#196 - Red Light Therapy: All I See Is Red

Red light therapy has moved well beyond the world of skincare and into something far more biologically intriguing. From mitochondrial function to retinal aging to chronic tendon pain, specific wavelengths of light, particularly in the 630 to 670 nm range, are being studied for their ability to influence how our cells produce energy, respond to stress, and recover from injury. While the science is promising, it is also uneven, with strong signals in some areas and much thinner evidence in others. In this episode we will:

• Review the fundamentals of photobiomodulation and how red light interacts with mitochondria
• Learn about the differences between common wavelengths like 630 nm and 670 nm and why they matter
• Examine the strongest evidence for red light therapy in skin health and cosmetic applications
• Explore the emerging research on 670 nm light and retinal function, including effects on color contrast sensitivity
• Break down the mixed clinical data on age-related macular degeneration and what multiwavelength trials are showing
• Discover the preclinical evidence suggesting protection of retinal ganglion cells and neuroretinal tissue
• Evaluate the research behind red light therapy for musculoskeletal pain, including plantar fasciitis and tendinopathies
• Understand the limitations of current studies, including dosing variability and small sample sizes
• Identify where red light therapy may fit as an adjunct versus where it falls short as a primary treatment

Original intro music Vigilanteology by Abhinav Singh (copyright 2026)

Original outro music Vigilanteology (reprise) by Abhinav Singh (copyright 2026)

Produced by: Maeve Winter

Music by: Dr. Abhinav Singh (@sleep_vigilante), all rights reserved

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Thanks for listening and sleep well!