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How Does Red Light Therapy Work in Improving Sleep?

Can’t sleep at night? Nodded off during work? Lack of sleep is a big problem here in the UK, affecting around 1 in 7 adults regularly. It’s an issue that can lead to developing health conditions down the line such as heart problems, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and a lower libido.

However, it’s often not because we don't have any time to doze off - factors such as blue light exposure from our phones and computer screens can interfere with our body clock – preventing us from earning a peaceful night’s rest.

Luckily, red light therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and side-effect-free alternative therapy that offers potential benefits to those who want to enhance their sleep quality and how to do it effectively.

How does red light therapy improve sleep?

Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation and/or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), utilises LEDs that emit red light wavelengths to apply a list of health benefits on your body, such as:

  • Helping you naturally relax and de-stress
  • Corrects your internal clock (circadian rhythm), fixing sleep disorders such as insomnia
  • Boosts melatonin production

While more in-depth studies are needed to fully grasp how RLT improves sleep quality, there is already plenty of research that supports these claims: 

According to a 2012 study with the goal of evaluating the effect of red light therapy, for example, 10 out of 20 Chinese female athletes were randomly subjected to 30 minutes of RLT sessions every night for two weeks.

After the two weeks were up, the researchers discovered that the group that received RLT treatment had better sleep quality, melatonin production levels, and endurance performance.

Circadian rhythm

Overexposure to bright blue light – the light emitted by our phones, computers, TV screens, and even our lightbulbs – can cause several health-related problems down the line such as eyestrain, and poor sleep quality.

One of the most prevalent factors in poor sleep quality is a disrupted circadian rhythm, which RLT can help to regulate.

Since RLT devices emit a similar wavelength (red and near-infrared) that the sun emits, although not hot or harmful to your body, it can help correct your thrown-off internal clock. As a result, you’ll get more energy when it’s bright outside and get more tired as the sun goes down. 

A normal circadian cycle also drops down our energy levels in the afternoon. While this is part of the natural physiological process, we do know that red light therapy is proven to help boost energy levels.

A 2019 study involving 19 people over three weeks found that using a mix of red and ambient white light in the afternoon can improve their internal clock and increase alertness, helping individuals get through the afternoon slump.

Melatonin Production

Also known as our natural sleep hormone, melatonin is a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland and is responsible for regulating sleep and circadian function. Our brains are programmed to release less melatonin when it’s bright and release more when it gets dark.

RLT devices can emit a ‘warm’ light that tricks your brain into thinking that it’s getting dark outside, prompting the body to boost melatonin production prematurely.

Optimising RLT use to improve sleep quality

When using an RLT device to help treat poor sleep quality, you can either do it in the morning or the evening. In the morning, you can use your RLT device for around 5-10 to suppress your melatonin production, giving you energy to start and last throughout the day.

For nights, staying away from blue lighting and using an RLT device around 1-2 hours before bedtime can significantly help treat sleeping disorders, primarily insomnia and prep your body to wind down and get tired.

Conclusion

While red light therapy devices are commonly known for their potential benefits such as improving skin health and helping treat joint pain and inflammation, emerging research suggests that these benefits may also extend to promoting better sleep quality.

In short– no more melatonin gummies at night!

Interested in taking home an RLT device for yourself? ROJO Light Therapy has a collection of premium-built RLT devices that feature adjustable features for convenience, ultra-low EMF and ELF technology for safety, wrapped up with outstanding customer support to guide you through your first few days of use.

Reach out to us today, and get a red light therapy device that can help turn kips into full-blown slumbers.

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Disclaimer: All ROJO light therapy products are considered low risk and designed for general health and wellbeing, they are not intended to cure or prevent specific medical conditions, diseases, or prescribe any course of action. The content on this website is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Before using our products, a health professional should be consulted, we are not medical professionals, so please contact your GP or health practitioner for medical advice.
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