Red Light from the Sun 100% Leads to Improved Health

Red light panels are gaining traction as a new wellness trend. Many are rushing to purchase devices after hearing claims of skin rejuvenation or an ability to reduce joint and muscle pain.

A fascinating new study has provided further evidence to support this trend. It demonstrated that the long-wavelength red light from these devices can improve vision, interestingly even without exposing the eyes to the light. This points towards a deeper truth about red light, which is that it penetrates deep into the human body, enhancing mitochondrial function and cellular health. Enhancements which can improve our health in ways far beyond vision.

The study also provides a reminder that while red light panels may be convenient, the sun is the ultimate red light device, providing benefits accessible to everyone.

How Can Light Affect Vision Without Entering the Eyes?

The key to vision improvement lies in mitochondria, the tiny energy factories within our cells. The scientific community, and society broadly, is waking up to the importance of mitochondria. Mounting evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction underlies most, if not all chronic disease.

To function properly, mitochondria rely heavily on a protein called cytochrome c oxidase in their electron transport chain, responsible for generating cellular energy (ATP). Long-wavelength red and near-infrared light (approximately 660-1000 nm), penetrates cells, enters the mitochondria, and is absorbed by this protein, boosting mitochondrial efficiency and enhancing cellular energy production.

This mitochondrial boost isn’t limited to the area directly exposed to the light. The boost leads to beneficial changes which can spread throughout the body through signaling molecules known as cytokines. Specifically, exposure to red and near-infrared wavelengths can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory ones, thus creating an optimal environment for improved mitochondrial and cellular function. In a way, our mitochondria are talking to each other, and benefits to some can impact them all.

The Remarkable Findings

In the recent study, researchers tested whether exposing participants’ torsos to red and near-infrared light (830–860 nm), while completely shielding their eyes, could still enhance visual function. Remarkably, 24 hours after exposure, subjects exhibited significantly improved color contrast detection, a sensitive measure of visual health.

This groundbreaking result confirms that beneficial effects of long-wavelength light are systemic, likely mediated by mechanisms within mitochondria that communicate positive signals throughout the body.

Why Our Eyes Age

Vision depends on the light sensitive cells within the retina of our eyes. These retinal cells contain some of the highest concentrations of mitochondria in the body, reflecting their intense metabolic demands. Mitochondrial efficiency decreases naturally over time, with mitochondrial dysfunction almost being synonymous with aging. The mitochondrial dependent cells in the retina suffer from this dysfunction, leading to progressive vision decline.

It makes intuitive sense, therefore, that something capable of rejuvenating mitochondria, like red and near-infrared light, could slow or even partially reverse age-related visual deterioration.

The Flip Side: Harmful Blue Light

Unfortunately, our modern indoor environments predominantly utilize artificial blue-rich LED lighting, which has the opposite effect on mitochondria. Shorter blue wavelengths (around 400–450 nm), typical of most office or school lighting, interfere with mitochondrial activity and promote oxidative stress, contributing to cellular damage and inflammation. This cumulative damage could be a significant factor in the age-related decline of vision and overall health.

While natural sunlight contains both red and blue wavelength light, they exist in a balance which has been consistent throughout human evolution, suggesting our biology is adapted to the mix. There are also natural fluctuations in the composition, with morning and evening sun being higher in red light than mid-day sun. Mid-day sun also tends to be highest in UV, so seeking morning and evening sunlight is likely the best option.

Regardless of when you are exposed to sunlight, it is better than the pure blue light coming from artificial LEDs. We spoke to an author from the study, Dr. Glen Jeffery, who had a clear message to give: “You’ve evolved for millions of years under sunlight, go get it back. Because by living in the built environment and living under LED lighting, which has got no infrared in it whatsoever, you’re being robbed of something that for millions of years you’ve evolved under.”

Practical Implications for Daily Life

First and foremost, these results urge us to spend more time outside. Even when clothed we benefit, as the study confirmed that longer wavelengths easily penetrate typical clothing fabrics. Regularly exposing our bodies to natural sunlight could significantly boost our mitochondrial health and systemic cellular function. On the topic of expensive red light panels, Dr. Jeffery said “keep your credit card in your pocket, and go for a walk in the park at the right time of day.”

At the same time, strive to minimize exposure to artificial blue-rich lighting. Although unavoidable in many office settings, being aware of its detrimental effects is the first step. Consider adopting protective strategies such as blue-light blocking glasses or screens, and prioritize natural or red-light exposure whenever possible.

At home, where we have control over the lighting we use, Dr. Jeffery is a strong advocate for non-LED bulbs, like incandescent or halogen. While these are less energy efficient than LEDs, and typically do not have the same lifespan, Dr. Jeffery recommends purchasing a high wattage bulb, and then using a dimmer switch to lower the power. He uses this strategy to extend the lifespan of his non-LED bulbs and reap the benefits of the longer wavelengths provided.

Implications for Public Health

The impact of light on mitochondria also has profound implications for public health. Large portions of our population spend most of their time involuntarily exposed to excess blue-light and minimal red light. As one striking example, Dr. Jeffery indicated that his “target in life is to squeeze these lights into nursing homes.” In these homes, as well as in hospitals, “people have reduced mobility.” These old and sick individuals have compromised physiology, and Dr. Jeffery feels strongly that “Physiology can be improved just by changing the lighting.”

These issues go beyond the old and sick. Office and school environments are silently compromising the physiology of the young and healthy. Our children, and our greatest adult minds, spend most of their day largely sedentary, devoid of natural sunlight and blasted with the harmful blue light of LED and fluorescent bulbs.

Dr. Jeffery indicated that he and his team have started working with architects. He seemed to be only half joking when he said: “I think we work a lot with architects because they’re beginning to get worried that they’re going to get prosecuted for putting up buildings that are detrimental to people’s health.” A more positive framing is that some employers are realizing the amount of lost days they may retrieve in people’s health by changing the lighting. Whether driven by true care for employees, or a sterile productivity driven decision, any changes in lighting are welcome.

Embracing the Energetic Philosophy

These insights align closely with the principles of the Energetic philosophy, which emphasizes striving for true holistic wealth. Holistic wealth balances mind, body, and finances, but is also best defined as the freedom to use your time as you see fit. True freedom means making intentional decisions that enhance your well-being and happiness, whether through financial independence, mental clarity, or physical vitality.

Ultimately, embracing this philosophy involves choosing environments that nurture your body and mind. Opting for sunlight and environments conducive to health rather than settling for conditions that subtly degrade our vitality.

For a more extensive deep dive into light and mitochondria, check out this

interview with Dr. Glen Jeffery.