A Modern Problem We Don’t See

We’ve conquered the dark—but in doing so, we’ve left behind the light. For thousands of generations people have lived with full-spectrum sunlight and then suddenly in the last 100 years we have traded it for LEDs, screens and fluorescent tubes. It makes you wonder what does living under artificial light do to our bodies.

Those before use spent all day outdoors farming, walking, building, hunting, and playing exposing them to red light at sunrise and sunset, bright full spectrum in the mid-day and near-infrared light throughout the day. This light wasn’t just illumination, it was information and fuel for cellular processes.

It is now estimated that the average American spends 93% (EPA study) of life inside under artificial lights that lack near-infrared and deep red wavelengths. We are instead constantly exposed to blue light from screens, overhead LEDs and night-time lighting which disrupts our circadian rhythm, suppresses melatonin, and overstimulates the nervous system.

he Cellular Consequences: Starving the Mitochondria

Mitochondria are light sensitive, specifically to the red and near infrared wavelengths. You may recall from high school biology classes that mitochondria are the “powerhouses of the cell”. Cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme in the electron transport chain also responds to these wavelengths to increase ATP which is cellular energy. Without exposure to natural over a long period of time you will have reduced energy, impaired healing and increased oxidative stress. The symptoms can include:

• Fatigue and poor energy
• Brain fog and mood instability
• Trouble sleeping
• Chronic pain, slow recovery
• Hormonal imbalances
• Increased inflammation

Want the science? This study explains how red/NIR light supports mitochondrial ATP production.

What About Windows and Indoor Light?

Most windows block near near infrared and ultra violet light especially modern low-E windows that have a special coating to reflect them to improve energy efficiency and protecting interiors. Indoor lighting is too weak in total intensity and often completely lack the therapeutic wavelengths. So unfortunately our modern day life styles make it difficult to get enough light for our health.

The good news is, it is fixable. One options is to go outside, especially in the morning light when the ultra violet light is not as strong. For myself this is impractical for eight months of the year, especially in the dead of winter when the sun isn’t up before I leave for work, -30 Celsius and I’m bundled up in a parka and toque. For those like me we need to rely on technology to fix the problem technology created and get a light bulb that targets the red and near infrared light.

Further Reading

Humans evolved under full-spectrum light:
“Natural light and human health” – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2018)

93% of life indoors (EPA stat):
EPA Report on the Environment: Indoor Air

Light therapy improves mitochondrial function:
“Red and near-infrared light therapy improves mitochondrial function” – Molecules (2018)

Blue light and circadian disruption:
“Blue light has a dark side” – Harvard Health

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The Universal Experience of Sunlight

You step into the morning sun. Your eyes squint, your body relaxes, and somehow—your mood just lifts. Why does sunlight make use feel better? Are we simply remembering a vacation at the beach and how it felt to be away from the worries of our day to day life, is it skin producing Vitamin D, or is there something more?

Sunlight and Mood: The Light–Brain Connection

When the eyes are exposed to natural light, even bright sunny days regardless of temperature, it increases serotonin productions which elevates your mood and lowers depression rates. Sunlight in the early part of the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm and suppresses melatonin at the right time leading toa good nights sleep. UV exposure in safe amounts can increase beta-endorphins that offer natural pain relief, euphoria and calmness.

Sunlight and Hormones: Beyond Mood

Sunlight doesn’t just affect how you feel, it affects how your body regulates itself. Morning sunlight helps optimize cortisol release, which affects alertness and energy levels, acting as your natural alarm clock. Too little light in the morning or too much blue light at night can disrupt this cycle. On the flip side, melatonin, the sleep hormone, ramps up in darkness and is suppressed by light (especially blue). Paradoxically getting enough bright light during the day and especially in the morning helps release melatonin at night. There is even a curious link between sunlight and testosterone and sunlight however the science is not settled.

Throughout history, cultures have revered the sun, there was heliotherapy in Greece and solariums in early medicine. In 1918 during the Spanish flu hospitals used outdoor care as a form of treatment moving patients outside into the sunlight and fresh air. Medical reports from the time noted lower mortality rates in these patients compared to those kept inside in cramped dark hospitals.

It is not a coincidence that you feel better getting out in the sun, it is your biology remembering something ancient. Today we are proving what those before us felt, sun is not just light, it is information, instructions and activation.

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A Life Without Light

Have you ever wondered why the feeling of sun light on your skin is so good? Why do people in the winter suffer from Season Affective Disorder (SAD)? We don’t need to understand the science to know that light is essential for life. Many people spend vast amounts of time and money on the foods, vitamins and exercise programs to optimize their health, but how many have thought about their light intake. Is light the forgotten nutrient that your body needs every day?

Light is Life: The Biological Roots

All of life has evolved under sunlight. We learned in school that plants convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis and although humans don’t photosynthesize, we also convert light into biological signals.

One way, that is becoming more common knowledge, is that our skin converts UVB light from the sun into Vitamin D. For those us living further from the equator it is important to supplement our Vitamin D during the winter months when we can’t get enough natural sunlight.

Light affects many systems in our body. Our circadian rhythms use light to control our sleep-wake cycles, morning light sets our mood by improving serotonin and dopamine levels, and it impacts our hormones by influencing melatonin, cortisol and even testosterone.

The Modern Problem: We Live in a Light Deficit

Instead of spending our days outside hunting, gathering or farming, 90% of our time is now spent indoors. More recently we have replaced incandescent bulbs with with LED lights that a heavy in blue light and low in the red and infrared. We sit behind screens at the office or stare at our phones irradiating us with the same blue LED light. Even the manufacturers of the devices have added in night mode that now turns down the blue light to address the problem. This has led to an epidemic of mal-illumination.

A Hidden Epidemic: What Happens When We Lack Natural Light

There are many symptoms of mal-illumination such as fatigue, poor sleep, low mood, and slow recovery. As mentioned above, Season Affective Disorder is a well-known light deficiency condition that is treated with a bright light that mimics natural sunlight. Since lack light affects so many systems in the body it is the same reason phototherapy seems too good to be true when it can treat almost everything.

Light as a Nutrient, Not a Threat

We have been taught to stay out of the sun and slather on sunscreen. While this is true, particularly for UV which can damage the skin, it is obvious we do need some exposure to sunlight. It is important to balance between sun safety and sun avoidance. In the light spectrum, red and near-infrared light are non-damaging, deeply penetrating and profoundly healing.

“Light doesn’t just help you see the world. It helps your body know how to live in it.”

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Research suggests that red and near-infrared light (630-850nm) may accelerate burn healing, reduce scarring, and repair sun-damaged skin. RLT has been studied for its ability to stimulate collagen production, enhance tissue repair, and reduce oxidative stress in damaged skin.

Key Findings from Multiple Studies:

• A 2017 study found that red light therapy significantly improved healing in burn wounds by increasing new tissue formation.
• A 2019 clinical trial suggested that near-infrared light (810nm) reduced pain and inflammation in burn injuries.
• A 2021 review showed that RLT helped repair UV-damaged skin, improving elasticity and reducing hyperpigmentation.
• Research indicates that red light therapy enhances circulation to damaged skin, delivering essential nutrients for faster recovery.

Implications:

These findings suggest that red light therapy between 630-850nm may be beneficial for burn healing, sun damage repair, and reducing post-burn scarring. Regular use may help individuals recovering from thermal burns, sunburn, or long-term sun damage.

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Research suggests that red and near-infrared light (630-850nm) may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and headaches by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and modulating pain pathways. RLT has been studied for its potential to relax blood vessels, reduce neuroinflammation, and decrease headache intensity.

Key Findings from Multiple Studies:

• A 2016 study found that red light therapy significantly reduced migraine severity and duration in chronic sufferers.
• A 2018 clinical trial suggested that near-infrared light (810nm) helped alleviate tension headaches by improving blood flow to the brain.
• A 2021 review showed that RLT reduced inflammation in the trigeminal nerve, a key factor in migraine attacks.
• Research indicates that red light therapy may help balance neurotransmitter activity, reducing headache triggers.

Implications:

These findings suggest that red light therapy between 630-850nm may be beneficial for reducing migraine frequency, alleviating headache pain, and improving neurological function. Regular use may help individuals struggling with chronic migraines, tension headaches, or stress-related headaches.

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Research suggests that red and near-infrared light (630-850nm) may help combat chronic fatigue by enhancing mitochondrial energy production, improving circulation, and reducing oxidative stress. RLT has been studied for its potential to increase cellular ATP (energy), reduce fatigue symptoms, and improve overall vitality.

Key Findings from Multiple Studies:

• A 2016 study found that red light therapy increased ATP production in cells, leading to higher energy levels and reduced fatigue.
• A 2019 clinical trial suggested that near-infrared light (810nm) helped reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by improving mitochondrial function.
• A 2021 review showed that RLT can enhance blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, which may help alleviate fatigue-related symptoms.
• Research indicates that red light therapy reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which contribute to chronic fatigue conditions.

Implications:

These findings suggest that red light therapy between 630-850nm may be beneficial for boosting energy levels, reducing fatigue, and supporting mitochondrial function. Regular use may help individuals dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome, low energy, or general exhaustion.

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Research suggests that red and near-infrared light (630-850nm) may support fertility and reproductive health by improving circulation to reproductive organs, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting hormone balance. RLT has been studied for its potential to enhance sperm quality, improve ovarian function, and support reproductive tissue health.

Key Findings from Multiple Studies:

• A 2016 study found that red light therapy improved blood flow to the ovaries, potentially supporting egg quality and reproductive function.
• A 2019 clinical trial suggested that near-infrared light (810nm) enhanced sperm motility and overall sperm health in men experiencing infertility.
• A 2021 review indicated that RLT may help regulate reproductive hormones by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in reproductive tissues.
• Research suggests that red light therapy may improve endometrial receptivity, which is important for embryo implantation during fertility treatments.

Implications:

These findings suggest that red light therapy between 630-850nm may be beneficial for enhancing fertility, improving reproductive health, and supporting hormone balance. Regular use may help individuals dealing with fertility challenges or seeking to optimize reproductive function.

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Research suggests that red and near-infrared light (630-850nm) may help regulate immune system activity, reduce inflammation, and improve symptoms of autoimmune diseases. RLT has been studied for its potential to modulate immune response, reduce oxidative stress, and support cellular repair in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Key Findings from Multiple Studies:

• A 2017 study found that red light therapy reduced joint inflammation and pain in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
• A 2019 clinical trial suggested that near-infrared light (810nm) helped improve fatigue and muscle function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• A 2021 review showed that RLT modulated immune system activity, helping to reduce flare-ups in autoimmune conditions like lupus and psoriasis.
• Research indicates that red light therapy helps regulate inflammatory cytokines, which play a key role in autoimmune disease progression.

Implications:

These findings suggest that red light therapy between 630-850nm may be beneficial for individuals managing autoimmune diseases by reducing inflammation, alleviating symptoms, and supporting immune system balance. While not a cure, RLT may be a complementary therapy for managing autoimmune conditions.

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Research suggests that red and near-infrared light (630-850nm) may help reduce inflammation, improve skin barrier function, and alleviate symptoms of chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. RLT has been studied for its ability to calm immune responses in the skin, enhance cell repair, and promote overall skin health.

Key Findings from Multiple Studies:

• A 2016 study found that red light therapy at 633nm significantly reduced psoriasis symptoms, improving skin appearance and reducing scaling.
• A 2018 clinical trial showed that near-infrared light (830nm) helped alleviate eczema symptoms by reducing skin inflammation and improving hydration levels.
• A 2021 review suggested that red light therapy can reduce redness and irritation in rosacea by strengthening blood vessel function and reducing oxidative stress.
• Research indicates that RLT enhances the skin’s ability to retain moisture, which is particularly beneficial for eczema sufferers.

Implications:

These findings suggest that red light therapy between 630-850nm may be beneficial for individuals with chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. Regular use may help reduce redness, irritation, and flare-ups while supporting overall skin health.

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Research suggests that red and near-infrared light (630-850nm) may support gum health, reduce oral inflammation, and aid in post-dental procedure healing. RLT has been studied for its potential to reduce bacteria in the mouth, accelerate tissue repair, and improve overall oral hygiene.

Key Findings from Multiple Studies:

• A 2016 study found that red light therapy significantly reduced gum inflammation and improved healing in patients with periodontal disease.
• A 2018 clinical trial suggested that near-infrared light (810nm) helped reduce bacterial growth associated with gum infections.
• A 2020 review showed that RLT accelerated healing in patients recovering from dental surgeries, such as tooth extractions and implant placements.
• Research indicates that red light therapy may stimulate collagen production in gum tissues, aiding in the treatment of receding gums and oral wounds.

Implications:

These findings suggest that red light therapy between 630-850nm may be beneficial for improving gum health, reducing oral bacteria, and accelerating post-dental procedure recovery. Regular use may help individuals with gum disease, oral inflammation, or healing after dental treatments.

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