Do you often feel tired, low on energy, or struggle to maintain your energy levels? More and more people use light therapy to support fatigue and recovery, but does it actually help?
Important! The text below is not medical advice. It is based on our own knowledge, user experiences and various online sources.
Table of Contents
What happens in the body during fatigue?
Fatigue arises from 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 levels may drop and you may feel tired more quickly.
- Sleep–wake rhythm: A disrupted circadian rhythm can lead to morning fatigue, afternoon dips, and difficulty recovering.
- Stress and tension: Long-term stress keeps the body activated, making it harder to relax and easier to become exhausted.
- Recovery processes: After exertion, illness, or busy periods, the body needs time to recover. If recovery is insufficient, fatigue can accumulate.
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 levels.
- Supporting the sleep–wake rhythm: Light is an important signal for your internal clock. Some people use light therapy to support their rhythm, especially with morning fatigue or irregular work schedules.
- Relaxation and recovery: Many users experience that red light helps them relax, which can indirectly support better recovery moments during the day.
- Comfort during fatigue: Some people notice that light therapy helps with a feeling of “heavy muscles” or general sluggishness, especially later in the day.
What does the science say?
Research on light therapy and fatigue is growing, but results vary between studies. Still, there are interesting findings showing that light may influence processes related to energy, rhythm, and recovery.
Sleep and circadian rhythm
Some studies describe that exposure to red light may influence sleep quality and the sleep–wake rhythm. 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 describe that light interventions (bright or dim light) may influence the perception of fatigue. However, effects varied and were highly individual.
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8919713/
Supporting recovery processes
In research on light therapy in other contexts, such as sports recovery or general wellness, light is described as potentially influencing processes related to recovery and comfort.
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8240139/
How to use the lamps?
Many people use light therapy in the morning for an energetic start, a short session in the afternoon to counter a dip, and in the evening mainly for relaxation. Reactions vary per person, so it’s wise to test which timing fits your rhythm best.
- Use light therapy only on closed skin.
- Place the panel at a comfortable distance (often 20–40 cm).
- Sessions usually last 10–20 minutes.
- Consistency is important: many people use light therapy several times per week.
- Consult a doctor if fatigue persists or if you have medical conditions.
Can red light therapy make you tired?
Red light therapy generally does not make you tired, but some people do experience temporary drowsiness or relaxation after a session. This is because the warm light and improved circulation help calm the nervous system.
This may feel like sleepiness, but it is not true fatigue, rather a sign that your body is entering recovery mode. This usually fades quickly, after which many users feel more energized.
Summary
Light therapy is increasingly used to support fatigue, low energy levels, and recovery. Research describes that light may influence processes related to energy, rhythm, and relaxation.
Effects vary per person, but many users experience that light therapy helps support their daily rhythm and feel less sluggish.
