‘I used an SAD light for a month and it made a huge difference to my energy levels’

With evenings now getting even darker, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is a real consideration – and light therapy lamps that imitate daylight may help. We put Lumie's new one to the test.

With the clocks going back last weekend, the days are now darker than ever – and if this winter weather is really getting you down, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), resulting in low moods, lack of energy and increased tiredness. One popular means of tackling this is with a special light that replicates sunlight – and I've been putting one of the most popular ones to the test.

Lumie is perhaps best known for its Bodyclock alarm clocks, which wake you up gently – and more naturally – with a gradual sunrise light, and also imitate sunsets in the evening too. Lumie's latest device, the Lumie Dash, is a stylish and portable option for your bedroom, your office or anywhere in the home, giving you the next best thing to natural daylight – and potentially helping to boost your mood too.

As someone who lives in the north of the UK – and who struggles to feel energised in winter – I had to put one to the test...

READ MORE: 'Miracle' daylight lamp helps you wake up happy despite fewer daylight hours

READ MORE: Experience the Northern Lights from UK airports with special night flights this winter

Pros

• Looks very chic
• Very simple to use
• Helped me feel more awake in the mornings
• Felt less tired throughout the day

Cons

• Not the cheapest
• Needs to be plugged into the mains
• Unlikely to work miracles if your symptoms are severe

First impressions

First up, the Lumie Dash look super-chic on your desk or bedside table. Available in two muted colours, Terracotta Pink and Pistachio White (I went for the pistachio), it's slimline and simple in design, looks luxe, and fits in with any decor.

It's also incredibly simple to use (unlike the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe, which I also have; I love it but there are a lot of different settings to get the grips with) – simply plug it in then increase or decrease your desired light intensity using the '+' and '-' buttons on the base.

The effects

I first tried this out during the ultimate test: on a shift during the busy Amazon Prime Day sales period, in which I started work at 5:30am, when there was no chance of me seeing much daylight throughout much of the day, let alone when I first woke up. I plugged it in, turned it on to the max, and hoped I could stay awake for the entirety of the day.

The light it emits is bright but not blindingly so; it has more of a warm glow than the harsh white of a traditional lightbulb. I had it on to the side of me as I worked, until the real sun appeared at about 9am, and I honestly think it made a huge difference to how I felt that morning. Yes, the early start was tiring, but I felt awake right from the start, as well as more energised and productive than I expected to be.

Since then I've switched this Lumie light on every morning, getting a quick half an hour does of light when I first get up, while I read a book, then keeping it on when I start work until the day is fully light, and I honestly think it's made a real difference to my mood and focus this autumn. Of course, it isn't a miracle worker, and if you're really struggling with SAD-like symptoms, always speak to a medical professional.

I've also tried both of Lumie's Bodyclocks, the Spark and the Luxe (both currently reduced on Amazon), and prefer the latter for its soothing bedtime sounds such as rain and thunderstorms; in fact, I struggle to drift off without it now.

Lumie lights aren't the cheapest, however, but we've found a more affordable alternative available at Boots, as well as this smaller £47 device at John Lewis.