Green Light Therapy: Improving Mental Health With An LED Light

Green light therapy is a form of phototherapy that uses low-intensity green light waves to address various mental and physical health concerns. Research suggests that using a green light therapy device may help with a range of symptoms, from calming migraines to reducing signs of depression. LED light therapy may also help reduce anxiety, soothe physical and mental health symptoms, and improve your overall well-being. Here, we’re providing an overview of green light therapy, sharing research on its efficacy, outlining options for green light lamps and glasses, and providing some tips for trying green light therapy from your own home. 

What is green light therapy?

Green light therapy is a form of phototherapy in which participants are exposed to green lights through glasses or a lamp. One of the key features of these devices is that they emit light at a specific wavelength to produce the color green. Green LED light exposure has been suggested to provide various mental and physical health benefits in some people, such as mood improvements, clearer skin, and migraine relief. There is evidence to indicate that using a green light therapy device may also help manage chronic pain and reduce symptoms of certain mental health concerns, like depression and anxiety. Additionally, some people are prescribed green light therapy to treat certain skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation. 

How green light therapy works

Green light therapy has been suggested by research to potentially provide certain mental and physical health benefits, from migraine relief to physical relaxation and mental health support. While the exact mechanisms by which green light therapy works are still unknown, various neurobiological explanations have been proposed. 

For mental health treatment

In some studies, green light exposure has been associated with stress reduction, as well as reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety. This may be due to its effects on hormone regulation; according to experts, green light appears to enhance the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that help regulate mood and facilitate several important cognitive functions. Serotonin is thought to help promote mental and physical relaxation and a sense of overall well-being, while dopamine is believed to play a role in pleasure and motivation. It’s possible that raising levels of these chemicals using green light may help soothe mental health symptoms. 

Green light therapy’s potential for pain relief might also help explain decreases in symptoms of mental health disorders because chronic pain is often connected to various conditions, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. 

Light therapy in general may also help regulate circadian rhythms, the body’s natural patterns of sleep and wakefulness, contributing to better sleep. Given that poor sleep is often associated with mental health challenges, these improvements—combined with improved hormone balance—may also help improve mental health. However, note that light therapy for insomnia tends to be done more often with warm colored-lights, like yellow and red, rather than blue and green. 

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

For pain reduction

Pain management is an area of physical health where green light therapy has been investigated. Certain neural pathways that run from the eyes to the visual cortex lead to regions of the brain responsible for alleviating pain, and green light therapy is thought to activate those areas of the brain. Again, researchers are still unsure of the mechanisms by which this occurs, but some studies have identified brain regions that are stimulated during green light therapy. For example, a study on mice found that green light therapy may alleviate pain through the anterior cingulate cortex. 

In another study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona’s Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, rats exposed to green light therapy experienced reduced inflammation in the brain. These anti-inflammatory effects, alongside reduced synaptic plasticity, appeared to increase the efficacy of pain medicine. 

For migraine sufferers, green light therapy is thought to help reduce light sensitivity. Migraine sufferers often experience head pain, nausea, and other symptoms during an attack, and these symptoms can be especially debilitating when exposed to bright lights. However, research has found that the color of the light a person sees may affect symptom severity. Blue light and other potentially harsh forms of light can exacerbate migraine pain, while green light might have a calming effect. In one study, researchers exposed individuals with chronic migraines to green, amber, blue, and red lights. They found that the green lights produced the smallest signals in the brain and retina, resulting in reduced pain. This inhibited response was traced to neurons in the thalamus, which are thought to be less impacted by green light. 

The role of green light therapy in skincare and beauty

Green light therapy is often cited as a possible treatment for common skincare challenges, such as dark circles and pigmentation concerns. You may have seen claims that green light calms irritated and sensitive skin, promising a glowing complexion as one of its key benefits. However, research on green light as part of a skincare routine is limited. While a 2022 study suggests green light therapy may help reduce skin aging, the authors indicate that more research is needed to understand its key benefits and underlying mechanisms. 

Comparing green light therapy to other light therapies

Green light lamps and glasses share several characteristics with other forms of phototherapy. Bright light therapy, for example, also involves exposure to LED light bulbs. However, at 10,000 lux, bright light lamps are typically much more powerful than lamps that emit green light, which usually have an intensity of 100 to 400 lux. Often used to treat seasonal affective disorder, bright light devices are meant to regulate an individual’s circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles by simulating sunlight. This may have a calming effect on symptoms and contribute to overall well-being. 

Green light therapy also differs from other light therapies used for skincare, including blue light therapy and red light therapy, which use different wavelengths to achieve different effects. Light therapy masks, for example, are becoming increasingly popular solutions for certain skin challenges, such as inflammation, acne, or scarring. These masks typically rely on red light. Red light waves are longer than green light waves, which means they can penetrate deeper into the skin. There is some evidence to suggest that this might help enhance the production of collagen, which could reduce certain imperfections. While green lights are sometimes utilized for this purpose, green light therapy tends to be used more for benefits like hormone balance and pain relief. 

What does the research say about green light therapy?

Experts continue to study the effects of green light therapy. The following are a few recent reports on the efficacy of green light therapy for anxiety management, sleep, stress relief, and various other mental and physical health concerns.  

Studies on the efficacy of green light therapy

There is evidence that green light therapy may help reduce symptoms of depression. In a study examining the effects of green light exposure for intrusive negative thoughts, researchers suggest that the green light may have contributed to participants experiencing enhanced mood and improved sleep. Additionally, they reported fewer recurrent negative thoughts after treatment. 

Emerging research also suggests that blue-green light may be useful for dementia support. In a study from 2025, for instance, researchers examined the effects of blue-green light therapy on early-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms. They found that the treatment led to improvements in sleep and cognitive functioning. 

There is also evidence that green light glasses might alleviate anxiety. For example, in one study, researchers found that wearing green glasses appeared to help reduce anxiety and stress as well as pain in individuals undergoing a dental procedure. In another study, participants (who experienced fibromyalgia), wore either clear, blue, or green glasses for four-hour periods each day for two weeks. Individuals who wore the green glasses were four times more likely to experience decreased anxiety than those who wore the blue or clear glasses. 

Finally, the results of several studies indicate that green light therapy might also be able to reduce physical pain in some cases. In one study, participants with fibromyalgia underwent one to two hours of green light therapy per day for 10 weeks, which the researchers suggest led to a “significant reduction in average pain intensity.” 

While green light therapy has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of mental and physical health conditions, the amount of evidence pointing to its efficacy is still relatively limited. As a result, most experts currently consider green light therapy a potentially effective adjunct to traditional treatment modalities, such as psychotherapy for mental health conditions.

Choosing the right LED light or glasses for you

If you’re considering green light therapy, there are numerous options for lamps and glasses available to you. You might explore some of the following options or speak to your doctor or a mental health professional for recommendations.

LED light lamps

Green light therapy lamps come in several different designs. You can find lamps with flat screens that you can prop up at your bedside or in other areas of your home. You can also find lamps that emit green light from multiple directions. Additionally, you can purchase green light bulbs that may be screwed into lamps you already own. 

Glasses

Green-tinted glasses can be more convenient than lamps, which may not travel as well. They can also be a more affordable option, with most pairs retailing between $15 and $30. Additionally, some glasses can filter out UV light, which may provide added benefits. 

How to use a green light therapy device

Given its potential for chronic pain and migraine relief, mental health support, and other benefits, you may be interested in practicing green light therapy from your own home. If so, you may want to start by consulting a doctor or mental health professional. They may want to talk to you about safe usage and ensure that green light exposure won’t have unwanted side effects, like medication interference. A qualified professional may also be able to explain the features of your device, recommend a treatment duration for achieving key benefits, and show you which LED settings to use. 

When using a green light therapy device, it can be important to ensure you use proper safety equipment. You may also want to wash your skin thoroughly before applying the device to target areas. Typically, phototherapy treatments are finished in a matter of minutes, but treatment times may vary. Ensure you follow the instructions, only use your device as directed, and use extra caution if you have sensitive skin. 

Tips for incorporating green light therapy into your routine

Green light therapy can often be done from your own home, whether you’re using green light for hormone regulation, to soothe pain, or to improve your overall well-being. While green light can often be a simple addition to your normal skincare routine, you may want to avoid using it as part of your bedtime routine, as green and blue lights may make it harder to fall asleep. 

While using your device, you may want to practice relaxation techniques, especially if you’re prone to symptoms of anxiety. Practices like deep breathing and mindfulness meditation may help promote physical relaxation and soothe stress. However, if the treatment causes you discomfort or distress, you may want to stop using it and seek professional advice.  

Are light therapies safe?

Generally, light therapies are considered safe. The bulbs used for green light therapy do not emit ultraviolet light, which can irritate and burn the skin. Plus, green light therapy typically uses a low light of 400 lux or less, which can be less harsh than the bulbs used for white light therapy. Green light glasses are also generally considered safe. 

Certain adverse effects have been associated with some light therapies, such as bright light therapy for seasonal affective disorder. This form of treatment has been connected with symptoms of mania in individuals with bipolar disorder. Other potential adverse effects connected with LED light therapy include rashes, inflammation, and redness.  

Again, if you’re considering using an LED light or similar tool, a healthcare professional can help you determine whether light therapy might be right for you. They may also suggest that you use goggles or other protective measures while participating in light therapy. 

Online therapy: Mental health treatment through technology

Advancements in technology have made it easier to connect with qualified psychotherapists. If you’re seeking to reduce depression associated with chronic pain or address other mental health concerns, you might consider working with a licensed therapist online. Keep in mind that symptoms of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety typically won't resolve on their own, so seeking professional treatment is generally recommended.

The potential benefits of working with a therapist online

With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can participate in sessions with a licensed therapist remotely through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging. Additionally, you can message your therapist outside of sessions—which means you can ask questions about certain concepts or clarify points made during therapy at any time—and they'll respond as soon as they're able. 

The effectiveness of online therapy

Research suggests that online therapy can often be effective for addressing various mental health conditions, including symptoms related to chronic pain. For example, in one study, researchers indicate that online therapy interventions may lead to significant reductions in pain as well as decreases in anxiety and depression.