Customer Reviews

Philips Health GoLite M2 Blue Spectrum Light Therapy Device

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I recently upgraded to the M2, but I first bought the Apollo P1 several winters ago, and it works wonders for me. I sleep well now, and I have energy during the day, not to mention better mood stability.

There has been some "blue light scare" about this product lately. Just ignore it! I am a physicist and the blue light that the GoLITE emits is part of the visible spectrum. Remember that blue light is not right next to the UV spectrum. Blue is next to violet, and violet is next to UV. Furthermore, the people who target this product seem to dismiss the fact that a regular 10,000 lux light box produces the same amount of blue light as these lights do, therefore they would be just as "dangerous." And there hasn't been any eye damage found from using those. Since all white light contains blue light, are we supposed to be paranoid about turning on our lights around the house? It is obsurd.

Remember dosages as you consider all this. Scientists learn by studying the extremes. The studies submit subjects to an extremely intense amount of light for a LONG period of time. Is this supposed to resemble real life? No, it's not. But it helps scientists understand processes. Anything in an exorbitant amount is likely to be unhealthy. I am sure that if I drank five gallons of milk each day for a sustained period of time that I would have some negative symptoms! Perhaps by using my GoLITE for 10 minutes each day during the winter I get the same amount of light (and blue light) as I would get during the summer naturally.

Don't be scared off. Remember that there has been absolutely no indication that using these lights therapeutically causes any eye damage. Quite the contrary, I would guess that my body is much healthier for having used them. Sleep deprivation is awful tough on the body.

Science is made slowly through a web of studies, not some random study that is distorted by those misinformed and used to frighten the public.

Now, on to the M2. As I mentioned before, I have owned the P1 and then recently upgraded to the M2. Both models are small and lightweight, and I have had no trouble with eyestrain (using 100% intensity). I can easily write or work on the computer, or eat breakfast, while I am using the lights.

Advantages of the M2 over the P1:
-It is cordless, so you can take it anywhere around the house or elsewhere and don't have to worry about finding an outlet.

Disadvantages of the M2:
-It is a little heavier, because of the battery. I don't believe this adds any inconvenience, however, as it is still plenty light.

I don't really see a whole lot of functional differences between the two models besides this. I like the cordless because I can move the GoLITE to wherever I am working at the time and don't have to carry a cord around or try to find a place to plug it in. But the cordless feature is pretty much the only benefit of getting the M2 (or P2 for that matter). So, if you don't mind having to plug it in, then save yourself some money and buy a used P1. LEDs last forever so you won't need to worry about the lights burning out.

As far as evaluating the use of light therapy in general, I have found it to be very helpful to me. I use it mostly in the fall and spring when the sunset/sunrise times are changing the most (I live at about the 45th parallel). My body clock seems to get thrown off by the rapid change. I will also use it at other times during the year if I am having insomnia or depression. I find Apollo's assessment site very helpful. When I am having trouble sleeping at night or staying awake during the day I will go take their assessment and it will tell me when to use the light and for how long. I have never had it be wrong. It has always helped me get back on a good circadian rhythm.

Anyway, I know this has been long, but I hope it has also been useful!
Here's to a good night's sleep,
Leslie

Having used the P1 for several winters (I moved from CA to Seattle and the long, dark winters were a killer) this product took some selling, as I'm not one to fix a wheel that isn't broken.

However, a few key things convinced me to upgrade, first and foremost the cordlessness. I can pick the light up and take it with me if I'm mid-session and want a cup of coffee or the dog needs to go out, bla bla bla. Hold its charge well and, as always the light therapy works.

Finally, I have to defend this product from some of the crazies on here who tell you you're going to go blind if you use it. It doesn't take a nuclear physicist to look up some research and the science behind it and understand, in simple terms, that this product poses no more threat to you and me than walking around in broad daylight. This light and the other blue light devices have provided life-changing results for many thousands of us who have SAD and have used the light to treat it, and I'm guessing since many of us can still get to our computers to write reviews, we haven't yet gone blind.

The device works and does what it says it's going to do - if you suffer from SAD or circadian rhythm issues, it will probably change your life.

For the past two weeks I have used my Apollo GoLight nearly every morning for 15 minutes while I eat breakfast. I noticed a difference in my relative ease of getting out of bed and overall daytime energy level within just a few days. I haven't changed what time I go to bed, but instead of re-setting my alarm five times in the morning, I'll re-set it once and then get up. The change in my daytime energy level has not been as noticeable, but I do feel a bit less groggy before noon and less sleepy during the late afternoon. Make sure to go to Apollo's website to get more individualized info about the best time to use the light, and while you're there check out how much more the light costs through Apollo compared to Amazon!

I purchased this product and have decided to return it. Although it is very convenient, especially for people who travel frequently as I do, I found the blue light too harsh for my eyes. After speaking with my doctor, I learned that some people with light colored eyes or who generally are a bit sensitive to light may have trouble with the LED blue light in this product. I am going to go back to a traditional 10,000 LUX light. Even then, the products on the market range from very white light to softer colored, more yellow light, all of which can deliver the necessary 10,000 lux. Apollo products are high quality, but very white, and hence too harsh for me. My advice -- do your homework, talk with representatives from several companies, and if possible, visit a store so you can see before you buy how your eyes react to a particular type of light!

Apollo's GoLite M2 is a great product and Apollo is a good company with excellent customer service. What I received from Amazon had ink smudged on the buttons and made a horrible high pitched noise while charging. I contacted Apollo and explained the problem and they immediately sent me out a brand new replacement before even waiting for the return.
The M2 is compact, attractive, and very convenient. In addition to the light it also has a built in alarm clock that makes a pleasant sound that while being gentle enough to not shock me out of sleep is effective at waking me up. If it is plugged in when the alarm goes off the light will illuminate simultaneously. When not plugged in charging only the alarm will sound, but you can manually turn the light on and use it as long as it has a charge. Also, the alarm works whether the item is open or closed. Another nice feature is that as long as the light is not is use the clock screen goes dark after a few minutes so there is no light to disturb your sleep.
The carry case is well made and holds the clock and charger nicely. Mine went in checked baggage 3 times with no problems. The charger is unique in that it is quite slim and comes with adaptors for most countries.
They really put a lot of thought and work into the M2 and I couldn't think of anything I would change or any way they could make it better.
I am basing my 5 star rating on the replacement item Apollo sent me.

I have never written an online review before (though I do read them often). I'm writing because I want other people who suffer from SAD, circadian rhythm disorder, etc to know that this product really works. I have gone to all sorts of extremes (including taking a powerful drug cocktail) trying to treat my seasonal depression with various degrees of success. I did try one of those huge light boxes several years ago but it was just too inconvenient and didn't seem to have much effect, so I had basically written off light therapy as a treatment. Then I tried this product, and NOTHING compares to the effect this light box is having on my life: after only two days of using it, I woke up today at 7 o'clock (on a gray and rainy Sunday morning!) without an alarm; got out of bed without the usual psychological struggle, and have already made it until noon without the desire to get back in bed or go into sofa-coma! It's absolutely amazing. And the best part is I'm traveling to the Northeast tomorrow and will be able to take this with me in my carry-on. If you suffer like I do, don't like taking drugs, and figure you just have to plod through the dark months, you don't! Go to the Apollo Health website to fill out an evaluation and get a personal treatment plan. Using the time-release melatonin as well (as Apollo suggests) helps as well. Good luck!!!

I got one of these last year to help me better get through what for me is "insane" season between the beginning of December and mid-January. During this period there is just not enough natural sunlight (in California, that is), which for me yields mild depression, utter lack of enthusiasm, heightened anxiety, and an overall feeling that everything is "off kilter". It worked great for me last year. This year I decided to hold off on starting it until the usual symptoms kick in, which they did, with a vengeance. 3 days after using it for fifteen minutes each day upon waking, I'm feeling groovy again. Actually enjoying the 6 darkest weeks of the year is a great blessing. This thing really works, is convenient for travel, and I wholeheartedly recommend it!

I bought this product for my wife who has a real hard time with the dark cloudy Michigan days during winter. Her circadian rythm has been really off this year too, so lack of sleep has really made the issue worse.

She has been using the product for a couple of weeks now following the recommendations given after a self evaluation from the manufacturer's site. She has now more energy and her sleep pattern has greatly improved. This model is cordless and small enough to be taken anywhere.

Given the results we've seen, it is worth every cent!

I am really enjoying my GoLite. It's making a world of difference for me during this winter season. I feel energized and am continually in a good mood. I actually miss it when I forget a session or two. This is definitely a good solution for people with a mild case of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The design is cute and the size is perfect for travelling. Thank you for a great product.

Scared of UV exposure, it's all in the dose.

From the goLITE FAQ:

The goLITE produces no UV or near UV, and 1/20th of the blue light found in sunlight. In other words, the goLITE would have to be 20times brighter in order to be a risk for macular degeneration or other eye disease.