Far Infrared Light and
Our Health
About Far Infrared Light Deficiency
In an era dominated by artificial lighting and prolonged indoor living, exposure to the full spectrum of natural sunlight has sharply declined. Among the most neglected wavelengths is far infrared light, a crucial segment of the light spectrum that ranges from approximately 3,000 to 100,000 nanometers. Although invisible to the naked eye and non-thermal in perception, far infrared light exerts a profound biological influence on cellular function, tissue health, and neurological balance. Its deficiency, largely unrecognized in conventional health conversations, has emerged as a silent disruptor of human physiology.
Far infrared light is not a passive byproduct of sunlight. It is a biologically active signal essential for mitochondrial support and thermal regulation. Specifically, it influences biological systems by interacting with water molecules and stimulating mild increases in tissue temperature, which can indirectly support mitochondrial activity and blood circulation.
Historically, humans received daily exposure to far infrared light through natural sunlight and environmental surfaces warmed by the sun. However, in today’s modern environments, far infrared light is mainly absent since artificial lighting dominates and outdoor exposure is minimal. Common sources of indoor lighting, such as LEDs and fluorescent bulbs, emit little to no light in this spectrum, creating an invisible but impactful form of light malnutrition.
Scientific literature, including findings published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, has confirmed the role of far infrared light in improving circulation, supporting mitochondrial performance, reducing oxidative stress, modulating inflammation, and enhancing cellular resilience. Without this daily exposure, the body’s energy systems, tissue repair mechanisms, and neurological processes may begin to falter, often without any immediately obvious signs.
Health Challenges Due to Far Infrared Light Deficiency
Far infrared light is a vital component of natural sunlight that the human body has long relied on for cellular health, energy regulation, and biological signaling. However, in today’s built environments, exposure to this specific wavelength has dramatically diminished.
This widespread reduction in far-infrared light exposure has consequences. Though its deficiency does not produce immediate symptoms, it silently disrupts fundamental physiological processes over time. Its absence sets the stage for a gradual decline in cellular function and systemic resilience.
Emerging research now suggests that a deficiency in far infrared light may be a contributing factor to various modern health concerns. The reality is more nuanced: our lighting environment has undergone a dramatic shift over the last century, and the body’s lack of exposure to far infrared light may be an overlooked environmental stressor with wide-reaching effects.
Impaired Mitochondrial Function and Energy Production
Far infrared light may play a supportive role in mitochondrial function by mildly elevating tissue temperature and enhancing cellular metabolism. A deficiency in far infrared light can lead to lower cellular energy efficiency, potentially affecting ATP production indirectly.
This energy deficit may manifest as persistent fatigue, impaired tissue repair, sluggish immune responses, and a general decline in cellular function. Research has shown that light in the red-to-infrared spectrum supports mitochondrial respiration and reduces oxidative stress, suggesting that the absence of this stimulation may compromise metabolic health over time.
Disruption of Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Patterns
Far infrared light is naturally present in sunlight during the day and contributes to environmental cues that help regulate the body’s circadian rhythms. These wavelengths indirectly support the natural regulation of melatonin by influencing thermoregulation and autonomic balance.
Without daily exposure to these cues, circadian misalignment can develop, leading to sleep fragmentation, reduced melatonin production, mood disorders, and hormonal imbalance. A 2017 study emphasized that red-spectrum light enhances circadian entrainment and promotes deeper, more restorative sleep.
Delayed Healing and Impaired Tissue Regeneration
Red and far-infrared wavelengths penetrate deeply into biological tissues. They stimulate fibroblast activity, angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and collagen synthesis, processes essential for wound repair and post-surgical recovery. Deficient exposure to far infrared light compromises these regenerative pathways, particularly in individuals with chronic wounds or postoperative needs.
A meta-analysis found that red and near-infrared light significantly accelerated wound closure and reduced inflammatory markers.
Accelerated Skin Aging and Deterioration of Skin Health
Far infrared light stimulates dermal fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, key proteins that maintain skin firmness, elasticity, and resilience. In environments devoid of red and far infrared light exposure, these cells exhibit reduced activity, contributing to premature skin aging, wrinkle formation, and decreased skin thickness.
A 2014 clinical study showed that red light therapy improved skin smoothness, tone, and reduced signs of aging, supporting its role in maintaining dermal health.
Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Light within the far infrared spectrum has been shown to activate anti-inflammatory pathways and modulate cytokine expression. This includes the upregulation of nitric oxide, a vasodilator and antioxidant that plays a crucial role in reducing cellular oxidative stress.
When infrared light exposure is chronically insufficient, the body becomes more susceptible to systemic inflammation, which contributes to the pathogenesis of conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders. Research has demonstrated the ability of infrared light to mitigate oxidative damage by enhancing the body’s antioxidant defenses.
Cognitive Decline and Neurological Vulnerability
Far-infrared and near-infrared light can penetrate the skull and stimulate activity in brain tissues, supporting neuroplasticity, reducing neuroinflammation, and enhancing cognitive performance. When such wavelengths are missing, particularly in environments rich in artificial lighting but lacking full-spectrum light, neurological functions may begin to deteriorate.
Photobiomodulation using red and near-infrared light has shown potential in enhancing memory, reaction time, and mental clarity. Conversely, limited exposure may contribute to cognitive fog, mood disturbances, and vulnerability to neurodegeneration.
Summary
Despite their critical importance to human health, far-infrared and near-infrared wavelengths are not naturally present in most indoor environments. Standard LED and fluorescent lighting do not emit these biologically beneficial wavelengths, and most individuals now spend over 90% of their time indoors. As a result, we are facing a widespread yet underrecognized epidemic of infrared light deprivation.
This hidden health crisis affects everything from mitochondrial function and inflammation to cognitive performance and skin integrity. It is a byproduct of modern architecture, urbanization, and artificial lighting technologies that deprive the human body of an essential environmental input it was biologically designed to receive.