Needlite Daylight Desk Lamps

As we approach the end of October I’m really noticing the nights drawing in. Come next weekend when the clocks go back an hour it’ll really feel like Winter is almost upon us. Typically at this time of year I start noticing the negative effects of the shorter days and longer nights, such as feeling more tired, craving carbs and lacking motivation to exercise. There’s a reason for this: the darkness is a signal for the body to increase its production of melatonin, also called the ‘sleep hormone’. When the sun rises, the level of melatonin is supressed while serotonin, one of the so-called ’happy hormones’ increases, telling the body that it’s time to get up and be active. 

Shorter daylight hours coupled with dull, cloudy days tend to make me feel lethargic so I was delighted to try Needlite daylight desk lamps.

If we don’t get enough daylight it can disrupt our circadian rhythms, which in turn can lead to health problems. Your circadian rhythm is basically a 24-hour internal clock controlled by the hypothalamus (part of the brain), which cycles between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals. It’s also known as your sleep/wake cycle. Shorter daylight hours coupled with dull, cloudy days tend to make me feel lethargic so I was delighted to try Needlite daylight desk lamps.

Needlite is a set of two lamps to be placed on your desk adjacent to your monitor. The energy saving LED’s emit the same bright, white light as daylight. They light up your entire work space on your desk with a reflection free light.

The advantages of using Needlite daylight desk lamps are:

• a constant boost of daylight while you work
• more energy all day long
• better mood
• more focus
• higher productivity
• better sleep
• ideal also for photo editing

Needlite daylight desk lamps have a sleek and contemporary aluminum design that looks stylish on any desk. The two lamps work together and are controlled simultaneously, while the design ensures an even distribution of energizing daylight.

As well as the benefits to health and wellbeing, the lamps are very useful for taking blog photos and doing intricate craft work such as beading.

You turn the lamps on/off and adjust the light intensity by touching the base of either lamp. There’s also an iPhone-app which gives you feedback on how much light you have received.  You can adjust the light intensity via your iPhone and set your lamps to automatically switch off and on whenever you leave or return to your desk. As well as the benefits to health and wellbeing, the lamps are very useful for taking blog photos and doing intricate craft work such as beading. I used the lamps when I filmed my first YouTube vlog because it was such a dull and miserable day.

The lamps were very easy to set up and come beautifully packaged in a padded box with a carry handle. Thanks to the sleek, minimalist design and light weight (3.5kg) they are very portable. Needlite is a Danish company, so a plug adaptor is supplied.

For the last few years we’ve been on holiday during the October half term, getting a blast of sunshine before Winter sets in, but alas not this year.

The demands of modern life mean we spend our days disrupting our circadian clock inside artificially lit homes and offices. Using mobile phones and tablets late at night also disrupts our sleep patterns due to the blue light they emit (I’m so guilty of this!). By getting enough daylight and developing good sleep hygiene habits we can give ourselves the best chance of getting through the long, dark Winter months and come out smiling the other side. For the last few years we’ve been on holiday during the October half term, getting a blast of sunshine before Winter sets in, but alas not this year. My husband wasn’t able to get the time off work (and it’s his 50th birthday) so we will just have to wait until Spring for the next beach holiday. These lamps may just be my saving grace!

The lamps are available to buy through Needlite’s webshop or from their UK partner Wellworking. You can also find Needlite on Facebook and Instagram.

Do you find the Winter months difficult? How does the lack of sunlight affect you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments.

Disclaimer: I was gifted the lamps in exchange for a review. All opinions are completely honest and unbiased.