Light therapy devices are used to help regulate circadian rhythms, manage delayed sleep–wake phase disorder, reduce jet lag, and alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. People typically use white or blue-light devices in the morning to shift circadian timing or during travel to help align the sleep–wake cycle with new time zones, with sessions often lasting 20 to 40 minutes depending on device intensity. Red light devices are typically used at night to facilitate sleep.
These products are generally marketed as over-the-counter wellness devices rather than prescription therapies, making them accessible for home use under clinician guidance.
Portable designs—including compact lamps and wearable glasses—allow patients to integrate light therapy into daily routines, whether at home, at work, or on the go.
Sleep Review‘s portable light therapy guide compares the devices on parameters such as form factor, light color, bandwidth, intensity, dimensions, and price.
The light therapy devices compared are:
CAREX TheraLight
Helight Sleep
Lucimed Luminette
| Company: | CAREX | Helight | Lucimed |
| Portable Light Therapy: | TheraLight | Helight Sleep | Luminette glasses |
| Website: | carex.com/products/carex-theralite-mood-and-energy-enhancing-bright-light-therapy-lamp | helight.com | myluminette.com |
| Description: | Compact size for confined spaces and travel use. Height & angle adjustable to easily direct the light. Blocks 100% of UV to keep your eyes and skin protected | A patented red light sleep therapy device. | White-enriched blue light: unlike many devices that use monochromatic blue or green light, Luminette delivers a white light spectrum enriched with blue, providing a more natural lighting experience; Indirect illumination: light is projected from above the eyes, mimicking sunlight and significantly reducing glare compared to devices that emit light directly into the eyes; Natural top-down emission: the downward direction of the light replicates how sunlight naturally reaches the eyes, enhancing comfort and effectiveness; Compatible with prescription glasses: thanks to its positioning above the visual field, Luminette can easily be worn together with corrective glasses, unlike devices placed in front or below the eyes; unobstructed vision: the design keeps the user’s field of view clear, allowing normal daily activities during use. |
| Form Factor: | Table top | Table top | Wearable |
| Light Color: | white | red | blue-enriched white |
| Light Bandwidth (nm): | 400-800 | 630 (+/-15) | 460–470 (main peak), with 450–650 broad emission spectrum |
| Intensity (lux): | 10,000 (@ 10″) | 800 (@ diffusor surface) | 500/1,000/1,500 |
| Timer Feature: | No | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions (cm): | 23.4 × 5.3 × 13.5 | 7 x 7 x 4.5 | 17 x 15 x 3 |
| Weight (g): | 680 | 169 | 53 |
| Price: | $53.99 | $139 | $199 |
Information for this guide is based on data submitted by light therapy marketers. Sleep Review strives for accuracy in all data but cannot be held responsible for claims made by marketers. All therapy marketers get one listing at no charge. Advertisers are offered multiple listings. All options may not be included. Email editor[at]sleepreviewmag.com to be considered for the next update.
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