Optimize Your Workday with Red Light and Infrared Therapy

Work is an essential part of our daily lives, but it can sometimes negatively affect our bodies and minds. Prolonged sitting, stress, and physical strain can lead to fatigue, muscle tension, and even pain. Integrating red light and infrared therapy into your daily routine can be an effective way to mitigate these negative effects. In this blog, we delve into the scientific benefits of red light therapy before and during work and the soothing effects of infrared heat after work.

What is Red Light Therapy and How Does It Work?

Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light that penetrate deeply into the skin and muscles to stimulate cellular functions. This process increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the mitochondria, the ‘powerhouses’ of cells, leading to improved cell repair and reduced inflammation (Nampoothiri et al., 2021). The positive effects are broad, ranging from enhanced energy to pain relief.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy During/Before Your Workday

1. Enhanced Cognitive Functions and Energy Levels
   Red light therapy has been shown to improve cognitive functions, such as memory and focus, by boosting energy production in the brain (Rojas & Gonzalez-Lima, 2011). This makes it ideal for morning use, helping you start the day more alert and energized.

2. Reduction of Stress and Tension
   Using red light therapy can lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation, leading to reduced stress at work (De Freitas & Hamblin, 2016). This can be especially helpful during high-stress work periods.

3. Support of Circadian Rhythm
   Red light in the morning can help regulate your body clock, improving sleep quality and increasing daytime alertness (Burkhart & Phelps, 2009). Incorporating red light into your morning routine not only supports productivity but also helps maintain a healthy sleep cycle.

4. Improved Blood Circulation and Muscle Relaxation
   Red light can enhance blood circulation, which is important for muscle recovery and pain reduction, especially after a long workday (Zhevago & Samoilova, 2006). This makes it a great option for those with sedentary jobs or high physical demands.

Infrared Therapy with Heat After Work: The Perfect Relaxation

After a long workday, infrared therapy with heat offers a relaxing way to unwind your body and mind. The deeply penetrating warmth of infrared light helps relax stiff muscles and alleviate pain, especially in the neck and back. The soothing warmth of infrared therapy not only provides physical relaxation but also reduces mental stress, offering a moment of calm essential to regaining balance after a hectic workday.

Sources:

• Burkhart, K., & Phelps, J. R. (2009). Amber lenses to block blue light and improve sleep: A randomized trial. Chronobiology International, 26(8), 1602-1612.
• De Freitas, L. F., & Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, 22(3), 348-364.
• Nampoothiri, S. V., Park, J., Park, C., Han, D., & Seo, H. J. (2021). Photobiomodulation therapy and its applications in pain management: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(19), 4386.
• Rojas, J. C., & Gonzalez-Lima, F. (2011). Low-level light therapy of the eye and brain. Eye and Brain, 3, 49-67.
• Zhevago, N. A., & Samoilova, K. A. (2006). Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine content in human peripheral blood after its transcutaneous (in vivo) irradiation with polychromatic visible and infrared light. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 24(2), 129-139.