| Brand: | Philips Respironics | ||
| Average Rating |
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Start feeling better now. After a week with the goLITE, my wife happily announced that her ‘summer husband’ had returned. I feel great: more energy, more positive and optimistic, more like the person I am in the summer. We couldn’t have said it better. These are real quotes from real people who improved their moods and beat the winter blues using light. And you can too. Light is nature’s stimulant. The upbeat feeling you get on a bright sunny day is no accident-it’s the result of light triggering our bodies to release active hormones, and we feel great. Winter can be a challenge for many because the shorter days and longer nights leave us simply light-deprived. Without the normal light stimulation, we often feel down, lethargic or sad. Light therapy provides a natural boost that helps you feel better, increases energy and even helps you sleep. Using the right wavelength of light, you can trigger your active hormones naturally, boosting your mood and overcoming those down feelings, whatever the season. Blue light is the key. Researchers have learned that receptors in our eyes convert the blue light from the summer sky into the chemicals our bodies need to be active and energetic. We don’t get this light in the winter, and indoor light doesn’t replace this color, which is why our mood, energy and sleep patterns suffer. Twice as effective. The goLITE is the newest breakthrough in light therapy that provides just the blue light our bodies need (we call it BLUEWAVE technology). Studies have shown that low-intensity blue light (470 nm, like that from the goLITE) is twice as effective at managing our body clocks compared to other sources of light. As little as 15 Minutes per day. Using light therapy fits easily into your normal daily routine. You can do it while eating breakfast, exercising or getting ready in the morning. more info
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
A little bit of sunshine
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
So far I’ve been pleased with the Philips GoLite Blu. I love the size, it’s perfect for travel even if it’s just to and from the office. The instruction book is pretty comprehsive on various uses. I am looking forward to trying it out for jet lag to see if it helps. So far it has helped with my sleep as well as improvement in my mood. The true test will be next winter as I got it a bit late in the season for this year. So far very happy and would recommend it.
on time – as promised
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
it’s a smart unit – very compact – does what it promises – has lots of features – but i only use the basic features.
Shift work miracle!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Just a quick review for anyone working shift work: Get this, it works.
I am a FD dispatcher and work a rotating schedule which means this week I may be working 4pm to midnight but in two days I’ll switch to midnight to 8am. When I first started this schedule I was miserable. I couldnt sleep, I was always moody and I was in physical pain trying to keep my eyes open at night.
If you follow the directions, this thing really works. It helps me feel energized while working midnights, and also helps my body adjust when I go back to day shifts. I use it for 30 minutes about half an hour after I wake up (during night shifts about 11pm) and then usually once or twice more for 15 minutes around 3-5am.
This thing has litterally payed for itself. I honestly was on the verge of looking for a new job right before I started using it. You will honestly feel the difference the second time you use it, if not the first.
(Also, I would never give this up, even if I were to stop working night shifts. It is a great way to wake up every morning in lui of coffee. I am extremely sensitive to caffine which was part of why night shifts were so horrible. This is an amazing drug free alternative to feel energized and ready to start the day.)
I tried it – I’m keeping it!!!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I would surely recommend this. I have suffered from “the winter blahs” for years – about mid-to-late January I lose motivation to do anything but what’s necessary (i.e. – work, laundry, cooking, etc.). I’ve had this Phillips goLite BLU for about 3 weeks and I can tell the difference. I no longer have that exhaustive feeling (like after a good cry) and I’m not so irritable and have found some motivation again. I won’t claim this has fixed my symptoms completely but it has definitely made a difference in how I feel. I bought it knowing I could return it within 30 days. I’m keeping it!!!
So far, so good.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have only used my goLITE for a few days. I can see that I am having success. I know that I have more energy. The energy has expressed itself in motivation.
The goLITE is very easy to use.
I look forward to what will develop over time. I will check back in when I have more information to share.
Difference between briteLite 6 and goLITE BLU
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I was wondering what the difference is between both the briteLite 6 and goLITE BLU. So I asked Philips and they stated that the goLITE BLU uses a newer technology. The briteLITE 6 (10,000 lux)is full spectrum light. A research study was started at Jefferson Medical University to find out what it is in the full spectrum light that helps with mood relief, depression, and getting your sleep cycle back on track. They found that the effective light bandwidth is within the band of blue light waves. For this reason, the goLITE BLU only uses the blue light wave. Because you are getting the right kind of light you need, you actually use the goLITE BLU for about half the amount of time that you use a 10,000 lux light. The Philips Vitalight Department will be able to assist you with your inquiry. The Consumer Care Department 866-832-4361 is available Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:30pm eastern standard time.
Either way both are similarly priced, and get positive reviews from their users. Money permitting, I’ll try to get both and see for myself which one I prefer.
Here is the website address:
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I can’t believe this thing actually works.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Okay, so I thought that since I’d get my money back if it didn’t work, I’d give it a try. I live in the Pacific northwest, so not very much sun here at the best of times.
I got this thing on Friday and turned it on at around 9:30pm… Just a warning… don’t do that. I was wired until about 2am. After I realized it actually did something, I tried it out the way you’re supposed to. Well, sort of. I put it on for an hour the following morning and felt the most awake and alert I have for a very long time.
It’s bizarre, I know. I’m more skeptical than most, but even I have to admit this thing actually works.
Two Thumbs Up
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
My husband uses this for winter blah’s, and I use it for sleep issues. I have been using it for two weeks at full intensity for 20 minutes a day, and I have definitely seen an elevation in my mood and energy, and have had an easier time dropping off to sleep. I do realize that this is not exactly the recommended toe-in-the-water way to start light therapy, but so far so good. I did have one adverse reaction when I decided to go for two 20 minute sessions in a row; that evening I really struggled to go to sleep. My husband has been feeling a positive difference in his energy as well, especially as of the last couple of days. He has never had trouble falling asleep at the drop of a hat, so we differ there. In short, we dig it. Look, if I can WILLINGLY fight holiday traffic not once, but twice, and then pass up Pixar shorts so that I can clean the kitchen, and fill water bottles for the kid’s backpacks, then either the blue light is doing its thing, or hell has frozen over.
Looks like others have covered features pretty extensively. We find it easy to use and unoffensive to have sitting around. I see a one star review given because the battery died. Can’t help but wonder if the reviewer failed to charge the battery for 8 hours before using it the first time. Even if a rechargeable device comes with a partial charge, it is pretty typical for the manufacturer to warn that failing to charge before first use will reduce the life of the battery.
Best of luck!
blu lite calming
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
the golite blu has been a great help to me. I use it as I check my e-mail and/or work at the computer. It has a timer and
an intensity setting for gradual exposure. It is easy to use, and well worth the price.
Where’s the magic?
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I’ll cut right to the chase: this product did not do anything for me. My mood was not elevated, I didn’t sleep better, I wasn’t magically more awake after using it for a month. In fact, nothing happened.
That’s not to say that this isn’t a good, or even great, product. It did nothing for ME, so I hesitate to give it a review either way. Of course, it’s also possible that the product is a perfect piece of junk. Really, I have no idea.
However, I can say that the product is well designed and substantial. For the most part (except how, exactly, to turn it on) is pretty intuitive. And for something that looks like a miniature solar panel, it’s decently attractive—with the look of an IKEA lamp (for insomniacs).
I am disappointed that the product did not perform miracles, but products that promise such things rarely (if ever) deliver—the goLITE being no exception.
Works as advertised.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
It’s hard to imagine that sitting in front of something as simple as this for 15 minutes a day would work. Well, it does.
I’ve had mine now since last year (wanted to test it over time) and must say that it’s been great. I like being outdoors and pulled this light out on those days (cold or wet) when I couldn’t be out. I would use it whilst playing video games.
I can’t recall getting the raining/cold weather blues since I’ve started using it. That says a lot considering 2008-2009 has been a rough year for a lot of us.
Philips goLITE BLU Light
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I am actually using the light right now. I used to use a much larger older light for SAD. I appreciate the small size of this appliance. If needed I can tuck it into my bag and use it in the morning at work without raising any eyebrows. Not possible with my older larger version. The light is less bright than the older one–supposedly because of the blue light being more effective than the brighter white lights. Seems to work as well for the sad as the other light–and I have less concern about damaging my eyes.
A Must Have for Northern Winters
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I live in Northeastern Wisconsin where the winter drags on from the beginning of November until April. I happened on a review of the goLITE by accident, and thought it would be a definite help for me. Most winter days I feel like crawling into bed around 4 p.m. and staying there until the next morning.
I found the goLITE very easy to use after reading through the directions once. I have it set as an alarm on the nightstand next to my bed. After I use it in the morning, I bring it downstairs with me and place it on the breakfast bar while my children eat breakfast. Some days I also use it again in the afternoon.
Within about 2 weeks I noticed I was sleeping better and having an easier time getting up in the morning. I also have more energy and accomplish more during the day. Even though the goLITE was expensive, I feel it was well worth the cost for someone who lives in a cold climate.
Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
After comparing and contrasting the numerous light therapy products available for Seasonal Affective Disorder, I chose the Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device. It is rechargeable, and the battery can last up to 50 years. Other light therapy devices charge you a large fee for regularly replacing light bulbs. The Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device is small, so it is good for travel, and you can set it up anywhere in the home. Other light therapy devices are extremely large and take up a lot of room. There is an alarm function on the Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device, so you can program a certain time that the light (and/or sound) wakes you up in the morning. Other light therapy devices do not have an alarm function. As a person with Seasonal Affective Disorder, this product helps me feel refreshed in the morning and throughout the day.
If you need help and suffer from winter depression..PLEASE try it..
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this light last year hoping it would help me and it did. I searched all over the internet for coupons and deals and found the best deal on Amazon. I paid $217.00 just last year. (I wish I would have gotten this year’s price for sure) Last year I used it every day during the late fall and all of the winter months. I could tell when I needed to start using it again this year. I tell everyone about this light. I have suffered for years and just knew there had to be some sort of effective therapy out there for winter depression other than having to take some sort of medication. I am active and I exercise but even doing that didn’t seem to help me. It is hard to explain what it feels like when you are using it, it is almost as if the darkness you feel inside is gone.. ( I’m sure people who suffer can relate to this thought) I use it for 15 minutes every morning (upon awakening) and I am happy and full of energy afterwards. If you suffer from seasonal affective disorder,winter blues, whatever people call it, PLEASE try it… This light works, period.. and for me there are no side effects at all… I was a little worried about possible side effects after reading some of the other reviews here, but no… none for me.
Gets me through the winter.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this light one year ago and use it daily through the cold, dreary, wet winters here in Chicago. It works. The lack of sunshine always puts me in a funk but with this light my mood is better and I have more energy. Some of my friends say it’s all in mind – maybe it is but so what!?! If you suffer from depression, sadness, lack of energy, etc. due to lack of natural sunlight this is the next best thing I have found. It’s portable, easy to use and I’ve had no problems with it.
Truly the ONLY well engineered SAD light!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I suffer from crippling Seasonal Affective Disorder, and I am unable to take antidepressants. I have used every fluorescent SAD light out there and NOTHING has ever come close to the GoLIGHT!
All the others are simple, over priced fluorescent bulbs. But the GoLight is portable, has the perfect light spectrum and has great features (timer, alarm clock, brightness control etc). The reason it is so expensive is not that it is over priced, but that these high frequency LED’s by nature are expensive. But it is worth the price!
It is nice to know I have a warranty from a stable company with a great track record!
Maybe wear sun glasses while using
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
The first thing I notice when I switch on the Blue Light is a strong force striking my eyes. The recommendation is for it 2 be 20 inches away for it to be effective. If that is true then I recommend sun glasses to the user. Other then that it seems pleasant enough to have going.
Good value, works well
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Pros:
It does the job, quite well.
The price is low compared to other units I researched
Light isn’t too stressful on your eyes, unless you use it for more than 30 minutes a day
Small, compact, nice battery life
Alarm clock and timer which will turn off light after x amount of minutes
Cons:
You have to keep the light very close to you, no more than 2 feet from your eyes, I would say
It has to be at eye level for maximum benefit, which means you’ll have to prop it up with several books or dvd cases.
Only a 2 year parts and labor warranty, while another company I reserched (Full Spectrum Solutions) offers a lifetime warranty. The warranty does not cover parts of the device not manufactured by Phillips. So if the LEDs or the power adapter aren’t Phillips-made and they fail, you’re not covered there.
Final Thoughts:
It works quite well, which is why I gave it 5 stars.
I’d only use it at maximum intensity, and adjust the time spent if you’re not recieving the full benefits, or are feeling too giddy from overuse (happened to me).
They say it takes 5-7 days to notice the benefits, but if you don’t notice anything after 2-3 days you should probably increase the time spent.
I use it for 30 minutes after waking up, and sometimes 5-10 minutes in the afternoon.
If you do use it again in the afternoon, be careful, it seems to be more effective the second time.
Google “Light Therapy”, there is a very informative article from Columbia.edu, “Q&A on Bright Light Therapy”
Works fine, but how effective is it?
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
The go LITE BLU seems to be exactly as advertised: compact–a handy size for travel (also multi-voltage), easy to use, brilliant blue light. I’ve been using it pretty faithfully (almost daily for 45 minutes) for about a month now. So far, though, I can’t say I’ve noticed that it’s made much of a difference in my sleeping habits.
The battery died after 6 months.
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
Pros:
-Effective therapy
-Anti-Glare
-Portable
(I even bought a second one for my mother)
-Was highly recommended until…
Cons:
-The battery died after 6 months.
I am waiting for customer service to respond. I will update you on their response.
It is one of the best things I have ever purchased
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is the second goLight I have purchased and both of them are working wonderfully. I am better able to adjust after traveling and use it continuously as the best alarm clock I have ever owned. It is sooo great to wake up feeling ready for the day and refreshed rather than shocked out of sleep. I would recommend the light for anyone struggling with adjusting their sleep schedule, trying to find a better way to wake up, or just need a little adjustment now and then.
The touch screen is easy to use and read. The device maintains a charge for a surprisingly long time – more than enough for a longer trip. I also have to say that making the “stand” a magnetic attachment was genius. I will never lose it.
Works great if used consistently
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I am the sort of person who generally gets up early only because it’s what my schedule demands. I’m not a snarling beast by any means, nor am I a zombie or a depression case. I like the morning once I’m up and around, but it’s definitely not my peak energy period, either. There’s always a bit of inertia to overcome before I get going. That’s how I’ve been all my life.
When I purchased this item I used it immediately for one or two days. Then I used it very sporadically, maybe a day here, a day there, a week or two without using it, etc. What I noticed was a very mild “head clearing” effect when I used the light, but certainly nothing to write home about.
Then I decided to give it some consistent use. The first few days I noticed nothing special beyond what I had noted in the past. But long about day 5 or 6 there was a definite boost in my levels of energy that went well beyond just feeling more clear-headed in the mornings. I felt more alert and energetic throughout the day with less inclination to fall into that mid-day slump that makes you want to lay down for a nap. I also fall asleep more readily at bedtime with fewer of those “can’t get to sleep/can’t remain asleep” nights. With continued, consistent use the effect of this light remains quite pronounced.
I live in the Pacific Northwest, in the Seattle area, so we tend to get less natural sunlight than many areas. Lots of overcast even when it isn’t raining. Because I’ve lived in this sort of environment all my life I never realized I was missing out on the natural boost that sunlight (or this simulation from blue light) gives. My suspicion is that the light influences hormone production that cascades out into many, many hormone-related processes in the body. If you use this light to enhance your mental clarity you may just find it promotes other benefits as well.
Consistent, daily use appears to be the key to making it effective. I highly recommend this to anyone that needs that extra lift, and even to people who don’t necessarily feel they have any light-related deficiencies. You could find, as I did, that it improves your quality of life in areas you didn’t even know could be improved.
I offer one tip that might be helpful, which is to use the light on its most dim setting. The rechargable battery life runs fairly short; just a few uses, when the light is used at full strength. I’ve tried it both ways and can’t honestly report that having the light turned up brighter has any more beneficial effect than using on its lowest setting. But if you really feel it does, then just use it on dim and place the light closer to your eyes and it will be perceived as a more intense light. I typically use the light about 2 to 3 feet away from my face. Using the light on dim rather than on bright extends the time it can be used per charge by about 4 or 5 times.
Very satisfied
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I was hesitant to buy this initially because of the high price. I already had a light therapy lamp, but it was just not that portable. This is extremely portable. It fits in my lap top bag along with my lap top and a book! I especially appreciate that I now don’t have to give up my light therapy when I go out of town for the weekend. I love that it is battery operated so I don’t have to worry about finding an outlet. I use it on full strength for 20-30 minutes a day. I find that it works just as well, if not better, than my larger traditional light therapy lamp. Of course, it is a seasonal product. It is now tucked away waiting for the next dreaded winter so it can brighten my days again.
good buy
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I am very happy with the purchase of this product. My only issue is that when I received the product the alarm was set and it took several days before we realized what was dinging at 11pm at night(odd time for a light like this to be set).