The Health Edge: translating the science of self-care

If Light Is A Language, What Is Your Body Hearing?


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What if your lighting is sending the wrong message to your biology? We dig into the science of light as information, showing how specific wavelengths trigger opsins in the eyes and skin to set circadian rhythm, shape metabolism, and influence mood, sleep, and aging. From violet and sky-blue that kick-start morning alertness to red and near-infrared that support mitochondrial function, collagen, and nitric oxide, we connect the dots between spectrum quality and everyday health.

We unpack why standard LEDs, optimized for brightness and efficiency, often omit key wavelengths and oversupply blue at night, creating “junk light” that confuses the body clock. You’ll hear how melanopsin responds to 480 nm for daytime timing, how vitamin A, DHA, and zinc support receptor flexibility, and why quantum effects like exclusion zone water and electron tunneling matter for energy production. We also point to real-world applications: blue light therapy for infant jaundice, UV for hospital sterilization, and the growing case for red and near-infrared in recovery and wound healing.

Most importantly, we translate the science into steps you can use right now. Get outside for a few minutes of morning light. Bring in a full-spectrum or tunable lamp for daytime work. After sunset, drop brightness below 100 lumens and cut blue to protect sleep. Consider targeted red or near-infrared for soreness and winter resiliency, and track your changes with sleep scores or glucose trends. Food and fitness move the needle, but aligning your light may be the missing lever. If this episode helps you rethink your environment, share it with a friend, hit follow, and leave a review to tell us what light change you’ll make tonight.

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The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careBy Mark Pettus MD and John Bagnulo PhD, MPH

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