dual purpose (used for both video production and light therapy)

[@sandercohen3309]

The Elgato Key Light can also be mounted on the desk (so about 24 inches away from you) and angled, for optimal melanopic efficiency. So it would be really cool if a light nerd such as yourself would do some measurements on this thing. I'm thinking about getting two of them and mounting one of the right side and one of the left side of my desk.

[@333_Tarot]

Hi Greg. I have a urgent question. I found this item: NASLI SunSun FP 4x24W, it says its FULLSPECTRAL imitation of Sun.. Do you think this a a completely different technology than f.e. VERILUX'S, or it is totally the same thing just packed in nice words? These days it costs 200-250€. Enlighten me! Thx

[@omarb3809]

@@sandercohen3309 “light nerd such as yourself” 😂😂😂

[@happyhoundz]

Wow, Greg... totally awesome video in every way. I was involved in one of the original studies of SAD at the University of Washington . Living here with so many months of f darkness and low hanging clouds, these really help. I was given a Dawn simulator for my participation. Your video is so informative, but done in such a way that that “everyday Jill” can understand it. Kudos to you for your service to us I will definitely be looking for all the products you inspire! Your Mum must be proud of you!😏 Looking forward to more of you!! Thanks !

[@GregYeutter]

Thanks so much!

[@SamTorontoRealEstate]

The level of detail in this video is truly remarkable; your approach is not that of a KZbinr, but a scientist in a lab, and you show just as much rigor.

[@benjaminavdicevic]

This is an amazing video! Honestly , you did such a great job reviewing this product. One of the best YT reviews I’ve ever seen.

[@Stacrays]

Excellent video! Thank you for doing your research and sharing the knowledge!

[@AniHajderaj]

Light therapy was recommended to me from a sleep doctor, this was a lot of useful info. Thanks!

[@usmc_sunscreenqueen]

Disabled veteran here. I've always had seasonal depression (actually just depression in general) & when i told my Dr she said, do you want for me to send you a light box?? I had never even heard of one. The VA sent me this huge box, 2 feet in length & 1 ft in heighth. Little larger than i expected, but it's the VA. I'm currently sitting in front of it as I sip my coffee & found this video. Extremely well done research, sir. Thank you! ❤

[@GregYeutter]

Hope it's working!

[@CupCaked]

This is the kind of detailed info I was looking for - thanks!

[@TheHungrymonks]

Just discovered your channel. Very thorough and interesting. I'd love to see a review of the different SAD lamps and what your recommendation would be.

[@remzbakerlovepeace]

Thank you so much for this incredible review! I would love to see more reviews for other therapy lights and alarm clocks!

[@CrowdControl2K8]

I have one in my home office. I can't quantify the benefits but I love being in that type of light. Usually id look out the window and think omg its dark already. I've not been doing that.

[@markmalueg]

From someone that knows absolutely nothing about any of this, but bought one of these light sources, this video BY FAR gave me knowledge that I absolutely appreciate. By giving just the facts and in a way that the common person can comprehend and understand is greatly appreciated. Thank you for the info! I will likely NEVER need this info, but just understanding what's going on is exactly what I needed. Awesome video.

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@AuthenticInFashion]

I got one for Christmas and my mood improved after the first use. It’s magic. I have a second one now and keep them shining on me whenever I sit down somewhere.

[@ritaevergreen7234]

What brand would you recommend? I’m looking to get one.

[@McSherryStudioArt]

Thank you Greg for all that really useful info. You briefly alluded at the end to a question I have though: A surgeon told me that if you are taking vitamin D supplements (or eating oily fish, etc.) the vitamin needs to activated by light. Is there a metric for how these lights activate vitamin D which is arguably more important than mood.

[@tean03]

This video answered me every single doubt that I have of the subject. Thank you!!!

[@boudicathebrave]

Thanks for this thorough video! There's so much positive fluff and lack of rigor when it comes to descriptions and reviews of these products, it was refreshing to see someone thoroughly look at both the product and the science behind it. Seeing every single therapy light say "10,000 lux" I was already like, anytime every single brand's type of product makes the same exact claim I'm instantly suspicious of its truthfulness and usefulness.

[@GregYeutter]

Thanks so much! You might also be interested in this video: Should We Use Screens at Night? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXyTZaBrd9qjf6M

[@MrTonglong]

This was a truly informative and interesting video. I was engaged the entire time and learnt a lot. Really appreciate your in depth analysis of the product.

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@lottam9974]

This is soo helpful!! I was wondering why my light didn’t work so well for me. Had to return it

[@MaryJones-fs4wf]

As someone who intuitively knows that more is not always better (applies to everything) and a very bright light could possibly be a trigger for epilepsy and other adverse health effects, I immediately started looking for reviews like yours. Thank you very much.

[@elizabethbrault6288]

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO INFORMATIVE......I am a teacher a vegan and an organic farmer and you elevated and educated me today....THANK YOU....

[@IbrahimAhmed-ju8ou]

this is a next level review!! thanks boss

[@BrotherOfCaos]

The amount of informations in this video is insane 🤣 I just can't wrap my head around about how much time he actually put into it. 👏👏 very well done

[@zhzok]

I'm looking to buy a lamp and this was so helpful to know what to look out for!

[@sofiac3064]

Thank you for this video! I was contemplating getting a light therapy lamp but I was concerned about the recommended angle of the lamp and other stuff and I was bit a skeptical. Your video helped a lot!

[@geraldn9074]

Great job man. Most thorough review I've seen👍

[@GregYeutter]

Thanks so much!

[@eleonoradjurdjic420]

Wonderfully informative & helpful!!! Love the precise details. Wondering how to test the amount of flicker? Thanks so much for bringing light to this topic on light! 💖😄👍

[@filicefilice]

Superb INFO on the Channell! Thank You Kindly!

[@GregYeutter]

Thank YOU!

[@angelicajacobs584]

Awesome video!!! I'm looking at getting one of these! This was helpful to understand the product and its specifications

[@GregYeutter]

Absolutely! Here's another video you might be interested in: "Should We Use Screens at Night?" kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXyTZaBrd9qjf6M

[@freekheining]

Very clear and helpful video! I just purchased a lamp from Beurer. They are the lead in Europe I think. They actually state the distance in CM you need to be from the product to get 10.000 lux etc.

[@fragrantbloom]

The quality and research in this video is amazing! Thank you

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@nuriacb7880]

Incredible review, thank you very much for sharing this with us.

[@alexskepp]

Finally someone who knows what they're talking about and doesn't only want to sell stuff, their souls included 🙌

[@soberanisfam1323]

It's very hard to trust people in a capootalist environment. No wonder "s.a.d" is a thing

[@Cruusher]

you covered the fundamentals nicely. enough to help me make a decision on which type to get / thanks

[@ginaderamo7110]

Thank you ! I learned from you to use it only in early morning and early afternoon; as this affects your circadian rhythm. Thanks for this very educational video !

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@yoya4105]

As with other comments, I also stumbled upon this, and found this extremely informative. Thank you!!

[@GregYeutter]

Glad I could help!

[@saundraschaefer]

Thank you so much for making this. Still helping folks 2 years later. 😊

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@henryhellbusch155]

I really like the studio light idea. Do you have any recommendations for one to achieve the desired stimulation? Perhaps something wall mountable. Cheers - great video!

[@jodyfro1312]

Fantastic, informative review. Such good information. Thank you.

[@elizabethhafferty1115]

This was extremely informative. Thank you.

[@carmenneumann6162]

I would like to thank you for your time and extremely educational video your facts are great and it’s obvious you spend the time researching.

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you! I appreciate it. Here's another you might be interested in: Should We Use Screens At Night? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXyTZaBrd9qjf6M

[@silverbroom02]

Thank you for actually answering the questions I had!

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you! Glad it helped!

[@jaceedison237]

Thanks so much for this research!

[@joeny1980]

Saw that 999... so I just became your 1000th subscriber :) great video, great scientific approach that was surprisingly easy to follow.

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you! More cool lighting stuff on the way.

[@tombalabomba03]

loved the video, very clear and precise, also all sources delivered, thank you!

[@johnnorman6346]

An excellent and very informative video. Really illuminating!

[@iancaldeian]

Thanks for sharing. Next go through, I'll have my note book.

[@colinbray2990]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@megan6244]

This video was very informative! Thank you so much!

[@affilistuff7648]

After watching your video and doing some research I ordered the yeelight pro because it was the only lamp I found that fulfills all requirements, thanks a lot.

[@LorsHeit]

Thank you for this, so helpful! I was wondering if you had learned about the 'warm light' setting that they have on the lights now - you can choose between "warm white" and "day light." Warm white is much nice on the eye, but I wondered if it impacted the MP ratio or the melanopic lux you get.

[@NealX_Gaming]

This is actually the first time I've heard of melanopic light. Very informative. I only had time to skim around the video; what I'm looking to get is something that will stimulate Vitamin D absorption. Is UV needed for that? Or can a HappyLight or other Verilux product help with that? Would love to get your knowledge on that subject.

[@joelhackett6100]

Love this level of detail 🤙🤙 thank you for this type of investigation!

[@thegoldendef398]

Great video. I didn't expect to watch all l the way through. Does anyone know if Verilux is still using the "cheap" led or if they are using a better quality led to fill in the cyan gap?

[@BaibaZiga]

This is such an informative video. As a science and facts and data geek, I needed this, thank you Greg! I have recently moved to a location by the Arctic circle and I have been considering getting one of these SAD lights, as we will soon go into total darkness out here. I have been doing lots of research and reading up on these lamps and honestly haven’t been totally convinced… This video has been by far the most comprehensive source of information. Personally, I have been looking at Beurer, which has been celebrated for its German engineering and also as it has been certified/approved as medical equipment. Would love to get you test one of their products. However after watching this video, I think that even my Newer stand lamp might be a good source of light for the circadian rhythm. Thank you so much for making this video!

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@arnoldschwarzenegger6893]

669 subscribers! can't wait till your at 699 😄 Keep on producing great content brother

[@rebeccamiller8772]

I found this while trying to find a stand for my happy light to mount above me. I didn’t find one, but really enjoyed your video! But now I definitely know that I need to find a way to mount it higher.

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@WingWong]

Great review and definitely reinforced concerns I had regarding what the light makers were touting and what the recommended setups were for SAD.

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@user-kg1dg4oc1i]

I found this very informative and clearly presented from a intelligent young man.Thank you

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@freshmango99]

Wow this video is so informative and well researched!

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@simplir5644]

I love the amount of simplified science that you put into this video. Thank you very much for this

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@michaellovejoy8751]

Excellent info. Very thorough and concise. Appreciate the effort that went into to this video.

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@SaMiChi]

Thanks for this, very informative. Is there a reccomendation for a studio light like yours? I wouldn't even know where to begin picking one. Thanks.

[@135789able]

Very informative. Many thanks Greg.

[@GregYeutter]

Glad I could help!

[@laerciodovalejunior4871]

Awesome review! Very technical but didactic making it easy for everyone to understand

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@josephlam2072]

Very informative. Thank you

[@user-uk7xb2nd4f]

Great video!!! What product do you suggest for depression caused by lack of sunlight?

[@iosifpadurets8931]

Thank you for very informative video

[@tiarianamanna973]

Wow. Thank you so much ❤

[@dominionemployee1188]

Thanks for your hard work. Very useful information

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@axlerk]

Thanks, dude! Great explanation of lum vs lux and melanopic light!

[@tiagovasc]

Fantastic video. Thanks!

[@TheMrActivel]

Suuper great video, wow I learned so much. Thank you!!

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@mistycarranzaa1636]

I think the same in min 18, thanks for take your time and analyse this product is usfull and you did a great job.

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you so much!

[@federere2142]

Greg amazing video! Would be sweet if you did an updated study on today's happylights!

[@GregYeutter]

Hey, not much has changed as far as I can tell.

[@federere2142]

@@GregYeutter The reason I ask is because I just got one of their desk lamp 2 in one Happy light versions and the chipset looks completely updated in comparison to my gf's luxe flat panel style. The max britghness is higher on it for sure and there are now 7 increments of brigthness. Would be amazing if you did a review on one! (Can always return to amazon after done review :p)

[@GregYeutter]

@@federere2142 Yeah, I get that it's slightly improved in terms of brightness levels etc. But overall pretty similar in terms of what to expect and how to use it. I'm pretty unhappy with any of the SAD lights on the market, and we're working something better. You can find out when we release that by signing up for the newsletter at bedtimebulb.com

[@williamcooper8559]

Fantastic video, so well researched and presented

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you!

[@danielsalman0767]

Great Video... Thank You

[@GregYeutter]

Glad I could help!

[@TheScamp2008]

Thank you Greg. I really love the way you applied science to this review! So helpful.... very grateful.

[@GregYeutter]

Thank YOU!

[@thatraymond]

So informative! Thanks!

[@healthlearner1121]

Winter is approaching, and so do the views for this video :D

[@GregYeutter]

Definitely! There's a huge inverse correlation between searches for light-related topics and the length of days. For example, check out the Google search trends for "light therapy": trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=all&geo=US&q=light%20therapy

[@cryptoclyps5049]

Just curious, you've done the tests on the HappyLight, can you provide us with the same info you had trouble getting from Verilux? That is, with the studio setup: what distance is optimal, what light settings (Kelvins, lumens, etc)? I guess it won't be the same between different gear, but it would be nice to understand how to actually use products you linked, especially since the use is experimental, I doubt there will be many resources?

[@baroquecat2295]

wowww you deserve a lot more likes for this video, very good research!

[@GregYeutter]

Thanks so much!

[@fatcuffy]

Very informative. excellent work! Keep it up 🙂

[@GregYeutter]

Thank you so much! Cheers.

[@keenobaerry3195]

this was a really good video for a laymen and it sifts through all the paid reviews which im thankful for. the winter at the end of COVID im sure these things will blow up, i know i bought one

[@GregYeutter]

Thanks so much! I have another video related to this topic premiering in a few minutes: Do SAD Lamps Stimulate Vitamin D Production? kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4LZYoFtnq92g5o

[@dmks2146]

super informative! thanks a lot

[@LauraTryUK]

wow, what a video!!!!!!! So helpful, thank you so much 🙏

[@GregYeutter]

Thank YOU!

[@swisstrader]

Question: I just bought a Miroco light. I know you are not supposed to stare directly into the light, but is it possible to do damage to your eyes with the light on and eyes closed? Just seems crazy bright and want to make sure I’m not doing longer term damage. I put the light source directly in front of me and about 2 feet away. Thanks!

[@Nilsosmar]

1) Excellent video. 2) I noticed that Verilux now has an LED "happylight" floor lamp; it should help with the angle of light issue.

[@mrsdelacruz1860]

A very informative video! You’ve helped me make my decision! Do you have links to Amazon Canada though? :) Also, can you make a video about wake up lights? An alarm that mimics the light of the sun rise, minutes before the alarm beeps?

[@GregYeutter]

Amazon Canada link: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07H49N46N Regarding wake-up lights, check out my Casper Glow video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4mrdWZqdsuAqqM

[@_serreina]

Thank you for shining some light on the subject. LOL. Appreciate this amazing research and great information, wow!

[@chinaleighshawtymane]

" Shinning some light " 😄😄👍