# SAD Light Box for Winter Blues — An app for Seasonal Depression

> Device-based light therapy for seasonal affective disorder symptoms. (iPhone/iPad app by Aaditya Garg.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sad-light-box-for-winter-blues/id1332927650 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Aaditya Garg](https://appshunter.io/developer/823461462)
- Category: Medical, Utilities
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 1.80/5 from 16 App Store ratings · 24 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 52 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-04-29
- Data updated: 2026-09-07
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sad-light-box-for-winter-blues/id1332927650/reviews.md

## What is SAD Light Box for Winter Blues?

****Thank you for making us a TOP 25 App in US, UK and Canada App Store category specific rankings!****

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a kind of depression that appears at certain times of the year. Light therapy is one of the potential treatments for this condition. Almost 80% of the people who try light therapy find it beneficial. This app converts your apple device into a light box.

Why you SHOULD NOT download this App:
1. If you are looking for a SAD Light Box App that generates an intensity of 10,000 Lux
2. If you are looking for a quick fix and can not commit to consistent morning exposure sessions for at least 2 weeks
3. If you will get turned off by the simplicity of this app and the solution to Seasonal Affective Disorder

Why you SHOULD download this App:
1. If you want to try a cheap yet effective alternative to a traditional Light box which uses lower intensity BLUE LIGHT (approx. 100 to 575 Lux) and is backed by research (Google research paper: The effects of low-intensity narrow-band blue-light treatment compared to bright white-light treatment in sub-syndromal seasonal affective disorder by NCBI, US National Library of Medicine)
2. If you would rather be intelligent and try something for a fiver rather than spend a few hundred dollars on a conventional light box
3. If you are able to consistently commit to regular morning exposure sessions for at least 2 weeks 
4. If you would be happy with a REALLY SIMPLE APP that transforms your Apple device into a Light box and is more portable and user friendly
5. If the weather is making you sad :( and you would rather be happy :)
     
This app can also help you:
1. Determine if you are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)/ Cabin Fever/ Winter Blues/ Seasonal Depression with help of a short scored test
2. Create your own unique shade of Blue / White / any other color light that works best for you
3. Use the app as a Dawn Simulator (set alarm)
4. Set timer for your light box to time your morning exposure sessions
5. Shop for other products to help with SAD
6. Listen to the Radio in the background

UV Rating: The UV emission from your Apple Device is 0, hence this app does not have a UV rating. 

Some other activities you might want to try to deal with symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder are:
• End your morning shower with a cold shower
• Try to arrange the spaces you spend time in to maximize sunlight exposure
• Keep curtains open during the day
• Trim tree branches or hedges that may be blocking some of the light from getting into your home
• Move furniture so that you sit near a window or, if you exercise indoors, set up your exercise equipment by a window
• Install skylights and add lamps
• Build physical activity into your lifestyle preferably before SAD symptoms take hold. Physical activity relieves stress, builds energy and increases both your physical and mental well-being and resilience
• Make a habit of taking a daily noon-hour walk, particularly if you commute to school or work in the dark hours of the day
• Meditate at least 20 min a day (focus on your breathing)
• Try High intensity training if you are fit enough and have less time
• Maintain good sleep hygiene
• When all else fails, try a winter vacation in sunny climates—if the pocket and work schedule allow. Keep in mind that the symptoms will recur after you return home

REFUND POLICY: If you consistently use the App for 14 days and show us that you genuinely tried but did not get any results, WE WILL REFUND 100% OF YOUR MONEY. *Subject to terms and conditions of Apple Inc. and the Apple App Store.

Smile, because somewhere far away, we are cheering for you :)

*THIS APP MUST NOT BE USED TO SUBSTITUTE ANY MEDICATION/ MEDICAL DEVICE. THE CREATORS/ PUBLISHERS OF THIS APP WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE RESULTING AS A USE OF THIS APP. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES. NO PART OF THIS DESCRIPTION OR APP MUST BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE*

## Key features

- Device as light box
- Customizable light colors
- Dawn simulator
- Session timer
- SAD self-assessment test
- Background radio playback

## Chart rankings

- #121 in Top Paid · Medical (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 24)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sad-light-box-for-winter-blues/id1332927650/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Waste of money for sure

*2023-12-30*

I read through the reviews thinking the app was fixed.  All I get is a blue light.  False advertising.  There should be a way to get your money back with apps like this.  If they don’t work they should be removed!

**Developer response:** Hi m.voy, Thanks for reaching out. The app was fixed. You can get to other color options by clicking on Dawn Simulator => Alarm (Alarm Time E.g. 09:00 AM) => Color. Please email on smappfeedback@gmail.com in case you need anything else/ to request a refund. Best Wishes, Addy

### 1/5 — Don’t bother

*2023-12-23*

Go to apple pages and create a blank white document, turn screen to full brightness and sit beside it for 30 minutes!
…can I have my money back please?

**Developer response:** Hi Wanjomanjo, thanks for reaching out. The app includes⁠ ⁠a test to check if the person has seasonal affective disroder, a timer to set the duration of the light exposure session, ⁠⁠the ability to set an alarm and wake up to your chosen color of light (dawn simulator) + sound of birds. A phone or ipad is also more portable than a computer. If you would like a refund, please email me at smappfeedback@gmail.com. Best Wishes, Addy

### 1/5 — Do not buy

*2023-03-07*

It’s not an app. Like the other reviewer said, it’s only a blue screen

**Developer response:** Hi Nick, Thanks for reaching out. The app includes:
1. A test to check if the person has seasonal affective disroder
2. ⁠A timer to set the duration of the light exposure session 
3. ⁠The ability to set an alarm and wake up to your chosen color of light (dawn simulator) + sound of birds. 
If you would like a refund, please email me at smappfeedback@gmail.com. Best Wishes, Addy

### 1/5 — Misleading

*2022-01-24*

The photograph is misleading.  The photograph shows a white light, but I’m reality it is just a blue screen and not particularly bright.  If their claim that blue light is as effective as white light is accurate, then there would be no need to misrepresent the color of the light in the photograph.

**Developer response:** Hi review whisperer, thanks for reaching out. The photograph shows a white light because you have the choice of choosing the color of your screen by clicking on Dawn Simulator => Alarm (Alarm time) => Color. You can choose white/ blue/ any other color. The ability to choose color was included based on feedback from customers who wanted to experiment with multiple colors. Here is the link to the research paper (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4758137/) that confirms that low intensity blue light (100 Lux) can have the same effects as high intensity white light (10,000 Lux). Most iphones can go well above 500 Lux. If you would like a refund, please email me at smappfeedback@gmail.com. Best Wishes, Addy

### 1/5 — Don’t Waste Your Money

*2021-07-27, version 1.6*

While it would have been great to have a functional light therapy box in your phone, unfortunately most phones (and tablets) are only 5-10% as bright as the top-selling light therapy boxes available online.

### 1/5 — False advertising!

*2020-01-24*

Screen shot and description show you can change to whatever color light you prefer... however there is only a blue screen - not even a white option.  Certainly no other colors.  No functionality other than a blue screen.  Waste of $4.99!

**Developer response:** Hi Hmay911, Apologies for the inconvenience. A bug caused the functionality within the app to regress, limiting the colour selection previously. This has now been fixed and you should be able to select the colour of your choice. Please get in touch with us at smappfeedback@gmail.com in case there is anything else we can help with. Thank you, Regards, Addy

### 1/5 — False Advertising

*2020-01-13*

Before purchasing, it shows that you can adjust to your favorite color and a white light. Completely not the case. I’d really like my $4.99 back. Shame on you guys.

**Developer response:** Hi TD1412, I apologise for the inconvenience. A bug caused the functionality within the app to regress, limiting the colour selection previously. This has now been fixed and you should be able to select the colour of your choice. Please get in touch with us at smappfeedback@gmail.com in case there is anything else we can help with or if you would like a refund. Thank you, Kind Regards, Addy

### 1/5 — Lie right in the description

*2020-01-07*

It says I can change the color to blue or white or the color of my choice.  Well I purchased it and it is only blue.  So deceptive practices and I would like my money back.

**Developer response:** Hi du92979, I apologise for your inconvenience. A bug caused the functionality within the app to regress, limiting the colour selection previously. This has now been fixed and you should be able to select the colour of your choice. Please get in touch with us at smappfeedback@gmail.com in case there is anything else we can help with or if you would like a refund. Thank you, Kind Regards, Addy

### 1/5 — Waste of money...

*2019-11-30, version 1.4*

It suppose to be practical, but the intensity of light should be emitted is not effective at all. Really waste of 7 dollars.

### 1/5 — Massive fail

*2019-11-24*

Didn’t wake me up app open don’t waste money on this app

**Developer response:** Hi Mimi mooch, I apologise for your inconvenience. A bug was causing the alarm in the app to not ring at correct time. This has now been fixed. Please get in touch with us at smappfeedback@gmail.com in case there is anything else we can help with or if you would like a refund. Thank you, Kind Regards, Addy

## Frequently asked questions about SAD Light Box for Winter Blues

### What is this app for?

This app converts your Apple device into a light box to help manage symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter blues or seasonal depression. It utilizes low-intensity blue light therapy, which research suggests can be beneficial for these conditions.

### What are the key features of this app?

Key features include transforming your device into a light box, allowing you to create custom blue, white, or other colored lights, using it as a dawn simulator with an alarm, setting timers for light exposure sessions, and taking a short test to help determine if you might be suffering from SAD.

### How much does this app cost?

The app is available for a one-time purchase, described as a 'fiver,' which is significantly less expensive than traditional light therapy boxes that can cost hundreds of dollars.

### Is this app compatible with my device?

The description specifically mentions 'your apple device,' indicating compatibility with iPhones and iPads. It does not specify minimum iOS version requirements.

### Who should use this app and what are the benefits?

This app is for individuals looking for a simple, portable, and affordable way to try light therapy for seasonal depression. It's beneficial for those who can commit to consistent morning exposure sessions for at least two weeks and prefer a straightforward solution over expensive equipment.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.6 — 2020-10-24

Bug fixes and performance enhancements to improve reliability of the alarm.

### 1.5 — 2020-07-04

Thank you for your patience. In this release we have:
o Added back the option to change screen to colour of choice (a previous bug limited this to only blue)
o Fixed a bug which was causing the alarm to not ring at the correct time
o Added an App intro to help with navigation

### 1.4 — 2019-02-01

1. Fixed a bug which was causing the alarm to not ring in iPads
2. Updated introduction screens to enhance user experience
3. Specialised Light Box for blue light
4. Updated Rate Us and Support URLs

### 1.3.1 — 2019-01-16

Made some graphical changes. Take care x

### 1.3 — 2019-01-08

1) Introducing The Dawn Simulator!!
2) Added Alarm and Timer Functionality
3) Enhanced informational pages describing how to use the Light Box and Dawn Simulator
4) Now listen to the Radio during your exposure sessions
5) Shop for things to help with the seasonal affective disorder 
Happy New Year 2019 :)

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## More apps by Aaditya Garg

- [Sound Machine for Deep Sleep](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-machine-for-deep-sleep/id1217345846)
- [Trance Meditation Sounds Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trance-meditation-sounds-timer/id1329959838)
- [Dawn Simulator: Radio Alarm](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dawn-simulator-radio-alarm/id1536925613)
- [Radio Alarm: Musical Mornings](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/radio-alarm-musical-mornings/id1547424109)

All apps by Aaditya Garg: https://appshunter.io/developer/823461462

## Related topics

[sad light box for winter blues](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sad-light-box-for-winter-blues)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-07.*