Light therapy: what the research says

Many people find a light box helps winter low mood, but UK bodies call the evidence uncertain. Other uses have only small studies.

What a session is

You sit near a bright light box, often in the morning, or red or near-infrared light from LED panels or a low-power laser is shone onto your skin.

What the research says

• Winter low mood: Many people find a light box helps winter low mood, and small trials agree. UK health bodies still say the evidence is uncertain. Some evidence it may help · NHS, 2025 · NICE, 2022 · Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 2020
• Sleep: A review of 53 mostly small studies found bright light helped sleep a little, especially body-clock problems. Results may be overstated. Limited evidence · Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2016
• Back pain (low-power laser): Low-power laser light eased long-lasting low back pain slightly in small studies. A review could not draw firm conclusions. Limited evidence · Cochrane, 2008 · NCCIH, 2020
• Skin ageing (fine lines): Eight small studies of home red-light LED masks reported fewer fine lines and smoother skin. Methods varied and fair comparisons are lacking. Limited evidence · Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2026
• Stress, anxiety, menopause and grief: Not studied in the sources we use. Claims that red light calms stress have no reliable studies behind them. No good evidence yet · NCCIH, 2021

More on each need: Lift your mood · Sleep better · A relaxed body

Is it safe?

Speak to a GP first if you have an eye condition or take medicines that make you more sensitive to light. Use a UV-free lamp and follow the device instructions. Some stronger clinic light devices have caused blistering. NHS, 2025 · Cochrane, 2016

Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.

Checked 22 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.