Posted on 12/12/2022 7:55:50 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is almost always accompanied by fatigue, a massive tiredness that is described by the vast majority of patients as the most distressing symptom. In a recent study, a research group identified light therapy as a promising non-drug treatment option: patients included in the study showed a measurable improvement after just 14 days of use.
For the first time, Stefan Seidel's research team relied not only on surveys but also on objective measurements when selecting the test persons. For example, sleep-wake disorders were ruled out in the 26 participating MS patients, particularly with the assistance of various sleep medicine examinations. "In this manner, for example, we ensured that MS patients with fatigue do not suffer from sleep apnea or periodic leg movements during sleep. Both are sleep disorders that can lead to fatigue in everyday life," elaborated study leader Stefan Seidel.
The test persons were equipped with commercially available light sources for self-testing at home: Half of the participants received a daylight lamp with a brightness of 10,000 lux, while the other half received an identical lamp that emitted a red light with an intensity of <300 lux due to a filter.
While the red light used by the control group showed no effect, the researchers were able to observe measurable successes in the other group after only 14 days: The participants who used their 10,000 lux daylight lamp for half an hour every day showed improved physical and mental performance after only a short period of time. In addition, the group of participants who had consumed bright light displayed less daytime sleepiness in comparison with the other group.
Fatigue is a severe form of tiredness and fatigability that occurs in 75% to 99% of people with MS and is described as particularly distressing.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Red light therapy is amazing for many conditions.
I’ve wanted to buy one of those panels, just to see.
We bought and use one. I enjoy it and improved health.
Why were you convinced to buy it, and what has it helped you with?
Have been thinking about getting one for winter months....what kind did you get?
Read a book about red light therapy and was surprised at how many published studies there are about red light therapy.
So far, has reduced shoulder pain, given me more energy, and restored some hearing in my ear.
Good to know. I’ve wondered if it would help with chronic back pain/issues.
Ibought this book…
Red Light Therapy: Miracle Medicine (The Future of Medicine: The 3 Greatest Therapies Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction) Paperback – May 8, 2018
by Mark Sloan (Author)
Later purchased the unit he recommended.
“the red light used by the control group showed no effect,”
As I understand the article, it showed no effect on the particular condition studied, and in this particular study. That doesn’t mean it isn’t useful otherwise. I’ve also read a book about it, and the research that has found it useful in some ways is very convincing.
Taking a walk on a sunny day would seem to achieve the same.
interesting-
Light therapies work. There are multiple kinds of successful light therapy treatments.
“Taking a walk on a sunny day would seem to achieve the same”
Severe fatigue in the clinical sense rules out outdoor exercise by definition. This isn’t a little bit of sleepiness we’re talking about. This is disabling,
Same mistake laypeople make when advising severely depressed to do the same — in that case you’d better remove all suicide facilitators like moving trucks from the walking path.
Psychiatric and neurological disorders are not the same as everyday moods.
I know. My wife has MS.
besides red light therapy —what are the other two therapies that target mitochondrial dysfunction?
The only one I remember off the top of mind I’d methylene blue.
I bought one for simple vanity. After a year I’ve seen actual reduction in wrinkles! Also has made a big difference in arthritis in hands and hips. I use it 4-5 days a week.
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