Quick verdict: Ben found the original Re-Timer convenient because he could wear it while getting ready on dark Minnesota mornings. The newer retimer 3 is a different generation that we have not independently tested. Light timing matters, and anyone considering light therapy for a health condition should discuss it with a clinician.
Ben’s original Minnesota experience
When I lived in Minnesota, winter mornings and evenings could both be dark. I had bought a “Happy Light,” but sitting beside it for half an hour was difficult while getting the kids ready and leaving for work. The wearable Re-Timer was easier to fit into that routine: I could put it on while moving around and even use it in bed without lighting the whole room for my wife.
In a December 2015 update, I described feeling lethargic and irritable during the short winter days. I used the original glasses for 20 minutes at 6 a.m. and found that the light took a little getting used to. I planned to continue over the weekend and keep a consistent sleep schedule. That account describes my experience and intentions at the time; it does not establish that the device treated a condition or that improvement occurs on a fixed timetable.
The old version I used had USB charging and a travel case. Do not assume its battery life or accessories match a current model.
retimer 3 versus the earlier model
The manufacturer’s retimer 3 page lists blue-green light, USB-C charging, adjustable nosepieces and a companion app. It also describes a half-brightness setting and a one-year technical warranty. Check the current product page and seller for price, currency, shipping, returns and regional availability.
The practical advantage of wearable lights is mobility. A tabletop light box may be a better fit if you prefer not to wear a device or need a particular light-therapy setup recommended by your clinician. Our earlier review did not compare the two in a controlled test.
Timing makes a difference
Light can shift the body clock earlier or later depending on when it is used. The CDC explains that, for people on a typical daytime schedule, morning light generally advances timing while evening light tends to delay it. For jet lag, the useful schedule depends on travel direction and your current body clock; see the CDC’s jet-lag guidance.
Light therapy is used for some cases of seasonal depression, but a wearable device is not automatically interchangeable with every studied light box. NIMH describes treatment options; ask a qualified professional about the device and schedule that suit you.
Safety and buying considerations
Consult a clinician before light therapy if you have an eye condition, photosensitivity, take medicines that increase light sensitivity, or have bipolar disorder or a history of mania. Stop and seek advice if you experience concerning symptoms. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions; ultraviolet-free light is not a guarantee that a device is suitable for everyone.
- Check fit with any prescription glasses and the return policy.
- Consider charging, app compatibility and whether you will actually use a daily schedule.
- Check the total cost in your currency, including shipping and any return charges.
Frequently asked questions
Did Ben test retimer 3?
No. His firsthand account describes an earlier Re-Timer model.
Can it help with jet lag?
Timed light exposure can help adjust circadian rhythms, but the correct timing depends on the trip and individual schedule.
Is it a treatment for seasonal depression?
Light therapy is one treatment option for winter-pattern seasonal depression. Ask a clinician whether this specific device and schedule are appropriate for you.
Does it replace a sleep assessment?
No. Persistent sleep problems or mood symptoms deserve an appropriate professional assessment.