Every day we stare at our mobile phones or computers for a couple of hours. The light emitted from these screens can damage our eyes. It can cause other side effects like fatigue, headaches, and sometimes migraines. But there is one light that can cure these headaches.
Green-hued light is the best hue of light to cure headaches and reduce the effects of migraines. Unlike blue or other light colours, green light does not activate the retinal pathway. Thus making it less likely to cause headaches.
Sounds intriguing, right? Keep reading to discover how green light can help cure headaches as we unravel claims by different researchers.
But first, let’s look at how lights can cause eye strain and migraines.
Light Sensitivity – Eye strain and Migraines
This relationship between eye strain and light sensitivity is not as complex as it seems. People who suffer from regular migraines suffer from a case of photophobia. This is an aversion to lights. You may feel a headache after prolonged computer usage or driving at night in milder cases.
Both of these conditions stem from the same root. Less severe cases of photophobia may make regular lighting seem brighter and more piercing. This causes headaches, and people usually feel better after closing their eyes and lying in the dark for a while.
While photophobia may cause migraines, migraines can also cause photophobia. Researchers believe that different light colours can have other effects during a migraine. Most of the light we are exposed to daily is primarily blue light. Blue light’s short wavelength and high energy make it highly damaging to human health.
Besides headaches, exposure to blue light also strains our eyes, leading to poor eyesight and reliance on glasses. Not using eyeglasses when needed then turns eye strain into headaches, and the cycle repeats itself. Maintaining a balance to prevent light sensitivity and aversion to harsh lights is essential.
How do Different Lights Affect our Health?
Different lights affect us in different ways. While some may cause splitting headaches, others may cause fatigue, nausea, and irregular bowel movements.
Effects of light exposure may take shape in the form of:
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Bowel movements
- Sleep patterns
- Irritation
- Alertness
- Fatigue
Blue light, the light we are most exposed to, lowers our natural melatonin levels. This causes us to stay awake way past our bedtime. In comparison, red light increases melatonin levels and helps us get a good night’s sleep.
This natural cycle of waking up and going to sleep is known as the limbic system. Staying away from sources of blue light near the end of the day can ensure that you do not disturb your limbic system.
Here is a simple guide to different lights we are exposed to and the effect they have on our health:
- Blue light – we have already discussed the effects of blue light. Headaches, low levels of melatonin, and increased alertness.
- Red light – red light creates melatonin in the body. It relaxes the mind while helping the body rest. It is also effective in reducing wrinkles, scars, and acne.
- Yellow light – yellow or warm light can be troublesome if you want to be productive. These lights are a terrible choice for work environments. Yellow light creates the illusion of warmth and rest, thus reducing productivity.
- White light – is an amalgamation of all lights but has the same effect as blue light.
What is Light Therapy?
As we know that staying away from blue light can increase our melatonin levels. Researchers have spent years perfecting the study on how lights can affect human health.
Light therapy treats various mental and psychological disorders the body may develop over time.
Benefits of Light Therapy
Light therapy has proven victorious in treating seasonal depression, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disorders, and even jet lag. It is harmless to treat patients without medication or other physical methods.
Use in Daily Life
We can integrate light therapy methods into our daily lives to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Small changes can help, such as:
- Turning on the filter of blue light on your digital devices
- Wearing Blue ray glasses to save your eyes from light rays
- Wearing sunglasses outside during the day
Now the question is, which light can help treat migraines?
And here is the answer.
Green Light – The Ultimate Solution to Treat Migraines
Green is the only colour of light that does not aggravate migraine attacks, and patients are less repulsed by it.
Studies have proven that upon exposure to green light, patients have reported an intense decrease in their headaches.
How Does this Work?
We were also fascinated by these findings. Compared to red or blue light, green light has the lowest energy particles, making it a great light source for light therapy.
A unique lamp generates a specific, thin beam of green light that surrounds the patient. Spending time inside this light while filtering out other lights helps reduce headaches, cure migraines, and reduce eye strain.
Green Light Therapy at Home
It may be an excellent possibility to consider and discuss with your doctor. Green light therapy is apparently harmless. Even though the research is still developing, it is a promising cure for migraines and headaches.
You can find green light lamps online. Some are even marketed for migraines specifically. Before buying one, consult your doctor and have them recommend a trusted brand or therapist to you.
This day and age make us vulnerable to scams. It is always better to have a professional guide before we take a step toward this treatment.
What do Doctors say about Green Light Therapy?
Researches are underway to discover if green light can possibly cure other pain as well. While waiting for these results, let’s see what doctors say about green light therapy.
Dr. Ibrahim from the University of Arizona and his team’s research showed that exposure to green light helped reduce headaches in test subjects. These test subjects were exposed to white light for 10 hours a week. And then exposed to green light for 10 hours a week. His team concluded that green light was effective in reducing headaches.
The patients were given the green light diodes to take home with them for the duration of the experiment. Dr. Ibrahim revealed that the patients refused to return the green lights after the experiment was concluded. He says this was proof that the treatment was effective.
Dr. Padma Gulur from Duke University says that green light therapy works because it stimulates the visual cortex, which helps lessen pain perception. In her study, much like Dr. Ibrahim’s study, the patients favored keeping their green light devices well after the experiment.
Dr. Ibrahim also mentions the overall effect of the colour green in his study. He explains how his brother would get frequent headaches. Sitting in his backyard, surrounded by trees, helped him relieve himself of the pain.
Using Light to Change your Lifestyle
Other than light therapy, there are many ways to reduce eye strain during the day. This can be done by taking preventive measures and changing a few aspects of our daily lives. Besides blue light prevention, it can do good to switch out white lights in our homes and install yellow lights.
This small change will distinguish between work and home environments, and the body will automatically know when to relax. Avoiding devices after returning home from work is also a good idea.
Reading, meditating, and unwinding by showering and freshening are good ways. These will help you avoid turning on the television or jumping on social media as soon as you get home.
While commuting, you can start tricking your body into winding down by listening to soothing music and reading.
Avoiding watching television will also help your mind avoid sensitive topics that may trigger a response. We believe in maintaining a healthy balance. You can catch up on movies and TV shows over the weekend while avoiding screens during the week.
Conclusion
Green light therapy seems like an easy solution to migraines and headaches. But it is essential to consult a physician before self-implementing this treatment. For severe or chronic pains, this treatment may not be as effective. A doctor may be a good option for getting prescribed for other alternatives.
Including green light therapy in our daily routines can help us unwind from a long day of blue light exposure. Taking care of one’s mental health is essential, even if you do not suffer from frequent headaches.
Give green light treatment a try and see if it works for you. We hope this information is helpful for you. We aimed to shed some light on how lights work and which ones we need to avoid.
