First, I bought this with my own money out of desperate need for a solution. I hate reviews where people write glowing five-star reviews that then end with "Oh yeah, and I was paid or got this product for free." That wasn't me although if Amazon wants to start sending me free stuff, I'm not opposed to it. ;)
Also, since I can be wordy I put together headings and a table of contents below to make it easier to find what may be most helpful for you:
1. GoLITE Corded vs Cordless/Rechargeable Version
2. My Backstory (Why I searched for a light therapy machine)
3. Two Weeks Later (My review and results)
4. Final Conclusion and Recommendation(s)
GOLITE CORDED (Philips HF3422 goLITE BLU) vs CORDLESS/RECHARGEABLE (Philips HF3429 goLITE BLU rechargeable)
I hate having to make decisions between things that seem so similar yet cost a little more. I opted for the less expensive of the two because I wasn't sure it would really work and I couldn't imagine a lot of scenarios where I would be stationary for the necessary 15-30 minutes of exposure each day and not have a power cord nearby.
I have no regrets about buying the corded version. I have used it near my computer and also plugged in on the bathroom sink while getting ready in the morning. If you travel often, would prefer to use it at work vs home or don't have adequate access to power outlets then I would suggest the cordless version:
Philips GoLITE BLU Energy Light, Rechargeable
For all others, save your money and get the corded version, it works beautifully.
MY BACKSTORY (aka why I searched for a light therapy machine):
I was recently diagnosed with Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome which is a sleep disorder that afflicts most people who consider themselves "night owls". People like me naturally go to sleep around 2-4 am and wake up around 11 am - 1 pm. If allowed to function on this sleep schedule, we would be perfectly functional human beings.
Unfortunately, we don't function perfectly because our body's circadian rhythm (clock) doesn't follow the societal norm of 9 am - 5 pm is time for school/work so we are usually accused of being lazy, always late and struggle to focus because we're always tired from going to sleep so late.
TWO WEEKS LATER - THE RESULTS
Enter BLU energy light. I bought this product to help adjust my body's circadian rhythm to waking up earlier and "teaching" it that when I'm awake at that time, it's morning/day time and I should be awake. Using three levels of intensity that mimic the color of a blue sky, the light is one tool I use to continue realigning my body with our societal time schedule so I can have a normal life.
I've been using the light for about two weeks now. I have it set up at arm's length (as instructed), turn on the lights around me so it's not the only source of light and start working on my computer. I set up a timer for 30 minutes and work with the light to my right, not in direct view but still able to reach my eyes indirectly as required. The results are nothing short of remarkable!
Now rather than wanting to stay awake until 3-4 am every night, my body will hit the "time for bed" at 1 am. I'm hoping to dial it back more, but I have also been prescribed sleeping medication so I can go to sleep around 10-11 pm as my work schedule requires. My mood and energy throughout the day are far more consistent and I have noticed significant improvement in work performance where I often struggled with mood swings that made it hard to work well with others on some days.
CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION:
I highly recommend the GoLITE Blu Energy Light, it really does work. I'd also recommend that others who may have Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) and/or suffer from Shift Work Disorder (SWD) really take a look at this product as one tool in your arsenal to help live a more healthy and balanced life.
- Amazon Business : For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping. Register a free business account
