Red light

Red light therapy comes in different forms and can have various health benefits according to Andrew Huberman. Potential advantages include:

1. Reducing photophobia and possibly helping prevent headaches.
2. Limiting cortisol levels to improve sleep quality.
3. Speeding muscle recovery and improving skin health, including wound healing.
4. Decreasing pain and inflammation.
5. Assisting with treating acne and other skin issues.
6. Enhancing mitochondrial function.
7. Potentially improving vision and offsetting age-related vision loss.

The therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to trigger cellular adaptations. It can be used for full body exposure or targeted areas. Red and near-infrared light therapies can be done early in the day, preferably within the first three hours of waking, for some benefits. Homemade or purchased red light sources are both options—using the correct wavelengths is crucial. It is also worth mentioning that while some commercial red light panels might boast high intensity and luxury, the most important aspect is using the proper wavelengths for the desired effect 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8.

Additionally, Huberman recommends considering peer-reviewed studies for accurate information on the use of red light therapy. Users should consult healthcare professionals for specific advice and personalized guidelines 3.

To use red light therapy properly, considering the advice from Andrew Huberman, you should:

1. Use red light bulbs purchased inexpensively online for photophobia or headache relief. These can replace your current indoor lighting and limit cortisol levels at evening time to improve sleep quality and transition. There's no need for specially designed red light products for this purpose—cheap party lights will suffice 1.
2. Apply red light early in the day within the first three hours of waking to improve neuronal function and health. Alternatively, red light can also be beneficial at night for those who need to stay awake, like shift workers or for taking care of children. The light should be as dim as possible to avoid suppressing melatonin production or increasing cortisol 2.
3. Create your own red light source if desired, using a bright flashlight covered with a filter that allows only long wavelengths to pass through. This can be done by acquiring the materials and instructions online 3.

   Red Light Therapy

   Andrew Huberman

   Andrew explains how using red light therapy can help reduce photophobia and offset early signs of headaches. Red lights are also useful in limiting cortisol levels, which can improve sleep quality. These lights can be purchased inexpensively online, making it an accessible solution for those experiencing photophobia.

   

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4. If you’re treating specific areas for wound healing, skin health, or acne, use directed illumination rather than whole body illumination. This method ensures that the specific areas in need are properly targeted 4.

Note that red light therapy is a field that's still developing with ongoing research, so it's essential to follow peer-reviewed studies and possibly consult with healthcare professionals. Always check the specifications of the red light devices to ensure they emit the required wavelengths for the intended benefits 3.