The Lost Spectrum: How Red and Near-Infrared Light Disappeared from Our Lives

In today's fast-paced world, most of us spend the majority of our lives indoors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend a staggering 93% of their lives inside [1]. This shift has profound implications for our health and well-being. Not only are we missing out on the natural light we evolved under, but we're also increasingly exposed to a narrow spectrum of artificial light dominated by blue wavelengths. This change has significant health implications, in part, due to the loss of red and near-infrared light from our environments.

A Historical Perspective on Red & Near-Infrared Light

For millennia, humans lived in harmony with the natural light of the sun. From sunrise to sunset, our ancestors spent their days outside, receiving the full spectrum of sunlight, including the beneficial red and near-infrared wavelengths. These wavelengths of light penetrate into the body, playing a crucial role in various biological processes, from cellular energy production to reducing inflammation.

In addition to sunlight, early humans relied on fire for warmth and light. Whether it was the glow of a campfire or the flicker of a candle, these sources emitted red and near-infrared light. Campfires provided a natural gathering place, and the red and near-infrared light emitted by the flames contributed to health and well-being in ways modern science is only beginning to understand.

The Introduction of Electricity and Its Impact

The invention of electricity and the light bulb revolutionized indoor living. Thomas Edison's incandescent bulb brought the convenience of electric light to homes across the world. Unlike modern LEDs, incandescent bulbs emit a broad spectrum of light, including red and near-infrared. This meant that people were still exposed to these beneficial wavelengths despite spending more time indoors [2]. 

However, the advent of electric lighting didn't immediately sever our connection with the natural world. People still spent significant amounts of time outdoors, working, commuting, walking to school, or simply enjoying nature. The balance of natural and artificial light helped maintain a healthier lifestyle, even as technology advanced.

Indoor lighting technology continued to advance over the next century with the focus on performance and energy efficiency. In just a relatively short time in history, humans advanced from dime candlelight homes to bright energy efficient homes with the use of LEDs (light emitting diode). These advancements, although extraordinary, can be correlated to a direct decrease in natural light and the beneficial effects of red and near-infrared light. The graph below illustrates our indoor lighting environment and time spent outdoors through the last few centuries [3]. 

Modern Influences on Indoor Living

In addition to indoor lighting enhancements, over the past few decades, several other factors have contributed to an increased indoor lifestyle resulting in a corresponding decrease in natural light exposure and in particular, red and near-infrared. Influencing factors but not limited to:

• Vitamin D Supplementation: As awareness of vitamin D's role in health grew, so did the use of supplements. While beneficial in many ways, this reduced the perceived need to spend time outdoors, further decreasing exposure to natural light [4]
• Lack of Beneficial Sunlight Research: The beneficial effects of sunlight have been limitedly studied. According to a recent paper published in 2024 titled, "Sunlight: Time for a Rethink?", the author noted, “Multiple strands of evidence point to the importance of sunlight on health, but research in this field has been limited by the focus of the dermatology community almost exclusively on harmful effects and the absence of involvement of non-dermatologists in considering wider health outcomes related to sun exposure.”
• Internet: The internet boom has undoubtedly been a tremendous benefit to the world, but there have been some negatives. At-home delivery services combined with online shopping have contributed greatly to an indoor lifestyle void of natural light exposure.
• Social Media: The virtual social world can connect us all instantaneously. However, increased screen time can lead to more time indoors and fewer in-person interactions.
• Architectural Changes: Modern architecture has also contributed to the reduction of near-infrared light in our lives. The widespread use of Low-E (low-emissivity) glass in windows, reflects infrared light to improve energy efficiency. While this helps reduce heating and cooling costs, it also prevents beneficial near-infrared wavelengths from entering our homes and offices [3].

Health Implications of Reduced Red and Near-Infrared Light

The loss of red and near-infrared light from our daily lives has health implications. This spectrum of light has been thoroughly studied in well over 5,000 clinical studies with many proven benefits:

• Cellular Function and Energy Production: Stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of our cells.
• Reducing Inflammation: Helps reduce inflammation and enhances wound healing.
• Improving Circulation: Enhances blood flow, promoting overall health [5].

Learn more about the science and benefits here.

It's clear these wavelengths, in nature, are very healing and beneficial for human health. It's unclear what the long-term effects of a lack of exposure will have on our health. Furthermore, the evidence is clear that the predominance of blue light from modern LEDs can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to poor sleep quality and other negative effects [6].

The Importance of Outdoor Exposure

One of the simplest ways to counteract the loss of red and near-infrared light is to spend more time outdoors. Natural sunlight provides a full spectrum of light, including red and near-infrared, which can support circadian rhythms, boost mood, and improve overall health. Activities such as walking, gardening, or simply sitting outside regardless of whether in the sun or not can result in more infrared exposure as plants and trees reflect infrared light. 

Joovv: Bringing Red and Near-Infrared Light Back into Your Life

For those times when getting outside isn't feasible, technology can help bridge the gap. True medical-grade Joovv devices are designed to deliver concentrated doses of red and near-infrared light you’d typically receive from the sun.

Using Joovv can help ensure you receive an adequate amount of red and near-infrared light, supporting cellular function, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall health. Incorporating Joovv sessions into your daily routine can be a convenient and effective way to bring balance and counteract the deficiencies of modern indoor living.

Conclusion

The evolution of lighting technology and the shift to an indoor lifestyle have significantly reduced our exposure to natural light and in particular, red and near-infrared light. This spectrum of light, once abundant in our daily lives, has largely disappeared from modern environments, leading to potential health consequences. However, by making a conscious effort to spend more time outdoors and utilizing technologies like Joovv, we can still receive the benefits of red and near-infrared light.

Light exposure is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Whether through natural sunlight or light therapy devices, ensuring you receive enough of it can have a profound impact on your well-being. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let's not forget the simple, yet powerful, benefits of the light spectrum we evolved under.