Huberman Lab

Using Red Light to Improve Metabolism & the Harmful Effects of LEDs | Dr. Glen Jeffery

768 snips
Dec 1, 2025
Guest
Glen Jeffery
Dr. Glen Jeffery, a neuroscience professor at University College London, dives into the fascinating effects of light on our health. He explains how long-wavelength light, such as red and near-infrared, enhances mitochondrial function, improves metabolism, and even boosts mood and vision. Contrastingly, he highlights the harmful impacts of LED lighting's blue spikes on mitochondrial health. Jeffery shares practical tips for optimizing light exposure to promote longevity and well-being, making a strong case for balancing artificial light with natural sunlight.
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Red/IR Light Acts Via Nanowater

  • Long-wavelength (red/near-IR) light enhances mitochondrial function by acting on the water surrounding mitochondria, not the mitochondria directly.
  • This improves ATP production quickly and induces longer-term increases in mitochondrial proteins.
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Red Light Penetrates And Scatters Deeply

  • Long-wavelength light penetrates skin, clothing, and even bone, scattering throughout tissues; a few percent can transmit through the body.
  • Inside the body it scatters broadly, so local exposure yields systemic exposure.
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Use Red Light To Blunt Glucose Spikes

  • Give a short burst of long-wavelength light to skin (small patch on the back) before a glucose tolerance test to reduce glucose spike by ~20%.
  • Use modest energy; systemic mitochondrial community signaling mediates the effect.
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