Do you often feel tired, drained, or have trouble keeping your energy level up? More and more people are using light therapy to support fatigue and recovery, but does it help?
Please note! The text below is not intended as medical advice. This text has been compiled based on our own knowledge, user experiences and various online sources.
Table of contents
What happens in the body when you are fatigued?
Fatigue is caused by a combination of physical and mental processes. Common factors include:
- Energy balance and mitochondria: Your cells produce energy through mitochondria. When this process becomes less efficient, your energy level may drop and you may feel tired more quickly.
- Sleep-wake rhythm: A disrupted circadian rhythm can lead to morning fatigue, afternoon slumps, and difficulty recovering.
- Stress and tension: Prolonged stress continuously activates the body, making it harder to relax and causing you to become exhausted more quickly.
- Recovery processes: After exertion, illness, or busy periods, the body needs time to recover. If recovery is insufficient, fatigue can build up.
How can light therapy help with fatigue?
Many people use red and near-infrared light to support fatigue-related complaints. It may play a role in:
- Supporting natural energy processes: Light can influence cellular processes involved in energy production. This is often mentioned by users who want to support their energy level.
- Supporting the sleep-wake rhythm: Light is an important stimulus for your internal clock. Some people use light therapy to support their rhythm, especially with morning fatigue or changing work schedules.
- Relaxation and recovery: Many users find that red light helps with relaxation, which may indirectly contribute to a better recovery period during the day.
- Comfort for fatigue-related complaints: Some people notice that light therapy helps with a feeling of “heavy muscles” or general lack of energy, especially later in the day.
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What does science say?
Research into light therapy and fatigue is growing, but the results vary from study to study. There are, however, interesting findings showing that light may play a role in processes involved in energy, rhythm, and recovery.
Sleep and circadian rhythm
Some studies describe that exposure to red light may affect sleep quality and the sleep-wake rhythm. For example, one study reported changes in alertness and sleep perception when red light was used in the evening.
Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1200350/full
Fatigue and alertness
Small studies have described that light interventions (bright light or dim light) may play a role in the perception of fatigue. However, the effects varied and were strongly dependent on the individual.
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8919713/
Supporting recovery processes
Research into light therapy in other contexts, such as sports recovery or general wellness, describes that light may play a role in processes involved in recovery and comfort.
Source:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8240139/
How to use lamps?
Many people use light therapy in the morning for an energetic start, a short session in the afternoon to overcome a slump, and in the evening mainly for relaxation, although the response varies from person to person, so it is advisable to test which time best suits your rhythm.
- Use light therapy only on closed skin.
- Place the panel at a comfortable distance (often 20–40 cm).
- Sessions last usually 10–20 minutes.
- Consistency is important: many people use light therapy several times a week.
- Consult a doctor if you have persistent fatigue-related complaints or medical conditions.
Can Red Light Therapy also make you tired?
Red Light Therapy generally does not make you tired, but some people do experience temporary lethargy or relaxation after a session. This is because the warm light and improved circulation help calm the nervous system.
It can sometimes feel as though you are becoming sleepy, but it is not actual fatigue; rather, it is a sign that your body is entering recovery mode. This usually passes quickly, and users often feel more energetic afterward.
Summary
Light therapy is increasingly being used to support fatigue, low energy levels, and recovery. Research describes that light may play a role in processes involved in energy, rhythm, and relaxation.
The effects vary from person to person, but many users find that light therapy helps support their daily rhythm and makes them feel less drained.
