Green Light Therapy: Improving Mental Health With An LED Light
Green light therapy is a form of phototherapy that uses low-intensity green light waves to address various mental and physical health concerns. Research suggests that green light therapy may help with a range of symptoms, from migraines to signs of depression. Here, we’re providing an overview of green light therapy, sharing research on its efficacy, and outlining options for green light lamps and glasses.
What is green light therapy?
Green light therapy is a form of phototherapy in which participants are exposed to green lights through lamps or glasses. Green light exposure has been suggested to provide various mental and physical health benefits in some people. For example, there is evidence to indicate that green light therapy may help manage pain, treat migraines, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, some people are prescribed green light therapy to treat certain skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation.
How green light therapy works
While green light therapy has been suggested by research to potentially provide certain mental and physical health benefits, the exact mechanisms by which it works are still unknown. However, various neurobiological explanations have been proposed.
For mental health treatment
In some studies, green light exposure has been associated with reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. According to experts, green light appears to enhance the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that help regulate mood and facilitate several important cognitive functions. Green light therapy’s potential for pain relief might also help explain decreases in symptoms of mental health disorders because chronic pain is often connected to various conditions, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
For pain reduction
Certain neural pathways that run from the eyes to the visual cortex lead to regions of the brain responsible for alleviating pain. Green light therapy is thought to activate those areas of the brain. Again, researchers are still unsure of the mechanisms by which this occurs, but some studies have identified brain regions that are stimulated during green light therapy. For example, a study on mice found that green light therapy may alleviate pain through the anterior cingulate cortex.
In another study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona’s Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, rats exposed to green light therapy experienced reduced inflammation in the brain. These anti-inflammatory effects, alongside reduced synaptic plasticity, appeared to increase the efficacy of pain medicine.
For individuals with migraines, green light therapy is thought to help with light sensitivity. Blue light and other potentially harsh forms of light can exacerbate migraine pain, while green light might help alleviate it. In one study, researchers exposed individuals with chronic migraines to green, amber, blue, and red lights. They found that the green lights produced the smallest signals in the brain and retina, resulting in reduced pain. This inhibited response was traced to neurons in the thalamus, which are thought to be less impacted by green light.
Comparing green light therapy to other light therapies
Green light lamps and glasses share several characteristics with other forms of phototherapy. Bright light therapy, for example, also involves exposure to LED light bulbs. However, at 10,000 lux, bright light lamps are typically much more powerful than lamps that emit green light, which usually have an intensity of 100 to 400 lux. Often used to treat seasonal affective disorder, bright light devices are meant to regulate an individual’s sleep-wake cycles by simulating sunlight.
Green light therapy also differs from the light therapies used for skincare. Light therapy masks, for example, are becoming increasingly popular solutions for certain skin challenges, such as inflammation, acne, or scarring. While green lights are sometimes utilized, these masks typically rely on red light. Red light waves are longer than green light waves, which means they can penetrate deeper into the skin. There is some evidence to suggest that this might help enhance the production of collagen, which could reduce certain imperfections.
What does the research say about green light therapy?
Experts continue to study the effects of green light therapy. The following are a few recent reports on the efficacy of green light therapy for various mental and physical health concerns.
Studies on the efficacy of green light therapy
There is evidence that green light therapy may help reduce symptoms of depression. In a study examining the effects of green light exposure for intrusive negative thoughts, researchers suggest that the green light may have contributed to participants experiencing enhanced mood and improved sleep. Additionally, they reported fewer recurrent negative thoughts after treatment.
There is also evidence that green light glasses might alleviate anxiety. For example, in one study, researchers found that wearing green glasses appeared to help reduce anxiety and stress as well as pain in individuals undergoing a dental procedure. In another study, participants (who experienced fibromyalgia), wore either clear, blue, or green glasses for four-hour periods each day for two weeks. Individuals who wore the green glasses were four times more likely to experience decreased anxiety than those who wore the blue or clear glasses.
Finally, the results of several studies indicate that green light therapy might also be able to reduce physical pain in some cases. In one study, participants with fibromyalgia underwent one to two hours of green light therapy per day for 10 weeks, which the researchers suggest led to a “significant reduction in average pain intensity.”
While green light therapy has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of mental and physical health conditions, the amount of evidence pointing to its efficacy is still relatively limited. As a result, most experts currently consider green light therapy a potentially effective adjunct to traditional treatment modalities, such as psychotherapy for mental health conditions.
Choosing the right LED light or glasses for you
If you’re considering green light therapy, there are numerous options for lamps and glasses available to you. You might explore some of the following options or speak to your doctor or a mental health professional for recommendations.
LED light lamps
Green light therapy lamps come in several different designs. You can find lamps with flat screens that you can prop up at your bedside or in other areas of your home. You can also find lamps that emit green light from multiple directions. Additionally, you can purchase green light bulbs that may be screwed into lamps you already own.
Glasses
Green-tinted glasses can be more convenient than lamps, which may not travel as well. They can also be a more affordable option, with most pairs retailing between $15 and $30. Additionally, some glasses can filter out UV light, which may provide added benefits.
Are light therapies safe?
Generally, light therapies are considered safe. The bulbs used for green light therapy do not emit ultraviolet light, which can irritate and burn the skin. Plus, green light therapy typically uses a low light of 400 lux or less, which can be less harsh than the bulbs used for white light therapy. Green light glasses are also generally considered safe.
Certain adverse effects have been associated with some light therapies, such as bright light therapy for seasonal affective disorder. This form of treatment has been connected with symptoms of mania in individuals with bipolar disorder. Other potential adverse effects connected with LED light therapy include rashes, inflammation, and redness.
If you’re considering using an LED light or similar tool, a healthcare professional can help you determine whether light therapy might be right for you. They may also suggest that you use goggles or other protective measures while participating in light therapy.
Online therapy: Mental health treatment through technology
Advancements in technology have made it easier to connect with qualified psychotherapists. If you’re seeking to reduce depression associated with chronic pain or address other mental health concerns, you might consider working with a licensed therapist online. Keep in mind that symptoms of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety typically won't resolve on their own, so seeking professional treatment is generally recommended.
The potential benefits of working with a therapist online
With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can participate in sessions with a licensed therapist remotely through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging. Additionally, you can message your therapist outside of sessions—which means you can ask questions about certain concepts or clarify points made during therapy at any time—and they'll respond as soon as they're able.
The effectiveness of online therapy
Research suggests that online therapy can often be effective for addressing various mental health conditions, including symptoms related to chronic pain. For example, in one study, researchers indicate that online therapy interventions may lead to significant reductions in pain as well as decreases in anxiety and depression.
Takeaway
What color light is best for anxiety?
Blue is often considered one of the best colors for anxiety, as it may offer potential benefits to people experiencing anxiety, depression, or agitation. Blue light therapy is sometimes used for people with seasonal affective disorder to reduce the risk of severe symptoms. Other colors, such as green, may also support patients and help people get better sleep. You can use a blue light filter on your phone for around two hours before bed to increase these impacts.
Is red light therapy better than green light?
Red light therapy may also be helpful, depending on the treatment you’re receiving, the power of the light, and the wavelength. Infrared light and red light therapy are often used for skin health. Red light might be helpful for wound healing. In contrast, green light therapy is frequently recommended for postsurgical pain after surgery, chronic pain conditions, acute pain, headaches, or pain management in general. The idea of light therapy is often to improve symptoms in a medical environment to improve one’s quality of life. Both green and red light therapy can be used for population healthcare.
What are the side effects of green LED light therapy?
Some people may experience side effects from light therapy, especially if electrical signals are involved in the process. Below are some potential effects to look for, but talk to your doctor for more specific information about your situation:
- Worsened rash or irritation on the skin
- Low or high blood pressure
- Redness
- Pain
- Eye strain
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Mood changes
What does green light do to your brain?
Green light may reduce anxiety and pain by activating the brain’s natural opioid receptor system. In addition, it may reduce inflammation in the nervous system. For some people who live with migraines, green light can reduce the intensity of their pain. Finally, green light may regulate the brain’s neurotransmitter system, improving mood.
How often should I do green light therapy?
The amount of green light therapy you try depends on how many sessions your doctor or therapist recommends. People generally partake in this light therapy two to three times a week. You might try the treatment more often if you notice positive impacts.
How long does the green light take to work?
Your doctor or therapist can instruct you on how many sessions of green light therapy to try. If you don’t notice changes within a couple of weeks, let them know. Many people report experiencing positive reductions in anxiety after a few weeks of treatment, though it can take longer. The treatment can take over eight weeks for conditions like hyperpigmentation of the skin. These numbers can vary depending on the individual and why the light therapy was prescribed.
Does green light therapy really work?
Some preliminary studies show that green light therapy does improve mental health and may be useful in treating certain chronic pain conditions. However, many studies are still new and currently being funded. Most side effects of green light therapy are mild, and many people report not experiencing any, so trying the treatment is considered low-risk.
How much does green light therapy cost?
The cost of green light therapy depends on where you get it and the reason you’re receiving treatment. You may be able to obtain this treatment in therapy or at a doctor’s appointment, including it in the cost. However, insurance might not cover this service on its own. Talk to your insurance company before receiving treatment to check your eligibility. If you are paying out of pocket, you may expect to pay around $100 to $200 for each session.
Is light therapy covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies do not cover light therapy. However, contact your insurance company to learn more about their specific policies. If the procedure is prescribed due to a medical necessity, it may be more likely to be covered by insurance.
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