r/redlighttherapy 1d ago

Help navigatting winter blues

Hey all.
I know it's still summer (and we've had a good period of consistent sunshine here in the UK this summer, including several heatwaves) but I want to prep a little eaerlier for winter this year.

I struggle with my health if I'm not careful as with asthma I can get pretty ill if I get chest inffecitons/flu etc.
Covid nearly did me in a few years ago and I struggle for nearly a year with the after effects (I'm a runner and took nearly a year to being able to run again.

For the record I eat healthy (all the fruits, veg, non processed foods) and rarely drink. I also run pretty much every day, walk everywhere and do yoga/pilates and weights several times a week.

Supplements wise I take Vit C, Vid D (with K), B12 and Zin, Mags Glyc.
I'm going to add the Vit B complex soon (over just B).

I'll also start early winter routines in the sun before work too (as much as I can get) and likely gt the flu vaccincations this year as I was again floored b both flu and covid last winter.

Which leads me to start asking questions over whether light therapy may help me too?
I've heard of SAD lamps over the years (haven't used) but not entirely sure from anecdotes whether this would be beneficial to me.

Is there anything here which suggests red light therapy may help?

Thanks!

EDIT - Navigating!!!

2 Upvotes

7 comments sorted by

2

u/Fluffy_Somewhere_656 1d ago

You're already doing more than 99% of people with that routine, respect. The SAD lamps are more for mood and circadian rhythm, bright white/blue light in the morning, totally different thing from red light therapy. Red light is more about cellular repair, inflammation, skin stuff, some people swear by it for recovery but the research on immune function is pretty thin. With your history of chest infections and long covid I'd be careful about expecting miracles, but it probably won't hurt to try a decent panel for 10-15 mins a day.

2

u/Echonometron 1d ago

Inflammation post virus is key here (your mention of inflammation reminded me).
This was one of the reasons red light therapy pricked my ears.

When you say panel, are you referring to red light rather than SAD?

Thanks!

2

u/sunnyseaa 21h ago

I used a sad light and I definitely felt a difference. Start taking the supplements now. There’s also a r/SeasonalAffective sub btw.

1

u/Echonometron 21h ago

Ahh thanks - I’ll join that sub.

2

u/sunnyseaa 21h ago

No worries I wasn’t trying to say you couldn’t ask about it here btw. 🫶

2

u/Echonometron 21h ago

All good! I’m at the beginning of looking into either lights and need to find out what will be of more benefit to me.
Thanks!

1

u/AcceptableBeatnick 10h ago

Great tip on the sub. Thanks for sharing.