Red and Infrared Light Therapy: A Natural Way to Sleep Better

Light therapy isn’t a magic switch, but it smooths the edges where modern habits (late screens, indoor days, stress) scrape against biology.

• Faster wind-down & easier sleep onset
  • A short red-only session in the evening helps quiet the mind, reduce restlessness, and open the “sleep gate” on time.
  • Study note (2019): Clinical work reported “clinically meaningful improvements in some sleep parameters” after structured light therapy—consistent with shorter sleep-onset latency and better perceived quality.

• Improved sleep quality & fewer awakenings
  • Many users report less clock-watching and more refreshing mornings, particularly when evening screen glare or muscle discomfort were culprits.
  • Study note (2020): In cancer survivors with moderate–severe insomnia, a structured light protocol produced a notable impact on insomnia symptoms—suggesting light can assist where sleep is fragile.

• Stronger circadian timing & steadier daytime energy
  • Morning red + NIR helps anchor wakefulness early, nudging your 24-hour cycle earlier so sleepiness arrives naturally in the evening.
  • Study note (2019): Afternoon red + bright white stabilised circadian patterns and prevented energy dips in an office setting, hinting at less late-day slump and a more coherent sleep–wake pattern.
  • Study note (2017): Better daytime energy retention was observed, reinforcing the idea that spending energy in the day supports deeper sleep at night.

• Low-risk, non-pharmaceutical
  • Red/NIR light therapy doesn’t sedate you; it supports normal physiology. That helps avoid tolerance or next-day fog associated with some sleep aids.

How to Use Red & NIR for Better Sleep

The when and how matter as much as the device itself. Use these plug-and-play protocols.

• Evening wind-down (best for sleep onset)
  • When: 20–30 minutes before bedtime (or within a 60–90 minute wind-down).
    
  • What: Red-only is the safest evening default; some tolerate low NIR, but if you’re sensitive, stick to red after dusk.
    
  • How long: 10–20 minutes; keep it comfortable rather than intense.
    
  • Where to aim: face/neck (visual and vagal cues), chest, or tight muscles (shoulders/back/hips) that tend to wake you.
    
  • Set-up tips: sit 10–30 cm from the panel (or per the manual), keep room lighting dim and warm, and avoid screens afterwards.
    
  • Why this works (2020 study): Because red light elicits little to no circadian response, it’s evening-safe—it won’t send a “wake up” message like blue-rich light does.

• Morning anchor (best for circadian timing)
  
  • When: within 30–60 minutes of waking.
    
  • What: Red + NIR works well in the morning to promote alertness without a caffeine crash.
    
  • How long: 10–20 minutes while you journal, read, or drink tea.
    
  • Bonus: add 5–10 minutes of outdoor daylight—even cloudy. Sunlight is the strongest day signal; your panel complements it.
    
  • Why this works (2017 study): Structured morning/afternoon light supports daytime energy and stabilises circadian rhythms, which improves night-time sleep pressure and helps you feel sleepier at the right time.

• Frequency & progression
  
  • Daily is ideal; 4–5 days/week still helps.
    
  • Begin at 10 minutes and step up to 15–20 if you feel good (calmer evenings, brighter mornings).
    
  • If you feel “wired” at night, consider shortening the late session, moving it earlier, and reserving NIR for daytime..

• Quick-start routines
  
  • Sleep Reset (2–3 weeks):
    
    • Morning: 15 min red+NIR (face/chest) + 5–10 min outside.
      
    • Evening: 10–15 min red-only 30 min before bed; no screens after.
      
    • Linked evidence: builds on 2019 circadian improvements and 2017 daytime-energy findings.

• • Sore-to-Sleep (for aches):
    
    • Late afternoon: 10–15 min NIR on the problem area.
      
    • Evening: 10 min red-only as a whole-body cue.
      
    • Rationale: reduce discomfort that fragments sleep; keep stimulating NIR earlier.

• • Screened-Out (heavy device use):
    
    • From sunset: turn on blue-light filters, use warm lamps.
      
    • Pre-bed: 10–15 min red-only; phone out of the bedroom.
      
    • Linked evidence: 2020 red-light neutrality supports evening safety.
      

How to Pick (and Actually Use) a Light Therapy Device

The right device makes life easier—you’ll use it more often, and you won’t be let down by overhyped promises. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Go for the right kind of light
  Red light (around 620–670 nm) is gentle at night because it doesn’t mess much with your sleep rhythm. Near-infrared (810–850 nm) works well in the daytime, especially if you’re sensitive. Many panels have both—just check the specs.

• You don’t need “super-powered” panels
  For sleep support, more intensity isn’t always better. Look for even coverage instead—it’s more comfortable and means you’re not constantly shifting around to get the right angle.

• Check the basics: safety and quality
  Make sure the device has real safety certifications, a decent warranty, and clear instructions. Skip anything making wild medical claims with no backup.

• Think about how you’ll use it
  Small details matter—quiet fans, a built-in timer, a sturdy stand. Put it somewhere you already spend time, like near your desk or favourite chair, and it becomes effortless.

• Start slow
  Short sessions are the way to go, especially if you’re prone to migraines or light sensitivity. If you’ve had recent skin treatments or are taking photosensitising medications, please double-check with your doctor first. And if evening sessions leave you buzzing, save the NIR for daytime and stick to red at night.

Recommended Red and Infrared Light Devices for Better Sleep

Getting the most out of red and near-infrared light therapy starts with a device designed for rest. At Infrared Lights NZ, our premium panels use sunset-friendly, science-backed wavelengths to help calm the nervous system, support melatonin, and keep your body clock on time—so you drift off faster and wake up fresher.

Our devices are AU/NZ safety certified, locally supplied, and easy to use every day.

LIGHTFORCE BIO WAVE 300 — RED & NEAR-INFRARED LED PANEL WITH STAND

A sleek, high-powered panel for targeted treatments and sleep-friendly routines at home. Built around smart controls and four proven wavelengths, it helps you wind down at night, wake up clearer, and recover better—without fuss.

Key Benefits:

• Covers surface to deep tissue: four science-backed wavelengths 630, 660, 830 & 850 nm for skin, muscle and joint support
• Power you can feel: 60 dual-chip LEDs (120 total chips) delivering >160 mW/cm² for efficient 10–20 minute sessions
• Sleep-supporting features: LCD Digital Timer, Brightness, Pulse, and a calming Ambient Mode to aid relaxation before bed
• Targeted & convenient: supplied stand makes placement easy for the face, neck, back or legs—ideal for focused evening wind-downs
• Modular coverage: daisy-chain multiple panels from a single power point to expand treatment area as needed
• Built to last: high-grade aluminium chassis, sleek profile, quiet operation
  Safe & supported: AU/NZ safety certified, backed by a 4-year warranty and local service
• Good to know: Near-infrared appears invisible to the naked eye—your panel is working even when you don’t see a glow
  

LUMINETTE 3 — WEARABLE LIGHT THERAPY GLASSES

A hands-free “light box” you can wear while you get on with your morning. Luminette delivers blue-enriched white light to reset your body clock, lift winter mood, and support better sleep—without dazzling your eyes or blocking your vision.

Key Benefits:

• Sunlight, simplified: blue-enriched white light peaked at 468 nm to simulate natural daylight and switch off excess melatonin in the morning
• Sleep support you can feel: helps advance or delay your sleep schedule, making it easier to fall asleep on time and wake up refreshed
• Beat winter blues & jet lag: 20-minute sessions can ease SAD symptoms, daytime sleepiness, and travel fatigue so you feel brighter, sooner
• Comfortable & unobtrusive: lightweight 68 g visor sits above your line of sight—use with glasses or contact lenses without obscuring vision
• Gentle on the eyes: engineered optics deliver a non-glare beam; LEDs are selected to avoid blue below 450 nm, emitting only beneficial wavelengths
• Everyday convenience: wear while you read, make breakfast, or get ready—no need to sit in front of a bulky lamp

INFRARED HEAT EYE & SLEEP THERAPY MASK — USB, 5 HEAT LEVELS, TIMER

A soothing heat-therapy eye wrap to release tension, calm tired eyes, and help you drift off naturally at home or on the go.

Key Benefits:

• Soothe & unwind: gentle infrared warmth helps ease eye strain and temple pressure, encouraging a relaxed, sleep-ready state
• Refresh delicate skin: comforting heat can soften the look of dark circles and fine lines, while supporting relief for dry, tired eyes
• Set and forget: simple one-button control with 5 heat settings and a built-in timer for effortless pre-bed routines
• Travel-friendly power: USB (5V/3A) compatible—use with a power bank to make it fully portable for flights, naps, or hotel nights
• Soft, comfortable fit: plush spun velour wrap that’s gentle on skin; L59 cm × W10.5 cm to fit most users

LIGHTFORCE SILICONE 4-SPECTRUM LED CANOPY/PAD (70 × 26 CM)

A flexible, pro-grade canopy/pad you can use lying under, standing beside, or draped over the body—built to support clearer skin, calm sore muscles and joints, and speed everyday recovery at home.

Key Benefits:

• Target more, in less time: quadruple-chip, medical-grade LEDs across four spectra—Blue 415 nm, Yellow 590 nm, Red 660 nm, Near-Infrared 850 nm for surface-to-deep benefits
• Treat face, neck & body: use as a canopy with the included metal stands or drape over areas for close contact and even coverage
• Support skin rejuvenation: red 660 nm helps stimulate collagen; yellow 590 nm helps calm redness; blue 415 nm targets blemish-prone skin—without UV and won’t darken skin
• Ease aches & stiffness: near-infrared 850 nm reaches deeper tissues to relieve muscle spasms, ease joint discomfort (including arthritis-related stiffness), and boost local circulation
• Choose your routine: 4 skincare modes make it simple to focus on radiance, clarity, or recovery; results build with regular 10–20 minute sessions
• Designed for comfort: soft silicone pad conforms to curves for hands-free use; sleek hardware keeps your set-up tidy and durable
  

LIGHTFORCE RED & NEAR-INFRARED LED LIGHT THERAPY TRIPLE PANELS

A foldable, three-panel red + NIR system for whole-body recovery, clearer skin, and easy at-home routines—powerful, versatile, and simple to use.

Key Benefits:

• Cover more, faster: three connected, foldable panels for table-top, flat-surface or handheld use—ideal for back, legs, torso and face
• Target surface & depth: dual wavelengths Red 660 nm (skin/collagen) + Near-Infrared 850 nm (muscle/joint recovery) for comprehensive results
• Deliver serious output: 231 × 1 W triple-chip LEDs across the set (each panel 77 × 1 W), engineered for efficient 10–20 minute sessions
• Dial in your session: intelligent remote with digital display, Pulse Mode, Brightness Settings, and 5–30 minute timer presets
• Use red + NIR together: run both spectra simultaneously for a balanced, all-round treatment; NIR appears invisible to the eye (it’s working even when you don’t see a glow)
• Stay comfortable & safe: no harmful UV, minimal excess heat—most users find the warmth relaxing; AU/NZ safety certified with a 2-year warranty
• Built for everyday use: compact, modular plastic design that folds for storage and travel; protective eyewear recommended for facial sessions
  

Harnessing Light for Lasting Restful Sleep

Your body already knows how to sleep; it just needs the right cues. Red & Near-Infrared (NIR) Light Therapy offers a science-backed, non-invasive way to support melatonin, calm the nervous system, and reset your circadian rhythm—so you drift off faster and wake up clearer.

By nudging cellular energy and blood flow, red (surface) and NIR (deeper tissues) support the systems that matter for sleep—relaxation in the evening, recovery overnight, and natural alertness in the morning. Think of it as light as a cue, not a sedative: gentle, repeatable, and aligned with how your body wants to function.

Ready to Experience the Benefits?

Explore our premium Red & NIR Light Therapy range, designed to support restorative and restful sleep—simple controls, sleep-friendly programmes, and sensible wavelengths (660 nm & 850 nm).

We are proudly New Zealand-owned and operated, specialising in:

✔ Genuine, research-backed light therapy technology
✔ Honest, expert guidance for better sleep
✔ The most effective light therapy products to support restful nights

Experience the power of light therapy—unlock deeper sleep and brighter mornings naturally.

Shop Our Range or Get in Touch, and take the first step towards a more restful sleep.