LED lighting has become a go-to option for those seeking energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting solutions. While many people are aware of the advantages of LEDs in terms of efficiency and sustainability, fewer realise that LEDs can also have significant health benefits. In this article, we explore how LED lighting can contribute to your health and well-being, as well as support healing and recovery from injuries.
To appreciate the health benefits of LED lighting, it’s essential to understand electromagnetic radiation. We can divide electromagnetic radiation into three main categories:
These types of radiation fall within a range of 100nm (nanometres) to 1 millimetre on the electromagnetic spectrum. While our sun is a natural source of this radiation, modern lighting systems, including LEDs, can replicate it.
However, not all electromagnetic radiation is beneficial. Ensuring the use of only safe lighting solutions in public and private spaces is crucial. At Forge, we adhere to the IEC 62471 safety standard, which categorises light sources based on their potential risks. Our LED luminaires, especially those without directly visible LEDs, are designed to be in the safest category, posing no health risks.
The visible light spectrum includes various colours, each with a different wavelength. For instance, blue light has a shorter wavelength, ranging from 415 to 455 nm. This specific wavelength plays a significant role in regulating our body’s natural rhythms.
Blue-green light, a component of natural sunlight, triggers a pigment in our eyes called Melanopsin. This pigment helps maintain alertness by suppressing Melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. While exposure to blue-green light during the day helps regulate our circadian rhythm and keeps us awake, it is best avoided in the evening when preparing for sleep.
LEDs equipped with tunable white technology can be adjusted according to the time of day, helping to support natural circadian rhythms. This capability allows for increased alertness during the day and better rest at night.
Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a medical treatment that uses specific wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to promote healing. While lasers can target small areas precisely, LEDs offer broader, more even coverage, making them ideal for full-body treatments.
PBMT has numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation after surgery or injury and enhancing sports performance. By decreasing the pain-inducing chemical Bradykinin, PBMT can reduce nerve sensitivity and pain. Additionally, PBMT improves circulation and stimulates the production of collagen, elastin, and fibroblasts, which can help tighten wrinkles and speed up tissue healing.
LEDs are incredibly versatile, with applications ranging from helipad lighting to 3D printing and even critical medical procedures. In healthcare, Photobiomodulation and other light-based therapies use LEDs to achieve specific therapeutic outcomes. Blue and red light therapies are particularly notable for their health benefits.
Red light therapy (RLT) utilises red light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes by increasing cellular energy production. This therapy boosts the ATP (adenosine triphosphate) process in mitochondria, enhancing the cells’ ability to heal. RLT is effective in reducing inflammation, repairing skin, and accelerating recovery from muscle atrophy. It has also been beneficial in treating conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendinitis, dental pain, and dementia.
Blue light therapy (BLT), often used in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), is an effective treatment for various skin cancers and precancerous conditions like Actinic Keratoses. When combined with specific chemicals, blue light targets and destroys harmful cells while preserving healthy skin. Blue light therapy has also shown success in treating other cancers, including those affecting the lungs, pancreas, and brain.
Beyond cancer treatment, blue light is also used to treat less severe skin conditions, such as acne. By exposing acne-prone skin to blue light, it destroys the bacteria responsible. Additionally, blue light therapy is used to prevent or treat neonatal jaundice (icterus neonatorum) through a photochemical process.
We hope this article has shed light on the incredible health benefits that high quality LEDs can offer. From supporting essential medical treatments to enhancing mental well-being during long periods indoors, LEDs are truly versatile and invaluable tools.
At Forge, we specialise in designing and manufacturing bespoke LED lighting solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require energy efficient lighting for a commercial space or a custom solution for medical applications, we can help. Contact us today to learn how our LED systems can benefit your health and well-being while providing cost-effective and eco-friendly lighting.
