With all of the press red light therapy is getting for various health applications, what about the other aspects of ourselves, like mental health?
Can red light help with mental health?
It might surprise you that this non-invasive, safe and natural treatment is a promising treatment for mental wellbeing. Read on to find out how.
Modern Challenges to Mental Health
Today, more people report feeling challenges with mental health like short attention spans, sleep problems, chronic anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse disorders.
Some of these are brought on by modern lifestyle trends like excess screen time, less physical activity, and processed foods. Our widespread suburban lifestyles can also mean more isolation and less of a sense of community, although people in urban areas also report feeling lonely.
Other mental health issues are brought on by technology. Blue light-emitting devices (smartphones, tablets, and computers) have been shown to disrupt normal sleep patterns.
One of the big culprits is social media, with its preference for short attention-grabbing clips and algorithms that prioritize content that sparks emotions - usually negative emotions.
Social media and digital information overload has eroded our attention spans to the point that people find it difficult to focus on work or school - or, each other! This can result in more social anxiety and sleep problems as we become aware of problems all over the world that we can’t solve.
Red Light Therapy and Mental Health
There are several that red light therapy can be used to improve mental health.
First, the body and the mind are inseparable. If your body feels good, you are more likely to feel good emotionally and mentally. And vice versa.
Inflammation
One of the therapeutic effects of red light therapy is that it reduces chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can manifest as fatigue, chronic aches and pains, stiff and painful joints, digestive problems, and poor mental health.
Reducing chronic inflammation can reduce pain, give you more energy, and your body can start to feel better. Then, exercise can become enjoyable again and that will boost your mental health.
Energy
Red light therapy boosts the function of the mitochondria - the tiny organelles within the cells that produce cellular energy. By improving mitochondrial function, the treatment promotes cell growth and tissue repair including repair from the damage of oxidative stress. Unchecked oxidative stress leads to inflammation.
The energy-boosting effects of red light therapy start at the cellular level, with increased production of ATP. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the primary fuel for all cells in the human body. The short-term result of “feeding” your cells with light is better cellular performance and the long-term effect is better overall health.
And finally, mental health and energy levels go hand-in-hand. As individual cells become energized, your whole body starts to feel better. When you’re tired, your mood is likely to be worse than when you’re feeling energized. More energy equates to more motivation, focus, and creativity!
Relaxation
A red light treatment feels good. It’s a chance to relax and unwind while the warm glow of red light washes over your body. Just taking a few minutes to “be” instead of “do” can work wonders in boosting mental health, and the gentle warmth can soothe aches and pains to further boost your mood.
Better Brain Function
Red light therapy also promotes blood flow to the brain which can support better cognitive functioning. It promotes the release of serotonin and dopamine, two of the body’s own naturally produced “feel-good” neurotransmitters.
Red light therapy may boost cognitive abilities according to a study on patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Researchers have found significant improvements in executive function, verbal learning, memory, and fewer PTSD symptoms after treatment with red light therapy.
Red light therapy has shown important neuroprotective properties. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and improving blood flow in the brain, the treatment can help protect neurons (brain cells) from damage, which may promote brain health and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Better Moods
Bright light has been used for decades to boost mental health. Red light therapy is different in that it only contains very specific therapeutic wavelengths, not the whole spectrum of visible and invisible light.
The anti-inflammatory, pain-modulating, and calming effects of red light therapy mean that just a few minutes a day of red light therapy could be a valuable addition to anti-anxiety treatment.
Better Sleep
Red light therapy proved useful in improving sleep quality and endurance performance in elite athletes, according to a 2012 study. Red light therapy helps regulate circadian rhythms and melatonin production for better sleep.
The outcomes of this study were similar to a more recent study from 2023, where patients with insomnia experienced increased alertness and less anxiety, which led to better sleep; and better sleep is known to contribute to better mental health.
Stress Reduction
Stress is a big concern in today’s fast-paced world. And it is now known that chronic stress contributes to a host of serious mental health problems. Red light therapy has been shown to help modulate cortisol levels to reduce the feeling of fight-or-flight and induce a sense of calm.
The best way to use red light therapy for mental health is consistently. Just as you feed your body with good food, nourish your cells with light.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Daily exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, daily stress management, a good social circle, hobbies, travel, are all effective ways to improve mental health.
Many health care professionals also recommend taking a break from social media to avoid anxiety-causing internet habits that further erode attention spans.
Be sure to seek professional care to improve your mental health if these lifestyle methods aren’t working.
Red Light Therapy with the BIOMAX Series
The BIOMAX Series red light therapy panels offer powerful light energy output with a broad array of therapeutic wavelengths, and four different sizes so you can customize your treatment from targeted applications like facial rejuvenation to whole-body wellness.
There are dozens of ways that red light therapy can boost your overall well-being. Check out the Learning Center to discover how you can improve your mental, emotional, and physical well-being!