The Hidden Impact of Light on Our Health and the illuminating Role Light plays in our Biology
- WHO: “Chronic exposure to blue light, particularly at night, can lead to long-term health issues such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and sleep disorders.”
- House of Lords: “Increased exposure to blue light disrupts sleep and could contribute to serious health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.”
- The Guardian: “The rise in LED lighting, particularly blue light, risks harming both human and animal health, creating circadian disruption and contributing to metabolic and cardiovascular risks.”
- Dr Fritz-Albert Popp: “Our health depends on the coherence of the light within our cells”.
- NASA: “Red light therapy improves muscle recovery by over 50%, making it a critical tool in high-stress environments like space missions and military operations.”
- Red and near-infrared light support mitochondrial function, promote tissue healing, and reduce inflammation, proving to be a beneficial alternative.
- Photobiomodulation (PBM) is used in high-stress environments like NASA’s WARP 10 devices in military submarines to aid recovery and enhance cognitive function.
- Studies on biophoton emissions from living cells and plants suggest that these emissions play a crucial role in maintaining cellular health and communication, with implications for light-based therapies and dietary interventions.
Introduction
It may sound strange, but the light bulbs we have been manoeuvred into adopting could be more dangerous to our health than the worst fast or processed foods, according to the WHO and House of Lords.
What I hope to do with this article is introduce the multifaceted role light plays in biology, emphasising its profound impact on human health, environmental balance, and technological applications.
I try to show the pros and cons of light and, particularly focusing on how various wavelengths influence biological processes at both the molecular and systemic levels. I try to explain just how important a role it plays using credible research, but you should be aware that light is strikingly important in religion and spirituality too. We should maybe pay more attention to it that we do.
The articles examines concerns surrounding artificial blue light exposure, its effects on circadian rhythms, metabolic health, and cardiovascular function. It should give a good overview of the issues with widespread adoption of energy-efficient LED lighting, highlighting the health risks associated with blue light dominance, while discussing alternative strategies, such as red and near-infrared (the light we used to be allowed to use – not just lightbulbs, but log and coal fireplaces) therapies, that offer restorative and therapeutic benefits.
We also look into the concept of biophoton emissions and their implications for cellular communication, nutrition, and potential diagnostic innovations. Through the lens of scientific research and expert insights, it outlines the necessity of balancing environmental priorities with public health imperatives.
The aim of this work is to raise awareness about the critical impact light has on our health and wellbeing and inspire a holistic approach to lighting solutions that prioritise human well-being while aligning with ecological and economic goals.
I cover the following topics, and if you want more indepth information I have a longer version:
The Hidden Dangers of Blue Light: What Research Tells Us
In recent years, research from the World Health Organization (WHO), the House of Lords, and reports from sources like The Guardian have shed light on the significant health risks associated with prolonged exposure to artificial blue and white light.
Blue light, which is emitted from LED lighting and digital screens, has been found to disrupt circadian rhythms, significantly reduce melatonin production, and contribute to a range of health issues, including sleep disorders, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular diseases.
A report published by The Guardian highlighted that the “increase in LED lighting risks harming human and animal health” by prioritising energy efficiency at the cost of well-being. The article cites that the rise in artificial lighting, particularly blue light, is leading to widespread circadian disruption and negatively impacting mental and physical health.
The House of Lords’ enquiry into light pollution also emphasised the urgent need to reconsider artificial lighting’s effects on public health. Their findings underscored that chronic exposure to blue light at night, especially in urban environments, “may have long-term detrimental effects, including an increase in sleep disorders and a higher incidence of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.”
According to the WHO, disruption of the circadian rhythm can lead to a cascade of health issues, stating that “consistent exposure to blue light, particularly in the evening hours, can result in long-term sleep deprivation and heightened risk for conditions like obesity and cardiovascular diseases.”
The NHS and Blue LED Lighting: A Contradiction of Health Recommendations
Despite these well-documented risks, institutions such as the NHS have implemented blue LED lighting systems across hospitals and healthcare facilities, citing the environmental and energy-efficient benefits of these lights.
While the shift to energy-efficient lighting aligns with the UK’s environmental goals, it contradicts findings from both health researchers and medical professionals who advocate for the use of healthier lighting alternatives, such as red and near-infrared light.
In 2021, the NHS announced that switching to blue LED lighting saved over £35,000 in energy costs and reduced carbon emissions by 41 tonnes per year. However, this focus on environmental benefits overlooks the potential long-term human health risks associated with blue light exposure.
Experts have pointed out the contradiction between implementing these lighting systems and the health advice given by leading organisations such as the WHO and the House of Lords, both of which have stressed the importance of minimising blue light exposure to protect public health.
Red and Near-Infrared Light: A Healthier Alternative
In contrast to blue light, red and near-infrared light have been shown to provide therapeutic benefits. Research demonstrates that these wavelengths promote healing, enhance mitochondrial function, and reduce inflammation—all essential for maintaining cellular health.
These forms of light are used in Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, which has been widely studied for its ability to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes without invasive procedures.
PBM is particularly effective in treating conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, and inflammatory diseases, and it has gained traction in military settings. The U.S. Navy and NASA have utilised red light therapy in submarines and for astronauts to aid muscle recovery and cognitive function under stress.
According to NASA, “red light therapy accelerates the healing process in stressed or damaged tissue, improving muscle recovery by over 50% in some cases.” This proven efficacy raises the question of why healthcare systems, like the NHS, have not adopted these technologies more widely, especially given their non-invasive and low-risk nature.
The Long-Term Risks and the Call for Healthier Light Exposure
The growing body of research suggests that chronic exposure to blue light, particularly in the evenings, could lead to widespread public health issues. The WHO and House of Lords reports highlight the urgent need for policy changes to reduce blue light exposure and encourage healthier lighting alternatives.
(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baroness_Evans_of_Bowes_Park_%2851111527606%29.jpg- ukhouseoflords, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
The House of Lords’ report stated: “The impact of artificial light at night on human health should not be ignored. Increased exposure to blue light disrupts sleep and could contribute to the development of serious diseases like diabetes and heart disease.”
In line with this, The Guardian further warned that “LED lights, while energy-efficient, are contributing to a global increase in sleep and metabolic disorders. There is an urgent need to balance environmental priorities with public health considerations.”
This growing evidence highlights the need for a reevaluation of public health policies related to artificial lighting. While blue LED lights may offer environmental and cost-saving benefits, they pose significant long-term risks to human health, particularly in regard to circadian disruption and metabolic disorders.
On the other hand, red and near-infrared light present a promising, non-invasive solution for improving health outcomes, from enhanced recovery to better sleep.
Given the potential benefits of Photobiomodulation and other light-based therapies, the question remains: why aren’t these safer technologies more widely adopted in healthcare environments?
What Is Light? And Why Does It Matter?
Light is often thought of as something purely visual, helping us see the world around us.
However, light is much more than what we perceive with our eyes.
At its core, light consists of photons, which are particles of energy that travel in electromagnetic waves.
When photons interact with objects, they bounce off particles, allowing us to visually experience the world.
But light doesn’t just act as a particle; many scientists suggest it also behaves like a vibration, similar to sound waves, influencing the very foundation of biological processes.
Light is not merely an external force for illumination; it also interacts with us on a molecular level, influencing our cells and overall health.
Our cells absorb and emit light, a process that is crucial for cellular communication and biochemical reactions.
However, not all chemical reactions require light. Many reactions occur due to heat or chemical catalysts.
But in photochemical reactions, light plays a direct role. Photons, which are particles of light (and a form of electromagnetic radiation), excite molecules, raising them to a higher energy state, allowing chemical reactions to occur.
For example, in photosynthesis, photons excite chlorophyll molecules, initiating the chemical process that produces energy-rich compounds in plants.
Electromagnetic radiation, which includes ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, and infrared light, interacts with matter in different ways.
For some reactions, such as UV-induced DNA damage or photosynthesis, photons are essential to trigger the molecular changes.
This is why radiation, or specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy, is critical in certain biological processes.
In this sense, light influences not only our visual experience but also the underlying molecular and cellular activities that sustain life.
Light, particularly biophotons—weak light emissions from living cells—plays a key role in cellular communication, helping regulate biological functions.
As Fritz-Albert Popp suggested, “Our health depends on the coherence of the light within our cells.”
Popp’s research also extended into how these light emissions could be harnessed for medical diagnostics and therapies, potentially providing a non-invasive method to assess cellular health and detect illnesses before they manifest symptomatically.
One particularly interesting aspect of Popp’s research is how biophotons may also play a role in the food we consume. Plants, like animals, emit biophotons, and these light emissions are thought to help regulate their growth, defense mechanisms, and cellular functions.
His studies revealed that fresh, organic foods such as fruits, vegetables, and microgreens emit a higher level of biophotons compared to processed or stored foods. This has led to the hypothesis that consuming biophoton-rich foods can enhance human cellular health by supporting cellular communication and coherence, effectively transmitting the light energy from plants to human cells.
This suggests that the quality of the light emitted by plants—just like that emitted by human cells—plays a significant role in health. Popp’s work encourages us to reconsider the way we view nutrition, not just in terms of vitamins and minerals, but also in terms of light energy.
Photobiomodulation and Red Light Therapy
Building on Popp’s work, other researchers have explored how specific wavelengths of light, such as red and near-infrared light, can be used therapeutically to improve cellular health.
Dr. Michael Hamblin has been a leading voice in this area, particularly in the study of Photobiomodulation (PBM)—a therapeutic technique that uses these light wavelengths to stimulate mitochondrial function.
Mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, play a crucial role in energy production. Hamblin’s research has shown that exposure to red and near-infrared light can enhance mitochondrial activity, leading to increased ATP production, which boosts cellular energy and accelerates healing.
PBM has proven effective in treating a range of conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. It has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in cells, repair tissue damage, and even improve cognitive function in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Hamblin has been an advocate for PBM as a non-invasive, low-risk therapy that could replace or supplement traditional treatments, particularly for conditions that involve inflammation or cell dysfunction.
He argues that “PBM offers a non-invasive, low-risk alternative to traditional treatments, making it a game-changer in modern medicine.” His findings have been crucial in the expansion of light-based therapies for a variety of ailments, demonstrating that light is a viable tool for tissue regeneration and healing.
Infrared Light and Mitochondrial Health
While PBM primarily focuses on red and near-infrared wavelengths, Bob Fosbury has emphasised the importance of infrared light in everyday environments. Fosbury’s research suggests that modern artificial lighting, dominated by blue light and largely devoid of infrared wavelengths, may be contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Infrared light is vital for mitochondrial health, as it helps maintain the efficiency of ATP production. Without exposure to this portion of the light spectrum, cells may become less efficient, leading to increased oxidative stress and a higher risk of chronic diseases.
Fosbury’s concern is that the modern shift toward energy-efficient LED lighting, which focuses on blue and white light, ignores the biological importance of infrared light. He warns that “The absence of infrared light in our environments could be undermining our health,” suggesting that just as we need a balanced diet, we also need a balanced light spectrum for optimal health. His research urges a reconsideration of how artificial light is designed and implemented in both public and private spaces.
Red Light Therapy and Age-Related Conditions
Dr. Glenn Jeffrey has contributed significantly to our understanding of how red light therapy can combat age-related conditions, particularly those involving vision loss.
His studies have demonstrated that red light therapy can rejuvenate mitochondrial function in the eyes, potentially reversing or slowing down the effects of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults.
By improving mitochondrial function, red light therapy has the potential to restore some degree of sight, offering hope for those affected by aging-related visual impairments. Jeffrey believes that “Light therapies could offer new hope for age-related diseases, improving quality of life in ways we haven’t yet fully understood.”
His research into the broader application of light therapies suggests that these treatments could not only slow the aging process but also significantly improve cognitive and physical functions in older adults, making light-based therapies a promising frontier in anti-aging medicine.
How We Can Make a Difference
We can make small but significant changes to improve our health by managing our light exposure.
Spending more time outdoors in natural sunlight will help regulate circadian rhythms and improve mental well-being.
Reducing blue light exposure in the evening by using dim, warm lights or blue light filters on screens will help protect melatonin production and improve sleep quality.
Incorporating red light therapy into daily routines can reduce inflammation, support mitochondrial function, and accelerate healing.
Eating fresh, organic foods rich in biophotons can further enhance cellular health and communication.
By understanding how light interacts with our biology, we can make informed decisions that positively influence our health and longevity.
For more detailed insights into how Photobiomodulation, biophotonics, and other light-based therapies can transform your health, download our comprehensive ebook. Discover how light can help heal, energise, and support your body from the inside out.
- The Lancet: Personal light exposure patterns and incidence of type 2 diabetes
https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2666-7762%2824%2900110-8 - NHS: Sick Building Syndrome
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sick-building-syndrome/ - House of Lords Report: The neglected pollutants: the effects of artificial light and noise on human health
https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/40937/documents/199438/default/ - NASA Research on Red Light Therapy
https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2019/hm_2.html - NASA and Red Light Therapy Overview
https://platinumtherapylights.co.uk/blogs/news/nasa-red-light-therapy?srsltid=AfmBOoouKiVJCMJsql6Ezf6_7LRguZqsi1nRp3EI_EtfEMisl88HebY6&shpxid=ccaef0f9-499f-46b3-9605-88da3cda68a6 - NHS Trust switches over to LED lights, saves hospital almost £35,000 and 41 tonnes CO2
https://www.surreyandsussex.nhs.uk/about-us/latest-news/nhs-trust-switches-over-led-lights-saves-hospital-almost-35000-and-41-tonnes-co2 - The Guardian: Increase in LED lighting ‘risks harming human and animal health’
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/14/increase-in-led-lighting-risks-harming-human-and-animal-health - Dr. Jack Kruse Reveals Insights _Banned TED Talk 2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5c6Dbz0K8E - Prof. Glen Jeffrey | Red Light Revolution: Charge Your Cells, Reduce Ageing & Decrease Inflammation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXr0UBeLkAM - Robert Sepehr: light, consciousness, and the human energy field
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkZcL4b93r8&t=7s&ab_channel=RobertSepehr
