Light is usually talked about in terms of what we can see. But a growing body of research is asking a different question: what does light do inside the body?
That question sits at the heart of The Infrared Revolution: New Frontiers in Light and Health, a talk from Atrium's "The Meaning of Light" series (November 2024). It brings together two professors from University College London: vision scientist Glen Jeffery and astrophysicist Bob Fosbury.
Light that nourishes us from within
The talk is introduced with a simple idea: that light nourishes us from within, and that it affects the body in ways that go beyond vision. It sets out to challenge some common assumptions about how light influences our health.
Atrium's write-up of the event reports that research has found red light therapy can influence mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the structures inside our cells that produce the energy our bodies run on. The potential benefits discussed include improved cellular energy production, reduced inflammation, support for tissue repair, cognitive function and effects linked to healthy ageing.
As with much of the research in this area, these are findings and possibilities being explored, not guarantees. Studies are still developing, and the results of research settings do not automatically carry over to any particular product.
Rethinking the lighting in our homes
Both professors highlighted the need to rethink indoor lighting. Much of the light we live under today is artificial and narrow in the wavelengths it provides, with very little of the deeper red and near-infrared light found in natural daylight.
The suggestion from the event is that bringing more red light back into our environments may help offset some of the effects of artificial light and support health. It is an idea well worth watching develop, and it is one reason many people are exploring red and near-infrared light at home.
Bringing red light into your routine
At The Oxygen Room, we are interested in how emerging light research can be put to practical use in a considered way.
- At home: our red and near-infrared devices bring these wavelengths into your routine. Explore the red light collection to learn more about their specifications and use.
- In clinic: you can also experience red light therapy at our Bristol clinic, on its own or combined with molecular hydrogen. Find out about Red Light + Molecular Hydrogen.
Watch the full talk: The Infrared Revolution: New Frontiers in Light and Health (Atrium, "The Meaning of Light" series).
Research note: this article summarises a public talk and the event description. Red light devices are wellness products, not medical devices, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. If you have a medical or eye condition, are pregnant or take photosensitising medication, speak to your doctor before use.
