Helight Sleep Light Review: Red Light Therapy in Travel Size

My Helight Sleep Light uses infrared light to help tell my body it’s time to sleep. And if you’ve had trouble winding down for the night, or if you’re just looking for a tool to help you with jet lag or a steady sleep routine when traveling, listen in.

I’ve been using mine since 2023, and I’m not sure how well I would sleep without it.

In this Helight review, I’ll explain why I use my Helight and if it’s worth investing in one. This little gadget might change how you think about night sleep and how your body relaxes.

The Score View detailed breakdown

4.39 / 5

The Helight Sleep Light is a travel-sized red light therapy device that mimics sunset to help with sleep and jet lag, featuring a 28-minute auto-dimming protocol, USB-C charging and long-lasting battery perfect for consistent sleep routines at home and on the road.

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Why I started using a Helight Sleep Light

I started using a Helight Light because the lamps on our nightstands at home were so bright that having them on right before falling asleep was too harsh. Clicking off one of our bedside lamps was kind of like going from light to dark, in just one second. It felt drastic.

So, I started toying with a Helight. I started a routine of turning off every light in my room, both overhead lights and lamps, and clicking on my Helight in the moments before I get into bed. The red glow is not too bright. It’s just enough for me to see my surroundings and create a dim environment for chilling out.

In the off chance that you’ve been in a photography darkroom, it’s the same vibe.

Now, every night when I go to bed, I turn on my Helight as I’m getting ready for bed. Knowing that it fades to black and turns off after 28 minutes, I don’t have to do anything like manually turn off a lamp as I’m falling asleep.

And that’s just the beginning.

What’s the gist of a Helight Sleep Light anyway?

In my own words, a Helight is built to mimic the effect of a sunset. It’s like having a sunset in your bedroom.

I turn mine on, and it’s a warm red glow coming from its little circular shape for 14 minutes. Then, 14 minutes later, it is completely black. It shuts off automatically after 28 minutes in total.

It’s a simple product. There is one button to turn on, or off. And one charging port for a USB-C cable.

Perfect for Travel (And I bring it everywhere)

The Helight Sleep Light is travel-sized enough to bring in my bags every time we travel. I put it in a small packing cube, or a packing pouch, with its charging cord so that I remember it. What’s great about this little device is that it’s battery-powered, so I don’t have to worry about always needing to plug it in!

It charges with USB-C, so I can charge it with my phone charger or any other USB-C charging cable I have packed with me.

I usually leave it plugged in when I’m home, or don’t charge it for a few days when I’m taking a short trip. I’ve never been in a situation where it did not turn on.

Helps with jet lag

Jet lag can be killer! As someone who has lived abroad in Shanghai, Colombia, Mexico and Hong Kong, I know that going there, and actually, coming back, is really hard on the body. And it’s harder for me, the older I get.

A red light therapy product can help. When trying to relax, having something to mimic the sunset or the end of the day, is a helpful step in introducing a much-needed signal of ‘nighttime’ when your body thinks otherwise.

Assists with a consistent sleep routine

When you’re traveling around the world, or even within one region, from Airbnb to hotel, from apartment rental to a friend’s house, every room looks a bit different. Some rooms may not have lamps. Some may not have blackout curtains. You might be traveling in the height of summer when the sun sets at 10pm in some parts of the country, and Canada.

Sleep can look different everywhere.

With a Helight Light, you’re adding in one consistent factor: your 14 minutes of timed infrared light therapy to help signal to your body that it’s time to get sleepy.

Does it work? I’d say this is for you to find out, and it’s more like you have to let the Helight work for you. It’s like any non-medication sleep aid. You have to let it do what it is supposed to do, and roll with it.

How my Helight helps me wind down

Has it helped me fall asleep? In all honesty, it has helped me relax and stay chill in the moments leading up to putting on my sleep mask and getting into bed.

It has also helped me to now look at my phone and have that be the last light that I see before bed, too.

It also helps me with consistency. I use it at home, and I use it when we travel, so there’s less of a shock value to my system when I try to get rid of anxieties about a night of sleep in a new hotel room or Airbnb.

I like it just being my personal night-light, which is something I’ve never had before. And with my love of sunsets, and the way those have made me feel a cozy warmth that only something so beautiful and natural can, a Helight is like bringing it home.

I know I keep harping on the sunset factor, but that’s been the biggest bonus of my Helight and the tech that makes it work.

The science behind red light therapy in the Helight

I think the concept is really cool, and (this is just a personal story) I have always been drawn to sunsets, so as I looked into the science behind the Helight, everything in the idea of it started making sense to me.

The dimming red infrared light gets dimmer and dimmer, just like the sunset, which has told humans for thousands of years that the day is ending and it’s time to rest.

So for me, the Helight helps my mind get ready to rest. I’m almost always sleeping even before the dimming mode starts.

Detailed score breakdown

4.39 / 5

The Helight Sleep Light is a travel-sized red light therapy device that mimics sunset to help with sleep and jet lag, featuring a 28-minute auto-dimming protocol, USB-C charging and long-lasting battery perfect for consistent sleep routines at home and on the road.

Core functionality

90%

The Helight provides soft, low-glare illumination that supports sleep instead of disrupting it. It mimics the effect of a sunset, which helps tell my body it's time to sleep. I've been using mine since 2023, and I'm not sure how well I would sleep without it. It's become essential for my sleep routine.

Light quality & spectrum

88%

The red infrared light creates a warm glow that's not too bright. It's just enough for me to see my surroundings and create a dim environment for chilling out. The dimming effect over 14 minutes feels natural, like a sunset. The light quality is consistent and soothing.

Materials & build quality

84%

The build quality feels solid. It's a simple product with one button to turn on or off, and one charging port for a USB-C cable. The circular design is compact and well-made. It feels durable enough to handle travel, though I haven't dropped it to test that theory.

Ease of use

92%

It's incredibly easy to use. There's one button to turn on or off. The 28-minute auto-dimming protocol means I don't have to manually turn it off as I'm falling asleep. It fades to black automatically. The simplicity is one of its best features - no complicated controls or settings.

Packability & footprint

90%

The travel-sized design fits easily in my bags every time we travel. I put it in a small packing cube or packing pouch with its charging cord. It's compact enough to bring everywhere without taking up valuable space. The small footprint makes it perfect for travel.

Setup speed on the go

90%

Setup is instant. I turn it on, and it starts working immediately. There's no setup required - just press the button and it begins its 28-minute protocol. When I'm exhausted on arrival, I can deploy it in seconds. It's that simple.

Battery life

88%

The battery life is excellent. I usually leave it plugged in when I'm home, or don't charge it for a few days when I'm taking a short trip. I've never been in a situation where it did not turn on. It charges with USB-C, so I can use my phone charger. The battery lasts long enough that I don't worry about it.

Durability & resilience

80%

I've been using mine since 2023 and it's held up well. The build feels solid, though I haven't tested drop resistance. It's survived multiple trips without issues. The simple design means fewer things that can break. It feels like it will last for years.

Safety & heat management

86%

The light stays cool to the touch, which is important when using it near bedding. I've never noticed it getting hot, even after running for the full 28 minutes. It's safe to use near fabric and people. The low heat output is a plus for a sleep product.

Noise & distraction control

90%

It operates silently. There's no clicking, buzzing or hum. The button press is quiet. It's invisible except for the light itself, which is exactly what you want in a sleep light. The silent operation won't wake anyone up.

Adaptability across trip types

88%

It works in planes, trains, buses, cars, hotels, Airbnbs, guest rooms and campgrounds. I use it at home and when we travel, so there's consistency in my sleep routine. It adapts to any environment where I need help winding down. The versatility is excellent.

Versatility for different sleep environments

86%

It works standing on a table, clipped to a bed or placed on a nightstand. The red light helps with jet lag and consistent sleep routines. It's useful for adults and can help create a calming environment. The versatility across different sleep environments makes it valuable.

Overall value for price

86%

This type of red light therapy product is not for everyone, but if you're a frequent traveler or someone frequently traversing time zones, and you're looking for a sleep aid that is easy, the Helight is a cool solution. The 60-night money-back guarantee and 2-year warranty add value.

How we score gear

Worth it?

This type of red light therapy product is not for everyone, and it won’t even interest everyone either. But if you are a frequent traveler, or someone who is frequently traversing time zones, and you’re looking for a sleep aid that is easy, the Helight is a cool solution.

Key Takeaways

• Travel-friendly size - Fits easily in luggage (even personal items and carry-ons)
• Long-lasting battery - Only needs charging once a month (based on my use)
• Auto-dimming feature - Turns off automatically, with no additional buttons to press
• Red infrared light - Mimics a sunset for natural sleep preparation for the body
• USB rechargeable - No need to worry about being near an outlet

The Helight uses a patented 28-minute sleep protocol that modulates red light intensity and diffusion to give you deeper, more restful sleep. It can be used at home, or when traveling or both.

It features pure red light technology that’s scientifically based and inspired by NASA research. Plus, it comes with a 60-night money-back guarantee and 2-year manufacturer warranty.

Get the Helight Sleep Light at the Helight website here!