Helight is a form of red-light therapy technology that is scientifically calibrated at 630 nanometers to emit a high-power red LED light. This is called PhotoBioModulation (PBM). Our organism, with a mechanism comparable to that of photosynthesis in plants, has a vital need for light to develop. Helight technology helps improve individual performance in daily activities by improving cognitive functions, physical conditions, and quality of sleep.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal affective disorder is classified as a type of major depression with seasonal pattern. SAD typically impacts people the most in the fall and winter months when it is colder and there is less natural light. DSAF affects millions, including at least 5% of adults in the United States.
The science behind Red Light Therapy and SAD
Red light therapy wavelengths may be most effective in treating depression, because they can reach deeper into body tissues than red light. When red light from a clinical light therapy device is shined on person’s head, those wavelengths are actually able to go beyond the surface of the skin and reach the brain and affect cells directly. Natural light is absorbed by the mitochondria, which boosts cerebral metabolism, improves neuroplasticity, and decreases inflammation, according to cutting-edge depression research. More natural light for you brain cells has also been found to improve the metabolic capacity of your neurons, increase oxygen consumption, and boost cells’ ATP energy production.
How does Red Light Therapy help with SAD?
Our need for natural light is undeniable, and consequently SAD typically impacts people the most in fall and winter months when the days are shorter and there is less natural light. What’s worse is that many of those who are diagnosed with SAD, especially individuals from northern climates, are all too familiar with the demoralizing feeling of getting up for work before the sun is up and going home after the sun has already set. A lack of natural light exposure in the workplace has shown to result in higher levels of cortisol and lower levels of nighttime melatonin, which is associated with depression symptoms and poor sleep quality.
“Red light therapy”, otherwise known as photobiomodulation, is used to describe natural light treatments that most often include red and near infrared wavelengths. For mental health treatment, NIR wavelengths may be most effective in treating depression, because they can reach deeper into body tissues than red light. When NIR light from a clinical light therapy device is shined on a person’s head, those wavelengths are actually able to go beyond the surface of the skin and reach the brain and affect brain cells directly. Natural light is absorbed by the mitochondria, which boosts cerebral metabolism, improves neuroplasticity, and decreases inflammation, according to cutting-edge depression research. More natural light for your brain cells has also been found to improve the metabolic capacity of your neurons, increase oxygen consumption, and boost cells’ ATP energy production.
Is there evidence that Red Light Therapy reduces SAD?
More than 4000 scientific studies are published, highlighting the effectiveness of this light on our cells. The first works date from 1903, thanks to a Danish doctor, who also received the Nobel Prize for medicine for having discovered that certain kinds of light cured particular pathologies. Emerging clinical research shows potential for natural light as a safe and effective treatment for depression. In 2018, leading mental health researchers conducted the Elated-2 Pilot Trial to test transcranial near infrared light therapy for people with major depression symptoms. This double-blind, sham-controlled trial was one of the first of its kind. Its positive findings have encouraged optimism about wider use of natural light treatments for people with depression. These are the highlights:
- Natural Light Treatments for 8 Weeks: Patients with major depression who participated in the Elated-2 trial were given natural light treatments directed at their head twice a week, for 8 weeks.
- Light Therapy had Antidepressant Properties: Elated-2 researchers concluded that transcranial light therapy “demonstrated antidepressant properties with a medium to large effect size in patients with major depressive disorder.”
- Safe and Well-Tolerated: Crucially, researchers noted that natural light treatments were well tolerated by patients, with no serious side effects or reactions.
How often should I do Red Light Therapy to help with SAD?
Results from Helight can be seen after a singular 15–20-minute session; however, consistency is key. Multiple maintenance sessions are recommended monthly for optimal results.
What are the side effects of Red-Light Therapy?
There are no negative side affects and no down time following a Helight session.
