Blue light for sleep therapy
Author: l | 2025-04-24
Blue Light Therapy for Sleep Disorders; Blue Light Therapy for Winter Blues; Circadian Blue Light; Circadian Rhythm; Cupping Therapy; Effects of Light; Sleep Aid. Sleep Anxiety; Sleep Apnea; Septem 9:58 pm Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp
Blue Light Therapy for Sleep Disorders
Therapy can accelerate the healing process by enhancing blood circulation to the affected areas, ensuring that tissues receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen for optimal recovery. Its application in clinical settings has shown positive results in reducing healing time and improving the overall quality of regenerated tissue, making it a valuable adjunct to traditional medical treatments.5. Mood Enhancement and Cognitive FunctionEmerging evidence suggests that red light therapy may have positive effects on mental health and cognitive function. By enhancing blood flow to the brain and supporting mitochondrial activity, red light therapy may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some studies have even explored its potential in improving memory and focus, particularly in individuals with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.In addition to mood enhancement, red light therapy can contribute to better sleep quality by regulating circadian rhythms and promoting the production of melatonin. Improved cognitive function and mood can lead to enhanced overall well-being, increased productivity, and a higher quality of life. As research continues, red light therapy may become an integral component of mental health treatment protocols.6. Hair Growth StimulationRed light therapy has been shown to stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair growth and reducing hair thinning in individuals with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). By increasing blood flow to the scalp and supporting cellular activity, red light therapy encourages healthier, thicker hair over time.Clinical studies have demonstrated significant improvements in hair density and strength among participants undergoing regular red light therapy sessions. This non-invasive treatment offers a safe alternative to medications and surgical procedures, providing individuals with a viable option to address hair loss and improve their confidence and self-esteem.7. Improved Sleep QualityRed light therapy can play a significant role in enhancing sleep quality by influencing the body’s natural sleep-wake cycles. Exposure to red light in the evening can help regulate melatonin production, promoting a more consistent and restful sleep pattern. Unlike blue light, which can disrupt sleep by inhibiting melatonin, red light supports the body’s transition to a state of relaxation and readiness for sleep.Better sleep quality resulting from red light therapy can lead to numerous
Morning blue light therapy improves sleep and
Everyone is turning toward the light these days: Red-light body sessions have become spa-menu fixtures, and LED gadgets promise to fix everything from insomnia to wrinkles. “We’re only scratching the surface of what light can do,” says Shadab Rahman, Ph.D., an instructor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School. Here’s what you can expect from a few trending treatments.Bright-Light Box to Boost MoodWHAT IT IS: A lamp that emits rays that mimic sunlight; sitting close to it for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning is said to boost mood, increase focus, and fight irritability in people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). WHAT WE KNOW: About one in five people experiences a mood dip in winter, and light boxes are the go-to antidote. “The light targets the cause: a disturbance in circadian rhythm tied to the change in sunlight and darkness,” explains Michael Terman, Ph.D., of the Center for Environmental Therapeutics. One study showed light therapy to be as effective as antidepressants in treating SAD, with fewer side effects. SHOULD YOU TRY IT? Yes, but if your blues are mild, try sunlight (free!) first. “Taking breaks outside or at the window can make you feel more alert and focused and improve your mood,” says Rahman. BRANDS: Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp, $115; AIRSEE Light Therapy Lamp 10,000 Lux, $34; Sunlight Inside Bottled Sunshine lamp, $199.Blue Light to Help You SleepWHAT IT IS: Special LED lightbulbs that are said to help battle insomnia by regulating your circadian rhythm; blue-emitting bulbs perk you up during the day, while blue-depleted bulbs help you sleep at night. WHAT WE KNOW: Many studies have shown that nighttime exposure to blue light (from phones, computers, and regular lightbulbs) suppresses melatonin, the hormone needed to trigger sleep. Other studies have found that exposure to blue light during the day improves alertness. SHOULD YOU TRY IT? Sure. “We need our day-night contrast to be dramatic; one way is to use blue-enriched light on your desk during the day and blue-depleted lights wherever you relax for two hours before bed,” says Rahman. BRANDS: Lighting Science GoodNight Sleep Enhancing Bulb, $13; Harth Nite Switch Bulb, $20Red Light for Smoother SkinWHAT IT IS: Beds, masks, and handheld wands that emit red light claim to plump skin and reduce fine lines. WHAT WE KNOW: A 2013 study showed that light treatments could help reduce wrinkles. “Red light has anti-inflammatory effects and increases collagen production, tightening skin and improving texture and tone,” says Angela Lamb, M.D., a dermatologist at New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital. SHOULD YOU TRY IT? Only if you can spend a lot and keep your expectations in check. “These treatments do offer modest improvement, especially whenhooga Sleep Light Bulb, Amber Light Bulbs for Sleep Therapy, Blue Light
And broken capillaries. The light penetrates the skin at a depth that is effective for stimulating lymphatic drainage and improving blood circulation, which can reduce inflammation and promote healing. It is also used to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture by stimulating collagen production.Mood and Mental Health Treatments: This light is utilized in light therapy, particularly for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders. Its uplifting properties are believed to stimulate serotonin production, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exposure to yellow light can also enhance mood and energy levels, making it a potential therapy for those experiencing low motivation or chronic fatigue.Eye Health and Vision Correction: It is used in certain types of vision correction therapies, such as treating amblyopia (lazy eye) in children. Yellow filters can enhance contrast sensitivity and visual acuity, making it easier for patients to focus and process visual information. Additionally, yellow-tinted lenses are sometimes recommended for individuals who experience eye strain or discomfort under harsh lighting conditions, as they can filter out blue light and reduce glare.Sleep Disorders and Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Yellow light is being explored as a treatment for circadian rhythm disorders, similar to green light. It can help regulate the body's internal clock by influencing melatonin production, which controls sleep-wake cycles. Controlled exposure to yellow light, especially in the morning, has been shown to improve sleep quality and help individuals with disrupted sleep patterns achieve a more balanced circadian rhythm.Click here to know more about orange light.. Blue Light Therapy for Sleep Disorders; Blue Light Therapy for Winter Blues; Circadian Blue Light; Circadian Rhythm; Cupping Therapy; Effects of Light; Sleep Aid. Sleep Anxiety; Sleep Apnea; Septem 9:58 pm Circadian Optics Light Therapy LampJandCase Sleep Light Bulb, Amber Light Bulbs for Sleep Therapy, Blue
Helps control circadian rhythms and many metabolic/endocrine functions.Where are you exposed to blue light?You’re exposed to blue light in many situations, including when you’re both outdoors and indoors. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, sources of blue light include:Sunlight, the main source of this type of light. It’s actually blue light rays scattering that make a cloudless sky appear blue on a sunny day.Fluorescent and LED bulbs, which help to light your home.Display screens of electronic devices, including computers, laptops, tablets/notebooks and smartphones. Studies show that for most people, the amount of blue light received from screens is actually small compared to the amount from the sun.Light therapy boxes used to treat seasonal affective disorder. (There is also red light therapy, green light therapy and sun lamp therapy.)Effects of Blue Light on SleepWriters at Harvard Health Publishing tell us that, “Until the advent of artificial lighting, the sun was the major source of lighting, and people spent their evenings in (relative) darkness.”Today, however, most of us are exposed to light (devices and bulbs) right up until the point we go to sleep.How does blue light affect sleep?It’s now widely known that spending time on digital devices close to bedtime can disrupt your circadian rhythm, which helps determine when you feel sleepy versus awake.When your circadian rhythm is thrown out of whack, you may become more susceptible to developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity.There’s evidence that high-energy light exposure at night (once it’s dark outside) suppresses the release of the hormone melatonin, which is the primary hormone that influences circadian rhythms and sleep cycles.Lower melatonin levels can make it harder to fall and stay asleep, and now emerging studies suggest it may also be linked with other health problems.How Blue Light Affects the EyesWhy else is blue light bad for you?One reason is because it tends to cause “eye strain.”Staring into the screens of digital devices for long periods causes the eyes to absorb a lot of unfocused light, which leads to squinting, irritation, dryness of the eyes, trouble focusing and what feels like eye fatigue. This is also known as computer vision syndrome.Some experts are also concerned that frequent exposure to high-energy light may have potential long-term effects of eye health.How can blue light cause eye damage?Compared to UV light, human eyes are not nearly as good at blocking blue light. A very high percentage of visible blue light passes through the corneas and lenses of the eyes and reaches the retinas (the inner lining of the back of the eye).This may lead to damage to the retinas and changes in vision, including a higher risk for macular degeneration.However, there isn’t concrete evidence that blue lightMorning blue light therapy improves sleep and daily
Exposure increases the risk of macular degeneration, and eye doctors do not appear to be overly concerned about it right now.Researchers do note, though, that blue light-emitting devices are relatively new in the grand scheme, and more long-term studies are needed to learn more about their effects.Other Risks and Side EffectsAside from concerns about eye damage, too much blue light exposure at night is now linked with disruptions in circadian rhythms, and as mentioned above, this may be a risk for problems, such as:Blood sugar fluctuationsObesity/weight gain (due to changes in levels of leptin, a hormone that contributes to fullness)DiabetesCardiovascular problemsDepressionPossibly even cancerHeadachesAre There Any Blue Light Benefits?Blue light isn’t inherently bad and in fact is associated with some benefits. While exposure at night can disrupt sleep, exposure during the day is actually important for regulating a number of bodily functions.For instance, if you’re looking for how to improve memory, blue light may be able to help.Sunlight exposure, which is the No. 1 way that people are exposed to high-energy visible light, is needed to maintain healthy vitamin D levels and also to regulate our circadian rhythms (the body’s natural wakefulness and sleep cycle) and moods.Exposure to natural light outdoors has also been shown to increase alertness, protect against depression (specifically seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons and lack of sunlight), and help with memory and other cognitive functions.Because a regulated circadian rhythm is important for getting restorative sleep, there’s also associations between daytime blue light exposure and protection against obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other conditions.“Light therapy” boxes, which emit bright white and blue light rays, can help treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and feelings of worthlessness. Some studies suggest that light therapy boxes used for about 30 minutes daily can even be as effective as antidepressant medications for treating SAD.There is even some evidence that blue light exposure can boost skin health. For instance, research shows it may help:treat acneimprove actinic keratosesalleviate psoriasis symptomspotentially even combat skin cancer1. Avoid electronic devices close to bedtimeUsing your phone, watching TV in close proximity and reading on a tablet before bedtime can disrupt your internal clock, potentially causing sleepless nights and daytime fatigue. It’s recommended by experts that you avoid using electronics two to three hours before going to sleep, or at least use only electronics that have blue light filters enabled.It’s also smart to limit proximity to screens during the day and the length of time spent looking at them, especially up close without breaks.2. Filter blue light with glasses and appsWant to keep using electronics at night, but also to protect your eyes from blue light?Blue Light Therapy For Skin, Sleep, and Depression - Ro
Affected. How to Get Better Sleep if You Have Bad Air Quality?There’s only so much you can control when it comes to air quality. Perhaps there’s a wildfire, you live in a smoggy city, or you live with a smoker. Do what you can to improve your air quality, and focus on improving your sleep hygiene to get better sleep, no matter what you’re breathing. Sleep hygiene is the name for the daily habits you can do to help you fall and stay asleep more easily. With good sleep hygiene, you can make sure nothing else gets in the way of good sleep. Even if you consider your sleep hygiene pretty good already, worsening air quality means more and more of us need to pay more attention to our sleep habits.One thing to be aware of with sleep hygiene is you may need to make some trade-offs when the air quality is poor and consider what disturbs your sleep the most. Here’s what good sleep hygiene looks like: Get out in bright light in the morning: Morning light resets your circadian rhythm, or body clock, for the day, helping to keep your sleep cycle in check. Spend at least 10 minutes out in natural light, or 15 to 20 minutes if it’s overcast or you’re getting light through a window. If a high pollen count or wildfire smoke are affecting your area, consider staying inside and either getting light through a window or from a light therapy lamp. Sit about 16 to 24 inches from a 10,000 lux light therapy lamp for 30 minutes in the morning.Avoid light close to bedtime: Light suppresses the sleep hormone melatonin. About 90 minutes before bed, turn down the lights and put on blue-light blocking glasses (we recommend these).Avoid caffeine, large meals, intense exercise, and alcohol too late in the day: All four can disrupt your sleep. Check RISE for when to avoid each one daily.Do a calming bedtime routine: Don’t let stress over poor air quality keep you awake. Do relaxing activities in the run-up to bedtime, such as reading, yoga, journaling, or. Blue Light Therapy for Sleep Disorders; Blue Light Therapy for Winter Blues; Circadian Blue Light; Circadian Rhythm; Cupping Therapy; Effects of Light; Sleep Aid. Sleep Anxiety; Sleep Apnea; Septem 9:58 pm Circadian Optics Light Therapy LampComments
Therapy can accelerate the healing process by enhancing blood circulation to the affected areas, ensuring that tissues receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen for optimal recovery. Its application in clinical settings has shown positive results in reducing healing time and improving the overall quality of regenerated tissue, making it a valuable adjunct to traditional medical treatments.5. Mood Enhancement and Cognitive FunctionEmerging evidence suggests that red light therapy may have positive effects on mental health and cognitive function. By enhancing blood flow to the brain and supporting mitochondrial activity, red light therapy may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some studies have even explored its potential in improving memory and focus, particularly in individuals with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.In addition to mood enhancement, red light therapy can contribute to better sleep quality by regulating circadian rhythms and promoting the production of melatonin. Improved cognitive function and mood can lead to enhanced overall well-being, increased productivity, and a higher quality of life. As research continues, red light therapy may become an integral component of mental health treatment protocols.6. Hair Growth StimulationRed light therapy has been shown to stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair growth and reducing hair thinning in individuals with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). By increasing blood flow to the scalp and supporting cellular activity, red light therapy encourages healthier, thicker hair over time.Clinical studies have demonstrated significant improvements in hair density and strength among participants undergoing regular red light therapy sessions. This non-invasive treatment offers a safe alternative to medications and surgical procedures, providing individuals with a viable option to address hair loss and improve their confidence and self-esteem.7. Improved Sleep QualityRed light therapy can play a significant role in enhancing sleep quality by influencing the body’s natural sleep-wake cycles. Exposure to red light in the evening can help regulate melatonin production, promoting a more consistent and restful sleep pattern. Unlike blue light, which can disrupt sleep by inhibiting melatonin, red light supports the body’s transition to a state of relaxation and readiness for sleep.Better sleep quality resulting from red light therapy can lead to numerous
2025-04-10Everyone is turning toward the light these days: Red-light body sessions have become spa-menu fixtures, and LED gadgets promise to fix everything from insomnia to wrinkles. “We’re only scratching the surface of what light can do,” says Shadab Rahman, Ph.D., an instructor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School. Here’s what you can expect from a few trending treatments.Bright-Light Box to Boost MoodWHAT IT IS: A lamp that emits rays that mimic sunlight; sitting close to it for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning is said to boost mood, increase focus, and fight irritability in people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). WHAT WE KNOW: About one in five people experiences a mood dip in winter, and light boxes are the go-to antidote. “The light targets the cause: a disturbance in circadian rhythm tied to the change in sunlight and darkness,” explains Michael Terman, Ph.D., of the Center for Environmental Therapeutics. One study showed light therapy to be as effective as antidepressants in treating SAD, with fewer side effects. SHOULD YOU TRY IT? Yes, but if your blues are mild, try sunlight (free!) first. “Taking breaks outside or at the window can make you feel more alert and focused and improve your mood,” says Rahman. BRANDS: Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp, $115; AIRSEE Light Therapy Lamp 10,000 Lux, $34; Sunlight Inside Bottled Sunshine lamp, $199.Blue Light to Help You SleepWHAT IT IS: Special LED lightbulbs that are said to help battle insomnia by regulating your circadian rhythm; blue-emitting bulbs perk you up during the day, while blue-depleted bulbs help you sleep at night. WHAT WE KNOW: Many studies have shown that nighttime exposure to blue light (from phones, computers, and regular lightbulbs) suppresses melatonin, the hormone needed to trigger sleep. Other studies have found that exposure to blue light during the day improves alertness. SHOULD YOU TRY IT? Sure. “We need our day-night contrast to be dramatic; one way is to use blue-enriched light on your desk during the day and blue-depleted lights wherever you relax for two hours before bed,” says Rahman. BRANDS: Lighting Science GoodNight Sleep Enhancing Bulb, $13; Harth Nite Switch Bulb, $20Red Light for Smoother SkinWHAT IT IS: Beds, masks, and handheld wands that emit red light claim to plump skin and reduce fine lines. WHAT WE KNOW: A 2013 study showed that light treatments could help reduce wrinkles. “Red light has anti-inflammatory effects and increases collagen production, tightening skin and improving texture and tone,” says Angela Lamb, M.D., a dermatologist at New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital. SHOULD YOU TRY IT? Only if you can spend a lot and keep your expectations in check. “These treatments do offer modest improvement, especially when
2025-03-28Helps control circadian rhythms and many metabolic/endocrine functions.Where are you exposed to blue light?You’re exposed to blue light in many situations, including when you’re both outdoors and indoors. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, sources of blue light include:Sunlight, the main source of this type of light. It’s actually blue light rays scattering that make a cloudless sky appear blue on a sunny day.Fluorescent and LED bulbs, which help to light your home.Display screens of electronic devices, including computers, laptops, tablets/notebooks and smartphones. Studies show that for most people, the amount of blue light received from screens is actually small compared to the amount from the sun.Light therapy boxes used to treat seasonal affective disorder. (There is also red light therapy, green light therapy and sun lamp therapy.)Effects of Blue Light on SleepWriters at Harvard Health Publishing tell us that, “Until the advent of artificial lighting, the sun was the major source of lighting, and people spent their evenings in (relative) darkness.”Today, however, most of us are exposed to light (devices and bulbs) right up until the point we go to sleep.How does blue light affect sleep?It’s now widely known that spending time on digital devices close to bedtime can disrupt your circadian rhythm, which helps determine when you feel sleepy versus awake.When your circadian rhythm is thrown out of whack, you may become more susceptible to developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity.There’s evidence that high-energy light exposure at night (once it’s dark outside) suppresses the release of the hormone melatonin, which is the primary hormone that influences circadian rhythms and sleep cycles.Lower melatonin levels can make it harder to fall and stay asleep, and now emerging studies suggest it may also be linked with other health problems.How Blue Light Affects the EyesWhy else is blue light bad for you?One reason is because it tends to cause “eye strain.”Staring into the screens of digital devices for long periods causes the eyes to absorb a lot of unfocused light, which leads to squinting, irritation, dryness of the eyes, trouble focusing and what feels like eye fatigue. This is also known as computer vision syndrome.Some experts are also concerned that frequent exposure to high-energy light may have potential long-term effects of eye health.How can blue light cause eye damage?Compared to UV light, human eyes are not nearly as good at blocking blue light. A very high percentage of visible blue light passes through the corneas and lenses of the eyes and reaches the retinas (the inner lining of the back of the eye).This may lead to damage to the retinas and changes in vision, including a higher risk for macular degeneration.However, there isn’t concrete evidence that blue light
2025-04-24Exposure increases the risk of macular degeneration, and eye doctors do not appear to be overly concerned about it right now.Researchers do note, though, that blue light-emitting devices are relatively new in the grand scheme, and more long-term studies are needed to learn more about their effects.Other Risks and Side EffectsAside from concerns about eye damage, too much blue light exposure at night is now linked with disruptions in circadian rhythms, and as mentioned above, this may be a risk for problems, such as:Blood sugar fluctuationsObesity/weight gain (due to changes in levels of leptin, a hormone that contributes to fullness)DiabetesCardiovascular problemsDepressionPossibly even cancerHeadachesAre There Any Blue Light Benefits?Blue light isn’t inherently bad and in fact is associated with some benefits. While exposure at night can disrupt sleep, exposure during the day is actually important for regulating a number of bodily functions.For instance, if you’re looking for how to improve memory, blue light may be able to help.Sunlight exposure, which is the No. 1 way that people are exposed to high-energy visible light, is needed to maintain healthy vitamin D levels and also to regulate our circadian rhythms (the body’s natural wakefulness and sleep cycle) and moods.Exposure to natural light outdoors has also been shown to increase alertness, protect against depression (specifically seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons and lack of sunlight), and help with memory and other cognitive functions.Because a regulated circadian rhythm is important for getting restorative sleep, there’s also associations between daytime blue light exposure and protection against obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other conditions.“Light therapy” boxes, which emit bright white and blue light rays, can help treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and feelings of worthlessness. Some studies suggest that light therapy boxes used for about 30 minutes daily can even be as effective as antidepressant medications for treating SAD.There is even some evidence that blue light exposure can boost skin health. For instance, research shows it may help:treat acneimprove actinic keratosesalleviate psoriasis symptomspotentially even combat skin cancer1. Avoid electronic devices close to bedtimeUsing your phone, watching TV in close proximity and reading on a tablet before bedtime can disrupt your internal clock, potentially causing sleepless nights and daytime fatigue. It’s recommended by experts that you avoid using electronics two to three hours before going to sleep, or at least use only electronics that have blue light filters enabled.It’s also smart to limit proximity to screens during the day and the length of time spent looking at them, especially up close without breaks.2. Filter blue light with glasses and appsWant to keep using electronics at night, but also to protect your eyes from blue light?
2025-03-30