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How Light Color Can Help With Migraines – Headache Relief With Green Light Therapy
While everyone is somewhat sensitive to bright light, it becomes a nightmare if you have a migraine. Fluorescent lights, intense sunlight, or even light from mobile or computer can trigger or worsen the attack.
Around 85-90% of people with migraine suffer from “photosensitivity,” disrupting their daily lives, work, and relationships.
But there’s hope. Scientists have found that not all colors of light can trigger headaches. While blue light (that comes from our screens) does exacerbate migraine, green light can help it.
According to studies, green light significantly reduces photophobia (light sensitivity) and can decrease headache severity.
In this blog post, we will explore how light color can help with migraines. We will also talk about what color is best for headaches and whether green light therapy is legit or not.
Effects Of Different Light Colors On Your Body And Mind
Nowadays, using specific light colors or adjustable lighting is getting traction for creating a comfortable and soothing environment. Light therapy also has benefits in treating mood disorders and sleep disturbances.
Here’s a breakdown of how different light colors can impact your body and mind:
- Blue light: It helps you feel more alert and awake. However, excessive exposure to blue light before bed can disrupt sleep patterns.
- Red light: Red light can stimulate melatonin production, promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.
- Green light: Green light is often used in light therapy to treat migraines and headaches. Some claim that it also has calming and balancing effects on the nervous system.
- Amber light: Amber light is similar to red light in its ability to promote relaxation and sleep. It may also help reduce anxiety and stress.
- Yellow light: Yellow light is often used to create a warm and soothing atmosphere. However, it is not as effective for promoting sleep or relaxation.
Migraines And Light Sensitivity?
Photophobia or light sensitivity is a common symptom of migraine attacks. It could manifest as an exacerbation of headache due to light or aversion to light without any pain.
Often, people with migraines find that bright light can make their headaches worse. Sometimes, it is so severe that even the slightest flicker of light can trigger a throbbing headache. They put on sunglasses (even indoors) or seek comfort in a dark room until the pain passes.
Scientists think that special cells in your eyes called photoreceptors might be to blame. These cells detect light and send messages to the part of the brain that feels pain during a migraine.
What Color Light Helps With Headaches?
What color helps with headaches? In short, green. Research suggests that green light therapy can be a solution for those suffering from headaches.
According to a 2018 study, green light triggered headaches in only 3% and worsened in 40% of participants. Whereas, other light colors like white, blue, amber, and red made headaches worse in 80% of participants.
It led researchers to dig deeper into the potential benefits of green light for migraine sufferers.
In another study, scientists found that over 80% of participants experience intense headache when exposed to all light colors except green. As per the mentioned research, the green light reduced pain by about 20%.
The neurons that transmit light information from the eyes to the brain are more sensitive to blue light and less so to green. This difference in sensitivity may play a role in how green light interacts with the brain and reduces migraine pain.
A study conducted at University of Arizona found that green light exposure resulted in a 60% reduction in headache.
“LED Migraine lamps” emit a narrow band of low-intensity green light that helps manage migraine symptoms. You can place them in your home or workspace. You can also use tinted migraine glasses that block offending light colors and keep light sensitivity at bay.
Some Other Practical Tips To Manage Migraines
While green light therapy shows promise, you shouldn’t rely solely on it. Instead, it’s better to design a migraine-friendly lifestyle that improves your quality of life. Here are some practical tips to manage migraines:
Decrease Blue Light Exposure
Blue light is the main culprit in worsening migraines. It is also the most common light color, emitted from your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and TV. Decrease exposure to harsh blue especially before sleeping.
Use Soft And Warm Lighting
Swap harsh, artificial lights for soft, warm bulbs. You can use the following to create a calming environment:
- Smart lights
- Halogen light bulbs
- Adjustable lighting
- Warm LED light bulbs
- Integrative (human-centric) lighting
Take Frequent Break From Screen
Take frequent breaks from screens or if you work in a highly-lit environment. Look away every 20 minutes and focus on something distant for 20 seconds.
Improve Your Sleep Quality
Prioritize quality sleep. A proper sleep schedule decreases the likelihood of headaches. Develop a calming bedtime routine to ensure restful nights.
Use Stress Management Techniques
Learn stress management techniques like meditation or yoga. Reducing stress can significantly impact migraine frequency and intensity.
Conclusion
Knowing how light colors can help with migraine is essential for migraine sufferers. We now know that not all light colors have the same effect on your mind. Blue light is the most aggravating one, increasing headache, declining sleep, and causing pain.
However, green light is a great non-medicated treatment for migraine. Green light therapy devices, along with lifestyle changes, can help you manage headaches and improve your quality of life.
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