Alaska Sleep Education Center

Does Red Light Produce Melatonin

It’s exhausting getting along with your daily life without your beauty sleep. 

Usually, it’s the blue lights from our electronic gadgets that are responsible for keeping us awake. However, to answer the question, yes red light can stimulate melatonin. It is a hormone that induces sleep and relaxation in humans. 

It turns out that these special lights make you fall asleep faster and remain asleep for longer periods of time. Not only that, your circadian rhythm will show similar improvements. This means that this therapy can be a game-changer for light sleepers and sleepwalkers. 

We have gathered reasons to motivate you to fix your sleep schedule. So, tag along with us!


Benefits of Red Light Therapy For Sleep

Switching on your red light therapy device before sleeping can work wonders for you. Your sleep-related issues will come to a halt. Other possible benefits are:

Better Rest

Now you are probably familiar with red light stimulating the secretion of melatonin. Get into your comfiest trousers before turning on the light. The red lights will mimic the hues of the sunset. Don’t worry you will not need sunscreen. This light won’t burn your skin! This change in the scenario will direct your body to loosen up while signaling your brain to gradually fall asleep. It means that melatonin is being discharged causing your eyes to slowly merge. Melatonin induces sleep on you and you end up feeling refreshed the next day. As a result, sleeping disorders like insomnia can be cured using red light therapy.

Improved Cardacian Rhythm

Cardacian rhythm is the mental and behavioral swings you go through on a daily basis. Now exposure to red light therapy can cause your body’s inner clock to get in sync. Applying red light during the daytime provides you with a burst of energy and alertness. This signals your body to wake up. On the other hand, applying it during nighttime can stimulate melatonin. This will raise sleepiness inside you. So, by consistently using red light therapy during the mornings and nights, you can fix your sleeping pattern. It means red light therapy will make you feel like you can conquer the world.

Stress Reduction

Other than making your hair turn grey, stress also triggers panic attacks during sleep. Red lights stimulate metabolic energy in your cells which aids in suppressing stress. Stress is reduced as red light therapy projects a calming sensation in your mind. Close your eyes while you take in every single bit of this solitude. The soothing feeling will divert your mind to a different dimension making you forget about all your struggles. It also helps to eliminate any underlying anger and anxiety pent up at the back of your head. So, red light therapy can improve your overall sleeping quality

Counterbalance Blue Light

We are constantly grounded with blue lights. Our laptops, smartphones, and TV screen – all give off blue light. Blue light highly affects our hormones, especially the reduction in melatonin production. Constant exposure to blue light limits melatonin which in turn hinders our sleeping schedule. So to get out of this loophole, red light therapy is required. Use this therapy both in the mornings and evenings to get the best results. It’s because red light therapy causes your body’s internal clock to become well-regulated. This promotes a more conducive environment for melatonin release once you start using red light therapy.

Reduced Sleep Intertia

Red light therapy can single-handedly cure sleep inertia. Inertia indicates the state of disorientation once you get up. This in turn affects our mindset – memory as well as our overall performance. It can take place both in the mornings and evenings, especially in the middle of sleep. Therefore, red light therapy delivered through closed eyelids can ease sleep inertia upon waking. It provides a sense of calmness and stimulates your brain to give off melatonin. It also reduces any emerging stress or anxiety which can disrupt your sleep. A proper sleeping routine along with a  synchronized circadian rhythm can be a game-changer for your health.  

Good Night Vision 

Humans can barely see anything in the darkness. Only motions can be detected which is limited to a few centimeters. Now switch on the lights. You will immediately start squinting once you are suddenly exposed to white light. Moreover white light is an absolute hindrance to your sleeping schedule. People generally use blue dim lights but those are also a big no-no. So turning on your red light therapy device before sleep can easily let you see through the darkness. This light also prevents your eyes fro getting strained. That’s why people in submarines and cockpits usually carry around a red flashlights. 

Overcome Disorders

Red light therapy has been certified for the curing of several mental disorders. Firstly it soothes migraine pain. Treating migraine headaches assisted a lot of people in getting better sleep. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reduction can take place if red light therapy is undergone. Treatment of PTSD means less anxiety and hence a good quality sleep. It can also cure other involuntary conditions like sleep walking. Atheletes and other professionals usually use red light therapy as a part of their routine. This light prevents lethargy by energizing people to work harder. That’s how red light therapy can improve sleeping disorders. 

 

Bottom Line 

Red light therapy boosts the production of melatonin. This hormone is extremely crucial for a good sleeping schedule. Make sure to follow our guidelines to acknowledge the possible benefits.

In a  nutshell, red light therapy helps to cure stubborn disorders like insomnia. The red light is extremely soothing to the eyes making it bearable. This induces better rest with an improved circadian rhythm – the combination that ensures a healthy lifestyle. It helps to manage the negative effects of blue light along with a healthy night vision. Any signs of groggy feeling felt after waking up get decreased. Most importantly, this light cuts down stress as well as a variety of disorders. 

Just make some time to soak yourself in the orange hues of red lights and get on with your day.

FAQs

Can red light therapy increase melatonin levels?

Red light therapy has shown potential in stimulating melatonin production, leading to increased melatonin levels.

How long should I expose myself to red light for optimal melatonin production?

The optimal duration of red light exposure may vary, but it is generally recommended to have at least 30 minutes of exposure to see potential benefits.

Are there any side effects of using red light for melatonin production?

Red light therapy is considered safe, with minimal side effects. However, it is advisable to follow proper guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Can red light help with insomnia?

Red light exposure before bedtime has shown positive effects on sleep quality and may be beneficial for individuals experiencing insomnia.

Is red light safe to use before bedtime?

Red light is generally considered safe to use before bedtime. However, it is advisable to minimize exposure to blue light from electronic devices, as it can disrupt melatonin production.

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Alaska Sleep Clinic's Blog

Our weekly updated blog aims to provide you with answers and information to all of your sleeping questions.

Brent Fisher, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE
President and Chief Executive Officer

“Alaska Sleep Clinic has a history of providing the most comprehensive sleep medicine services in the state of Alaska. Its potential has only begun. I am here to take these high-quality, comprehensive services to all Alaskans.”

Experience

Brent Fisher has held leadership positions spanning a wide variety of complex and start-up organizations: manufacturing (pharmaceutical & medical device), software development, hospitals (academic and community), medical groups, consulting, hospice, military, engineered devices, engineered plastics, and private equity.

Publications and Organizations

His writings have been published in various magazines, trade journals, and medical journals, including the Physician Executive Journal, Healthcare Executive, Modern Healthcare, Group Practice Journal, New England Journal of Medicine, and Journal of Healthcare Management (Best Article Award).

He has served on the Board of Directors of professional associations, civic organizations, and businesses.

Hobbies and Activities

Brent enjoys being with his family, serving in the community, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.