Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, or waking up feeling drained? You’re not alone. In our screen-lit world, many of us struggle with poor sleep, chronic stress, and slow physical recovery.
The good news is that Red Light Therapy (RLT) and Infrared Light Therapy are evidence-backed tools designed to help. At Evolve and La Bohème, we’ve woven these science-based practices into our guest experience to help you rest, recharge, and restore balance.
What Is Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)?
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses specific low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light to stimulate your body at a cellular level.
These therapeutic wavelengths penetrate the skin to reach the mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of your cells. By boosting cellular energy (ATP), RLT supports the body’s natural repair processes, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation. It is a non-invasive cornerstone of modern holistic wellness and recovery.
The Top Benefits of Red Light Therapy
1. Skin Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging
Red light therapy is a favourite for those seeking a natural "glow." By stimulating collagen and elastin production, it helps to:
• Firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Improve skin tone and fade age spots.
•Calm inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
2. Muscle Recovery and Natural Pain Relief
RLT is highly effective for physical restoration. By reducing oxidative stress in the muscles, it can:
• Ease muscle soreness and joint pain.
• Speed up post-workout recovery times.
• Support overall athletic performance and physical healing.
3. Improved Sleep Quality and Mental Calm
One of the greatest benefits of red light for sleep is its ability to encourage melatonin production. Unlike the "blue light" from phones that keeps us awake, red light signals to your brain that it is time to wind down.
• Red light for anxiety: Helps lower cortisol levels and supports serotonin balance.
• Mental Clarity: Improves morning focus by ensuring deeper, restorative sleep stages.
Red Light vs. Infrared Light: What’s the Difference?
While red light treats the surface (skin), Infrared light therapy goes deeper into the body, reaching muscles, joints, and connective tissues.
This is why infrared saunas and deep-tissue lamps are so popular in wellness retreats. They are the "gold standard" for detoxification, deep tissue repair, and longevity-focused wellness.
How to Improve Your Sleep Hygiene with Red Light
You don't need a professional setup to start seeing results. Here are simple, low-cost ways to integrate red light into your evening sleep hygiene routine:
• Switch Your Bulbs: Swap bedside lamps for melatonin-friendly red or amber bulbs (usually costing between £10–£30).
• Evening Dimming: Turn off bright overhead lights 1-2 hours before bed.
• Digital Detox: Use blue-light filters on devices or, better yet, swap the screen for a book under a red reading light.
• Create a Ritual: Combine red lighting with gentle stretching or breathwork to signal your nervous system to rest.
Experience Restorative Wellness at Evolve and La Bohème
At Evolve and La Bohème, we believe your environment is the key to your well-being. We offer dedicated red lighting in our rooms, creating a serene, restorative atmosphere designed to encourage deep relaxation.
Our guests frequently report sleeping more soundly and waking up feeling more refreshed, a testament to how subtle shifts in light can transform your health.
Important Note: If you have light sensitivity, epilepsy, or certain skin conditions, please consult your GP before beginning red or infrared light therapy.
