Do you often feel tired, lethargic, or have trouble maintaining your energy levels? More and more people are using Red Light Therapy to support fatigue and recovery, but does it really help?
Note! The text below is not medical advice. It is compiled 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 level can drop and you may feel tired more quickly.
- Sleep-wake rhythm: A disrupted circadian rhythm can lead to morning tiredness, afternoon slumps, and difficulty recovering.
- Stress and tension: Prolonged stress continuously activates the body, making it harder to relax and causing quicker exhaustion.
- Recovery processes: After exertion, illness, or busy periods, the body needs time to recover. If recovery is insufficient, fatigue can accumulate.
How can Red Light Therapy help with fatigue?
Many people use red and near-infrared light to support fatigue complaints. It can 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 stimulus for your internal clock. Some people use Red Light Therapy to support their rhythm, especially with morning tiredness or changing work schedules.
- Relaxation and recovery: Many users experience that red light helps with relaxation, which can indirectly contribute to better recovery moments during the day.
- Comfort with fatigue complaints: Some people notice that Red Light Therapy helps with a feeling of “heavy muscles” or general lethargy, especially later in the day.
View all Red Light Therapy panels
What does the science say?
Research on Red Light Therapy and fatigue is growing, but results vary by study. However, there are interesting findings showing that light can play a role in processes involved in energy, rhythm, and recovery.
Sleep and circadian rhythm
Some studies describe that exposure to red light can affect sleep quality and the sleep-wake rhythm. One study reported changes in alertness and sleep perception when using red light in the evening.
Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1200350/full
Fatigue and alertness
There are small studies describing that light interventions (bright light or dim light) can play a role in the experience of fatigue. However, the effects were variable and highly individual.
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8919713/
Supporting recovery processes
Research on Red Light Therapy in other contexts, such as sports recovery or general wellness, describes that light can play a role in processes involved in recovery and comfort.
Source:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8240139/
How to use the lamps?
Many people use Red Light Therapy in the morning for an energetic start, a short session in the afternoon to counter a slump, and in the evening mainly for relaxation, although reactions vary per person, so it is wise to test which time suits your rhythm best.
- Use Red Light Therapy only on closed skin.
- Place the panel at a comfortable distance (usually 20–40 cm).
- Sessions usually last 10–20 minutes.
- Consistency is important: many people use Red Light Therapy several times a week.
- Consult a doctor if fatigue complaints persist or if you have 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 drowsiness or relaxation after a session. This is because the warm light and improved circulation help calm the nervous system.
This sometimes feels like sleepiness, but it is not true fatigue, rather a sign that your body is entering recovery mode. Usually, this passes quickly and users often feel more energetic afterward.
Summary
Red Light Therapy is increasingly used to support fatigue, low energy levels, and recovery. Research describes that light can play a role in processes involved in energy, rhythm, and relaxation.
Effects vary per person, but many users find that Red Light Therapy helps support their daily rhythm and feel less lethargic.
