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Poor quality sleep is an epidemic in the modern world, and light exposure is a big part of the problem. More specifically, getting the wrong kinds of light at the wrong time of the day.
People today are surrounded by artificial blue light from many, many sources. Some of these sources include computer screens, televisions, smartphones and overhead lighting. Too much artificial blue light can not only cause digital eye strain and headaches during the day, but in the evening, it can make it harder to get to sleep and stay asleep. [1], [2], [3] When we expose ourselves to this artificial blue light, our bodies get the signal that it's time to be awake. This light throws the body's biological clock—the circadian rhythm—out of whack. Worse yet, research shows that it may contribute to the causation of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. [4]
Can Red Light Therapy Help with Sleep?
While exposure to typical room light in the evening has been shown to suppress melatonin onset and shorten melatonin duration in humans, [5] red light therapy has been shown to have the opposite effect. Melatonin is often referred to as the 'sleep hormone.' [6]
One fascinating study [7] was performed with elite female basketball players. The participants were divided into two groups. The red-light treatment participants received 30 minutes of irradiation from a red-light therapy instrument every night for 14 days. The placebo group did not receive light illumination.
The researchers observed improvements in subjective sleep quality, the athletes' endurance, and increases in their serum melatonin levels. In fact, the increase in serum melatonin measured was quite remarkable as the red light treatment group had their melatonin increase a whopping 75%!
The researchers concluded that "red-light illumination positively affected sleep quality and endurance performance variables in Chinese female basketball players. Based on previous studies, [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], we can infer that red-light treatment contributes to increased melatonin secretion in the pineal gland and muscle regeneration."
What have Mito Red Light customers had to say?
So far, several Mito Red Light users have reported improved sleep and energy levels - such as Aaron K, who wrote:
"We took the plunge though with Mito and haven’t looked back; red light therapy has helped us both with deeper sleep, less visible wrinkles, spider veins and tighter skin, much better energy levels and mental sharpness."
Sources and References:
[1] Blue Light and Sleep: What's the Connection?
[2] What’s in a Color? The Unique Human Health Effects of Blue Light
[3] Effect of Light on Human Circadian Physiology
[4] Blue light has a dark side
[6] Melatonin
[7] Red Light and the Sleep Quality and Endurance Performance of Chinese Female Basketball Players
[9] Melatonin as a principal component of red light therapy.
[12] Low level laser therapy before eccentric exercise reduces muscle damage markers in humans.
Mito Red Light therapy are low-risk, general wellness / fitness products. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to support the safety or effectiveness of Mito Red Light devices. The information provided in this article and on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed medical provider and should not be construed as medical advice.
Related Articles:
- Everything You Need to Know About Red Light Therapy and SLEEP
- Red Light Therapy and Quick Tips to Getting Better Sleep
- The Myriad Dangers of Blue Light
- Red and Near Infrared Light and Melatonin
DISCLAIMER: Mito Red Light devices are Class II wellness devices aimed at affecting the body through topical heating and supporting cellular function.. The information provided in this article and on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to support the safety or effectiveness of Mito Red Light devices. The information provided in this article and on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed medical provider and should not be construed as medical advice. Click here to read our article on potential contraindications of red light therapy..
