Effects of Near-Infrared Light on Well-Being and Health in Human Subjects with Mild Sleep-Related Complaints: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Modern urban human activities are largely restricted to the indoors, deprived of direct sunlight containing visible and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths at high irradiance levels. Therapeutic exposure to doses of red and NIR, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has been effective for a broad range of...

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Published in:Biology (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2022-12, Vol.12 (1), p.60
Main Authors: Giménez, Marina Cecilia, Luxwolda, Michelle, Van Stipriaan, Eila G, Bollen, Pauline P, Hoekman, Rieks L, Koopmans, Marthe A, Arany, Praveen R, Krames, Michael R, Berends, Anne C, Hut, Roelof A, Gordijn, Marijke C M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Circadian rhythms
Double-blind studies
Drowsiness
Heart rate
human clinical trial
I.R. radiation
immune system
Inflammation
Light emitting diodes
Metabolism
near-infrared
photobiomodulation
Placebos
Radiation
Seasonal variations
Skin
Sleep
Sunlight
Winter
Wound healing
γ-Interferon
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Summary:Modern urban human activities are largely restricted to the indoors, deprived of direct sunlight containing visible and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths at high irradiance levels. Therapeutic exposure to doses of red and NIR, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has been effective for a broad range of conditions. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, we aimed to assess the effects of a PBM home set-up on various aspects of well-being, health, sleep, and circadian rhythms in healthy human subjects with mild sleep complaints. The effects of three NIR light (850 nm) doses (1, 4, or 6.5 J·cm ) were examined against the placebo. Exposure was presented five days per week between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm for four consecutive weeks. The study was conducted in both summer and winter to include seasonal variation. The results showed PBM treatment only at 6.5 J·cm to have consistent positive benefits on well-being and health, specifically improving mood, reducing drowsiness, reducing IFN-γ, and resting heart rate. This was only observed in winter. No significant effects on sleep or circadian rhythms were noted. This study provides further evidence that adequate exposure to NIR, especially during low sunlight conditions, such as in the winter, can be beneficial for human health and wellness.
ISSN:2079-7737
2079-7737
DOI:10.3390/biology12010060