Customer Reviews

Philips Hf3321/60 Golite, White / Blue

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Let me preface by first saying, I have been using light therapy for years and years. In fact, I'm 24 and I have been using light as a therapy device since I was ten. As you can imagine, I've tried many different theraputic (and non-theraputic) lights and done much research on the topic since being diagnosed (before the diagnosis was 'en vogue') with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When I heard about the Philips GoLite Blu, I was enamored, I have had my eye on it for 2-3 years now, and finally got one this winter.

As I have been going through the reviews on this product the thing I've been noticing, which is perhaps a problem with Philips marketting plan, is that the people who are giving poor reviews do not seem to have had a medical need for the product in the first place. It seems like maybe this products is being marketted as sort of a -- caffiene replacement therapy, when in reality, it is probably not effective for people who have normal chemical balances in their brain.

I turn into a zombie in the winter. Awful self-destructive thoughts, and inability to interact socially. I can barely leave my home, let alone accomplish much during the cold, dark Minnesota winters. I have tried anything, I have used nearly neolithic light therapy devices, a huge 2' tall 30 # monster of a thing that costs three times as much as this baby plus is nearly immobile, a problem--unless you want to have a 'light therapy station' with a god-awful ugly lamp sitting in the middle of your house (No thanks!); to tanning and vitamin D supplements... but there seems to always be something that isn't working right.

Now, as I understand it, the scientific community isn't sure what causes seasonal depression, neither are they sure WHY exactly light therapy works for some people. However, there are numerous suggestions that it could have to do with certain wave lengths of light entering the retina and trigering the brain to produce the chemical seratonin. (Which is also an argument as to why SSRIs should be just as effective as light therapy). Other therapies that have been suggested to be successful are negative ionization therapies (most airpurifiers have this capability, some studies suggest pumping that up while you are sleeping), diets that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D (particularly difficult to cope with if you are on a low-fat diet-- which for other medical reasons I have to be), melatonin capsules, and of course physical activity. I have tried all of these, and none of them works as well for me as this one little light.

I'm thrilled with the GoLite Blu. It has done wonders in the past week. There must be something to this blue light frequency thing they talk about because I feel like a different person. I'm able to accomplish tasks and concentrate on reading, as well as an entire mentality overhaul; it is difficult to describe the difference in perspective going from a really dark hopelessness to feeling motivated and confident in the future. To sum up, this light does not 'give you energy'-- particularly not if you are a normal person who is not effected by SAD, if you think you have SAD, talk to your doctor about it, unlike when I was diagnosed it is widely accepted now as a legitimate form of chemical depression. If you want to take things into your own hands and aren't sure if you have SAD or if the GoLite is for you, try taking a walk outside for 30 minutes each day for a week, if you notice a difference in your mood, go for it. Well worth the money!

Like most people, I am familiar with the "winter blues." Some days, the gray skies and cold weather are just too overwhelming. I have read various theories about what causes Seasonal Affective Disorder, including a lack of Vitamin D (which I think has some merit) and a lack of sunlight. According to the sunlight theory, sunlight causes the brain to produce serotonin, so going long periods without sunlight hitting the eyes can cause depression.

One way to get more sunlight is to get out in the sun more, but this is difficult for many people in the winter. Another method that I often use is to go to a window, close my eyes, and look in the direction of the sun for a few minutes. However, during some winter months, sunny days can be rare, making this method somewhat unreliable. This is where this unit comes in. According to the Mayo Clinic, blue light therapy mimics outdoor light, and is beneficial in fighting Seasonal Affective Disorder.

I have used this unit regularly since it arrived, and I do feel an increase in mood and energy when using it. In fact, I find myself craving it. My 2 and a half year old niece was intrigued by it, and it seemed to calm her down (her dad said he might have to buy one, because the light ended a tantrum). I plan on using it while I surf the Internet in the morning and after work. The only caveat is that it is not recommended for use before bed, since it is somewhat stimulating. I made the mistake of trying it out at night, and I agree that it is too stimulating for nighttime use.

The unit is very light, and easily portable. It is not battery powered, so you have to use it near an outlet (the cord is decently long). It has three light intensity settings, and can be set to automatically run for 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Since it uses LED lights, you don't have to worry about the lights burning out, unless you plan on keeping the unit for 50 years. Overall, I am impressed with this product, and plan on using this daily during the late fall and winter months as a weapon in preventing the dreaded "winter blues." It is safer and cheaper than medication, and is more reliable than relying on getting outside, or hoping for a sunny day.

I did not realize when I ordered this item that you cannot use it if you've had eye surgery, specifically if you've had cataract surgery. Fortunately the instructions do indicate that you shouldn't use the product if you've had cataract surgery, however I would have liked to have seen that information made more prominent, perhaps on the box as a warning. It would have been quite easy to miss that information, as this seems like a product for which instructions are superflous.

I bought this light as a last resort. I had an attendance problem at work and was heading in a very bad direction. I live in central NewYork where we go way too long without the seeing the sun.I am a mom and and a wife and enjoy being domestic. I couldn't find the energy to do any of the things I enjoy. Cooking dinner and routine house work were impossible tasks. I felt better almost immediately and some times use the light after work for an extra boost on days when I'm still a bit tired (I don't always sleep well).My 19 year old son uses this light evry morning also. He has trouble with anxiety and his mind can race at times.He says the light calms him and he is better able to focus on one thing at a time. (Who knew ther would be an added bonus!?) This product has been invaluable to me and I can get out of bed in the morning! It gave me my life back this winter. The best part is...Im not taking an anti-depressant anymore! I also use the wake up light!

This product has a lot going for it:
1)IT works! I felt a difference since the first day of use. No More SAD depression and draginess.
2)Easy to use
3)portable
Highly Recommended.
Check out the upgrade model-has timer to preset and wake up to the light by your bedside. May be worth the extra bucks to you.
4)Sleeping better too!

My doctor and I suspected I have the Seasonal Affective Disorder; therefore, I wanted to add a sun lamp of some kind to my vitamin supplement regime. The Philips Golite attracted me because of its size and weight and generally positive reviews. The price was also reasonable - comfortably inbetween the el cheapo lamps and the heavy, higher-end light boxes.
I expected a small light, but the size really surprised me. It's tiny! It can almost fit in the palm of my husband's (admittedly large) hand. I have no trouble placing the lamp next to my breakfast plate and laptop. The design is also very sleek - think Apple's products. The lamp comes with a detachable metal support (the size of a pocket pen) which stores in a magnetized groove at the back of the case. Big points on that innovation - you can stash your lamp flat. The only downside is the length of the power cord, but since I have a handy outlet and always unplug the lamp for the day, it's not a major disadvantage. After three months of using it, I continue happy with the Golite.
(Disclaimer: It's hard to say so far whether it's been effective or whether it's the placebo effect or the combination of vitamins and natural daylight, or all of the above. Your mileage may vary. Consult your doctor about your specific needs.)

I expected to have some very noticable impact from this light. I sit inside an office all day that has no windows, and I often get out of work long after the sun is going (or has already gone)down. So I tinkered with it for a few weeks, just to test it to see if it would have any real impact on my circadian rhythm, and whether I slept better.

I can't say I have noticed much with the light alone. I recently started taking vitamin D3 which seems a less expensive means of getting what I am losing from daylight. The blue light is very annoying, I must admit, and because of the precautions of macular degeneration, I am not recommending this to anyone who is at risk, or even worries about the risk. I would go back and buy the 10000 LUX phillips SAD light, but for the time being I am more skeptical about light therapy. This is not to say that for someone else this might be exactly the right product for them, but make sure you pay attention to the return policy, and if you haven't noticed any improvement in mood, pay the extra money and get the white light by phillips.

I have been using this product for about a month and a half at work. Before that I could barely stay awake due to the lack of light and the cubicle atmosphere. Even 5 hr energy did not help. Now I turn it a few times a day for 15 mins and I have been reborn. The blue light is very pleasant to the eye and puts me in better mood right away. Make sure to follow the insturctions and place it so that you can see it only with the color of the eye. Also changing the setting so that it shines sronger makes a huge difference.

I spent weeks researching different products and i can't be happier. Did i mention it looks amazing?

:)

I ordered this for my husband, he uses it every morning for 15-30 min, & it is successful in uplifting his mood during our long, drab, Michigan winter. Good product, very compact, timer is a nice feature.

My husband encouraged me to purchase a light, as I am currently studying and was experiencing problems keeping up. I won't say the light is a magic fix all, however using it for just 15 minutes a day, I have noticed that I laugh more, and I am not feeling so overwhelmed, while everyone else around me appears to be getting grumpier and grumpier, and more unreasonable. I will continue using the light every Autumn as I feel that it is helping, although I don't fully understand how.