Unlock the Power of Red Light for Restful Nights
Experience the calm: Red light therapy helps reset your circadian rhythm and promote deeper, more restful sleep—naturally
Red Light Therapy for Better Sleep: Here's the Science
If you struggle with falling or staying asleep, you're not alone. Sleep disturbances are one of the most common complaints among adults, and many people are now turning to red light therapy as a natural, noninvasive solution. At Oxygen and Light in Lynnwood, WA, we've seen firsthand how red light therapy in the Puget Sound region is helping people rest deeper, feel refreshed, and reset their internal clocks.
Today, we'll discuss the science behind red light therapy, how it supports better sleep, and how we combine it with HBOT to boost overall recovery.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy involves exposure to specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light (typically between 630 and 850 nm). These wavelengths penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular processes, particularly in the mitochondria, where they help boost the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's energy currency.
This cellular energy supports healing, reduces inflammation, and can even influence melatonin production, which is directly tied to sleep regulation.
How Red Light Therapy Supports Sleep
Recent studies support the role of light in regulating circadian rhythm and sleep quality. For instance, a 2015 study by Chang et al. demonstrated that exposure to blue light from electronic devices before bed suppressed melatonin production and disrupted sleep, leading to next-day fatigue and slower cognitive performance. This underscores the importance of choosing red light over blue or white light sources in the evening. [2]
Additionally, a 2022 study by Wu et al. showed that chronobiologically tailored light therapy helped breast cancer survivors reduce fatigue and sleep disruption—highlighting how properly timed light exposure, including red light, can aid sleep in people with serious health challenges. [3]
Stimulates Natural Melatonin Production
Red light does not disrupt circadian rhythm like blue light (from screens and LEDs) does. Exposure to red light at night has been shown to support natural melatonin release, helping you wind down and prepare for restful sleep.
Improves Sleep Quality in Clinical Studies
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that student-athletes who received 30 minutes of red light therapy at night for two weeks had improved sleep quality and increased melatonin levels. [1]
Reduces Cortisol and Supports Relaxation
Red light exposure may help reduce stress-related cortisol levels, allowing the body to transition into parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) mode.
Balances Circadian Rhythms
Consistent red light exposure can help reset disrupted sleep cycles in people experiencing jet lag, shift work fatigue, or insomnia due to screen overexposure.
What Makes Red Light Therapy Different from Other Light Therapies?
Neuroscientific research supports that red and near-infrared light promote relaxation and penetrate deeper into brain tissue, where they may positively affect neurological function and mood. Hart and Fitzgerald (2016) explain how red-near-infrared light delivery has shown promise in modulating brain chemistry, including melatonin pathways—providing a further reason why this type of light is ideal for sleep support. [4]
Unlike harsh white or blue light in many devices and environments, red light has a soothing, non-stimulating effect on the brain. While blue light stimulates alertness, red light has been shown to signal the body that it's time to wind down.
This makes red light therapy ideal in the evening as part of your pre-bedtime routine, especially for those who want to avoid medications or sedatives.
Why Combine Red Light Therapy with HBOT?
At Oxygen and Light in Lynnwood, we pair red light therapy with mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to create a comprehensive approach to cellular wellness and nervous system regulation. Here's how this combination works:
Red light enhances mitochondrial energy production
HBOT increases oxygen saturation in the bloodstream
Together, they reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and promote nervous system balance
Many clients report more profound, restorative sleep within the first few sessions.
Book your first Red light session today!
Who Can Benefit?
Red light therapy is beneficial for:
Shift workers
People with insomnia
Those recovering from illness or surgery
Athletes needing deeper recovery
Anyone dealing with chronic fatigue or nighttime anxiety
What to Expect at Oxygen and Light
Our Oxygen and Light in Lynwood offers a full range of red light therapy tools designed to support better sleep and whole-body recovery. Our facility features:
A full-body red light therapy station for systemic cellular support
A targeted red light therapy helmet designed for brain and mood regulation
Red light therapy wrist devices for localized circulation and sleep support
Each option allows us to tailor your session to your needs—whether to wind down before bed, address inflammation, or improve mental clarity.
Our Puget Sound wellness clinic delivers red light therapy in a relaxing, private space using FDA-cleared panels calibrated to optimal wavelengths for sleep and cellular repair.
Sessions typically last 20–30 minutes and can be scheduled in the afternoon or evening, depending on your sleep goals
Final Thoughts: Restful Nights Start with the Right Light
Red light therapy is a powerful tool for sleep regulation and recovery. By tapping into your body's natural circadian rhythms, red light helps you ease into sleep, stay asleep longer, and wake up refreshed.
Whether you're seeking recovery from stress or illness or want to feel more rested, our team at Oxygen and Light in Lynnwood is here to guide you.
References:
Zhao J, Tian Y, Nie J, Xu J, Liu D. Red light and the sleep quality of student athletes. J Athl Train. 2012;47(5):498–503. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-47.5.14
Chang AM, Aeschbach D, Duffy JF, Czeisler CA. Evening use of light-emitting eReaders negatively affects sleep, circadian timing, and next-morning alertness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015;112(4):1232-1237. doi:10.1073/pnas.1418490112
Wu HS, Gao F, Yan L, Given C. Evaluating chronotypically tailored light therapy for breast cancer survivors: Preliminary findings on fatigue and disrupted sleep. Chronobiol Int. 2022;39(2):221-232.
