Current research suggests that in some cases, light therapy may improve cognitive function, sleep, and behavior.
Here are a few research studies and their findings:
- Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation
A pilot clinical study used near-infrared light, and over 12 weeks, the treated group showed significant improvements in cognitive function, while the non-treated group only gained 1.0 points.
- Phototherapy
A systematic review of 13 studies involving 608 patients found significant improvements in patients with this therapy, particularly in decision-making, attention, and memory.
On the other hand, short-term effects were strong, while long-term effects were less reliable.
- Bright light therapy
This therapy was found to reduce sleep problems and improve the body’s natural clock, which stabilized nighttime sleep and reduced daytime distress.
Another study found improvements in depression and recorded a decrease in EEG.
- Symptomatic visual report
Transcranial + intranasal PBM light therapy was used on five patients and after 12 weeks, a clear improvement in the memory of Alzheimer’s patients was observed. Better sleep, less anxiety, and less attention problems were also observed.
Experts also found that the condition worsened rapidly when treatment was stopped, meaning that the treatment is more useful if used consistently.
- Improvement in behavior and sleep
A PLOS ONE analysis (data from 598 patients) has shown that light therapy improved sleep and behavioral symptoms such as anxiety, frustration, and depression.