Using Light (Sunlight, Blue Light & Red Light) to Optimize Health | Episode 68
Main Takeaways
Light is electromagnetic energy that travels in different wavelengths and affects the brain, body, and environment.
Different wavelengths of light penetrate tissues to different depths, with shortwave light not penetrating easily beyond the top layer of skin and longwave light penetrating deeper.
Light can alter the function of every cell in the body, and certain wavelengths of light can stimulate the function of specific organelles within specific cells and organs.
Rods and cones in the eye absorb different wavelengths of light and demand the most energy out of all cells in the body.
Skin pigment melanocytes absorb UV light and create changes in skin pigmentation.
Light can have direct or indirect effects on the body, starting with a particular wavelength of light being absorbed.
Light has both rapid and slow effects on the body, with even one exposure to UVB light changing hormone release and longer exposure to bright light environments increasing pain tolerance.
Melatonin, an important hormone for regulating sleep, is inhibited by light exposure, but supplementation should be avoided as it can have negative effects on hormone levels.
Exposure to shortwave light can trigger increases in testosterone and estrogen levels and influence the desire to mate.
Light exposure can affect mood and well-being, with getting enough UVB light early in the day being important for sleep, wakefulness, and mood, while avoiding light exposure at night is crucial for a good night's sleep.
