Dr. Glen Jeffery: Using Red Light to Improve Your Health & the Harmful Effects of LEDs

About this video

Dr. Glen Jeffery, a professor of neuroscience at University College London, argues that indoor LED lighting is a major public health issue, comparing it in scale to asbestos, and describes watching mitochondria in the retina become less responsive under LED light. Huberman summarizes Jeffery’s lab findings that red, near-infrared, and infrared light can support skin, eyesight, blood sugar regulation, and metabolism, because light is absorbed by water in mitochondria and helps them produce more ATP. Jeffery explains that long-wavelength light can pass into and through the body, scatter internally, and even reach the brain, and discusses evidence linking sunlight exposure to longevity and the need for some UV exposure. On practical use, he describes the effect of a sufficient dose at the right wavelengths as switch-like rather than a simple dose-response curve, lasting days, while stressing that broad-spectrum sunlight cannot be fully replicated by a single-wavelength device.

Key takeaways

• Jeffery argues excessive short-wavelength LED exposure is a major public health issue.
• Jeffery explains that long-wavelength light supports mitochondria by helping them produce more ATP.
• Jeffery describes the response to sufficient red light as switch-like and lasting for days.
• Jeffery stresses that single-wavelength devices cannot fully replicate broad-spectrum sunlight.
• Huberman notes Jeffery’s discussion of sunlight, longevity, and the need for some UV exposure.

Episode details: published December 1, 2025 · 435.8K views · 2:14:26 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The science and protocols described are Andrew Huberman’s, presented for education — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your own health practices.

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