We already know that red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser/light therapy (LLLT), enhances overall wellness and is effective in treating numerous physical conditions.
Through mitochondrial stimulation and the natural increase in cellular energy produced by red light therapy, inflammation is reduced, circulation is improved, stem cell production is activated, and your body’s natural ability to heal itself is kicked into high gear. The benefits are seemingly endless: anti-aging, relief from skin conditions, pain management, accelerated wound healing, better athletic performance, weight loss assistance, and cellulite reduction, just to name a few.
But, can red light therapy have a significant impact on brain health? The science says yes. Significant clinical research shows that red light therapy can have as significant an impact on your brain cells as it does on any other cells in your body.
Michael Hamblin, PhD., Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and avid LLLT researcher, is quoted as saying: “Near-infrared light can penetrate quite deep into the body. So if you shine it on your head, it will penetrate your skull and quite a lot of it is absorbed by your brain. Once you understand this, it’s amazing to think of the various diseases of the brain that need regeneration and healing, which could potentially be treated with light therapy.”
In this article, we will discuss what red light therapy can do for your overall brain health, your mind, and your psychological well-being.
Table of Contents
Can Red Light Really Penetrate Your Skull?
Yes. Near-infrared (NIR) light emitted from a powerful, high-quality device can penetrate your skull up to five centimeters (cm), which is almost two inches. These wavelengths provide the same energizing properties and healing benefits to your brain cells that they do to the cells in the rest of your body.
Because the red light needs to be powerful enough to penetrate your skull to provide any benefit to your brain, the irradiance level of your device is significant. “Irradiance” refers to the power density of the light emitted over a given area of its target. Light irradiance is measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²). If the irradiance of a device is too low, the level of cellular penetration will be inferior.
Keep in mind that the further you are from the light source, the lower the level of irradiance you will experience. This is governed by a mathematical property known as the inverse square law. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the manufacturer’s recommended minimum usage distance. By following these recommendations, you will be sure to experience the maximum possible level of irradiation. You can find more details in our official usage guide.
For red light brain therapy, the higher the power density/irradiance numbers, the better. To ensure the deep cellular penetration required for red light therapy for the brain, using one of the best red light therapy panels with a high irradiance reading is recommended.
Which Wavelengths Are Best for Brain Health?
While the broader red and near-infrared spectrum offers benefits, clinical research into brain health and cognitive function has consistently focused on specific near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths due to their superior ability to penetrate the skull. The most studied and effective wavelengths for transcranial photobiomodulation are:
- 810nm: Often cited in studies for its positive effects on cognitive rehabilitation, mood, and recovery from traumatic brain injury.
- 830nm: Frequently used alongside other NIR wavelengths, it is noted in research for enhancing cellular repair and reducing neuroinflammation.
- 850nm: Another powerhouse in tPBM research, known for increasing cerebral blood flow and showing benefits for attention, alertness, and working memory.
- 1064nm: This wavelength penetrates the deepest and has been used in studies on Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative conditions to enhance brain metabolism and oxygenation.
A high-quality device designed for brain health, like those in the Total Spectrum series, should prioritize these powerful NIR wavelengths to ensure a therapeutic dose of light reaches the cerebral cortex.
The ABC’s of Brainwaves: How Do Our Brains Work?
To fully comprehend how red light therapy can benefit your brain, it is helpful to gain an understanding of basic brain function. All of our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are generated by the neurons within our brains communicating with one another via neural pathways (synapses). Electrical pulses emitted by our neurons during this communication process create brainwaves. The frequency of brainwaves can be high, low, or anywhere in between, and will vary based upon our actions and emotions at any given moment. Brainwave speed is measured in Hertz (Hz), or the number of cycles per second.
Infra-Low Waves (less than 0.5 Hz)
Also known as Slow Cortical Potentials, Infra-Low brainwaves are the slowest of all. These are the only brainwaves that are completely innate and function independently of external stimuli.
Delta Waves (0.5 to 3 Hz)
Delta brainwaves are deep and rhythmic, resembling a low, steady drumbeat. Delta waves put our external consciousness on hold and allow for deep, restorative sleep.
Theta Waves (3 to 8 Hz)
Theta brainwaves are also characteristic of sleep, but not the deep, dreamless sleep of Delta waves. Theta waves are more common during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase.
Alpha Waves (8 to 12 Hz)
Alpha brainwaves occur when we are at peace and “living in the moment”. Alertness, serenity and a general feeling of restfulness and satisfaction characterize and generate Alpha brainwaves.
Beta Waves (12 to 38 Hz)
Our normal state of being awake, alert, and engaged in normal thinking processes and problem-solving generate Beta brainwaves. Beta waves are essential for focus and logical thinking.
Gamma Waves (38 to 42 Hz)
Gamma waves have the highest frequency of all brainwaves. They are conducive to the concurrent processing of multiple pieces of data. Different areas of your brain are communicating rapidly and efficiently with one another.
Our brainwaves flow in direct proportion with our psychological and physical experiences. If our brainwaves are off-balance, our thoughts and emotions are affected. Overstimulation is tied to depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and even chronic pain. Unstable brainwave activity can cause conditions like bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and seizures. Red NIR light therapy has been proven to enhance Delta, Theta, and Alpha brainwaves and reduce Beta brainwaves [1], allowing your brain to function at a higher cognitive level.
How Does Red Light Therapy Enhance Your Mind and Cognitive Abilities? What Neurological Conditions and Diseases Can It Treat?
Red light therapy can benefit a healthy brain, an injured brain, and even help treat mental health conditions and degenerative neurological diseases.
Cognitive Ability, Mental Sharpness and Acuity
Even a healthy brain does not consistently function at its greatest potential. Clinical research shows that red light therapy can enhance memory, concentration, focus, and reaction time. One of the first studies on human subjects concluded with the treatment group exhibiting more positive emotional states and memory improvement compared to the placebo group. [2]
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Gulf War Syndrome
PTSD can occur if you have experienced a shocking, dangerous, or traumatic event. Research shows that PTSD symptoms decline with the use of red light therapy. Studies have focused on accident victims with PTSD, war veterans, and subjects with depression and anxiety-induced PTSD from various past events. [3, 4]
Mental Illness and Psychiatric Disorders
Light therapy is not new in the world of depression treatment; however, red light therapy is a safer alternative to traditional blue or white light. It can be beneficial for conditions like bipolar disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). One eight-week trial concluded that “NIR light therapy demonstrated antidepressant properties with a medium to large effect size in patients with major depressive disorder.” [5]
Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Patterns
Proper sleep patterns factor into your overall mental state. Your “circadian rhythm” is your internal biological clock. Red light applied to your brain stimulates your hypothalamus to produce appropriate levels of melatonin, the hormone that induces your body to maintain healthy sleep patterns. [6] One study demonstrated that red light increased melatonin production and sleep quality in female basketball players. [7]
Degenerative Neurological Diseases
Clinical research concludes that red light therapy shows great promise in treating a range of debilitating neurological disorders [8], including:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Huntington’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Age-Related Cognitive Decline and General Dementia
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a forceful blow to the head, jolting your brain inside your skull. A mild TBI is commonly known as a concussion. Studies prove that NIR light not only alleviates the symptoms of TBI but also inhibits neurodegeneration. [9] You can learn more in our article about red light therapy for brain injury.
Strokes
A stroke, or “brain attack,” is the interruption of blood and oxygen flow to your brain, causing brain cells to die. A 2016 study treated stroke patients experiencing pain, weakness, and muscle rigidity with red light. Patients exhibited an improvement in muscle fatigue and reported less pain. [10]
Encephalopathy
Encephalopathy is a general term referring to damage to your brain or a disease that affects your brain. The anti-inflammatory properties of red light and the activation of stem cells promote healing and recovery from the various conditions of encephalopathy. [11]
In conclusion, red light therapy offers a safe, non-invasive, innovative new approach to unlocking and engaging your ultimate brain capacity. Red light therapy produces no harmful side effects; however, as always, it is wise to consult with your doctor or another health professional before beginning any new form of treatment.
Resources
- Effect of Low-Level Laser Stimulation on EEG
- Transcranial infrared laser stimulation produces beneficial cognitive and emotional effects in humans
- Transcranial, Red/Near-Infrared Light-Emitting Diode Therapy to Improve Cognition in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury
- Psychological benefits 2 and 4 weeks after a single treatment with near-infrared light to the forehead
- Transcranial Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. The ELATED-2 Pilot Trial
- Effects of red light on sleep inertia
- Red Light and the Sleep Quality and Endurance Performance of Chinese Female Basketball Players
- Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders
- Photobiomodulation for traumatic brain injury and stroke
- Effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT 808 nm) on lower limb spastic muscle activity in chronic stroke patients
- Pre-conditioning with transcranial low-level light therapy reduces neuroinflammation...