Red Light Therapy: Your Natural Solution for Summer Energy Loss

Created on June 13, 2025

Ever feel totally wiped out even when it's sunny and gorgeous outside? You're definitely not alone—tons of people get hit with what's called the "summer slump," where you're tired, unmotivated, and basically the opposite of that energetic summer vibe everyone expects.

Red light therapy could be exactly what you need. It's this simple treatment that uses special light wavelengths to boost your cells' energy production, which means more pep in your step and a better mood, all without any complicated procedures.

Why Do So Many People Feel Drained During Summer?

It sounds backwards, doesn't it? While everyone around you seems to be soaking up the sunshine and posting those perfect beach photos, you're sitting there wondering why you feel like you're running on fumes. The truth is, you're not imagining things—summer slump is absolutely real, and it affects way more people than you'd expect.

The irony is pretty striking when you think about it. Summer is supposed to be the season of energy, outdoor adventures, and that carefree vibe we all crave. Yet here you are, feeling tired, unmotivated, or just generally "off" when the calendar says you should be thriving. It's like your body didn't get the memo that it's supposed to be your most vibrant time of year.

So what's actually happening here? Several factors can contribute to these unexpected seasonal mood changes and low energy levels. The heat itself can be incredibly draining—your body works overtime to stay cool, which uses up energy you'd normally have for other things. Add in disrupted sleep from longer daylight hours, dehydration from sweating more, and the pressure to constantly be "on" for summer activities, and it's no wonder some people hit a wall.

There's also the less obvious stuff, like spending more time in air-conditioned spaces (which can mess with your natural rhythms) or dealing with the stress of changed routines when kids are home from school. Even too much of a good thing—like excessive sun exposure—can leave you feeling wiped out rather than energized.

What Exactly is This "Summer Slump"?

Summer slump refers to a temporary period of decreased energy, motivation, and mood that some people experience during the warmer months. While it's not a clinical diagnosis, this phenomenon involves a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that can significantly impact daily functioning. Unlike Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which typically occurs in winter and requires professional treatment, summer slump is generally milder and more manageable through lifestyle changes and supportive therapies.

Here are the most common signs and symptoms people experience:

1. Persistent Fatigue: You feel tired even after getting adequate sleep, and this exhaustion doesn't match your actual activity level. Many people describe feeling like they're constantly running on low battery, regardless of how much rest they get.
2. Lack of Motivation: Tasks that normally feel manageable suddenly seem overwhelming or pointless. You might find yourself putting off activities you usually enjoy or struggling to get started on routine responsibilities.
3. Difficulty Concentrating: Your focus is compromised, making it challenging to stay on task at work or during conversations. You might read the same sentence multiple times or find your mind wandering more than usual.
4. Mood Changes: You experience mild irritability, unexpected moments of sadness, or a general feeling of being emotionally flat. These mood shifts often feel out of proportion to what's actually happening in your life.
5. Social Withdrawal: You might feel less interested in social activities or find yourself declining invitations that would normally appeal to you. The energy required for social interaction can feel particularly draining.
6. Sleep Disruption: Despite feeling tired, you may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, often due to longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures affecting your natural sleep rhythms.

What is Red Light Therapy and How Can It Help?

Red light therapy works by exposing your skin to LED lights that emit these particular frequencies, which can penetrate your tissues and potentially boost cellular energy production. Here's how red light therapy works and what makes it effective:

1. Employs Specific Light Wavelengths

Red light therapy typically uses two major wavelengths: red light around 660 nanometers and near-infrared light around 850 nanometers. These frequencies have been well-studied and shown to penetrate skin and tissues more than other lights.

2. Affects Cellular Production of Energy

The frequencies of light engage the mitochondria, the structures of your cells responsible for creating energy. Under these frequencies, your mitochondria are better able to work and create ATP, your cells' currency for energy used to perform all their tasks.

3. Has No Recovery Time

Treatment sessions last typically 10 to 20 minutes, and you're ready to go about your normal activities immediately. The treatment feels commonly relaxing, very much like sitting under a warm lamp.

4. Works Through Regular Sessions

Red light therapy takes advantage of doing something regularly, as the effect builds with repeated use over time. Most people use it a couple of times a week, although that can range from personal goals and device recommendations.

5. Has Scientific Support

Red light therapy has been used in medical clinics for many years for pain and wound healing. Previous research has progressed from earlier work to study its effects on cellular health, energy, and mood.

Can Red Light Therapy Help with Seasonal Mood Changes and Depression?

Yes, red light therapy can help with seasonal mood changes and depression, including the summer slump that many people experience during warmer months. Here's how red light therapy can support seasonal mood regulation:

Works Differently Than Everyday Light Therapy

White light boxes used for winter SAD work differently in that they use specific wavelengths that have deeper penetration into tissues. This means it can provide mood gain without the possibility of sleep disruption that bright light therapy might create during summer.

Tackles Summer-Specific Problems

Summer SAD may be caused by different factors than winter SAD, such as heat stress, disrupted routines, and social pressure. Red light therapy can counteract by increasing cellular energy and reducing inflammation, which might balance out these summer-related stressors.

Supports Regular Circadian Regulation

Research suggests that light therapy can balance the circadian rhythms throughout the year. Red light therapy may be particularly effective for summer mood issues since it can enhance normal sleeping patterns without adding too much light with already long daylight hours.

Augments Mood-Regulating Neurotransmitters

Depression light therapy studies suggest that there are wavelengths that may act on serotonin and other neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. This benefit applies regardless of whether winter or summer seasonality is the issue.

Reduction of Inflammation-Related Mood Issues

The studies suggest that inflammation could be the cause of seasonality symptoms of depression. The anti-inflammatory effects of red light therapy might be effective at addressing this underlying cause of the seasonality of mood, either in scorching summers or freezing winters.

Provides Year-Round Treatment Freedom

As opposed to other SAD therapies that have a wintertime focus, red light therapy may be used throughout the year to maintain one's emotional balance and energy levels regardless of any time of transition.

How Can You Add Red Light Therapy to Your Summer Wellness Routine?

Adding red light therapy to your summer routine doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Most people do well with 10-20 minute sessions about 3-5 times per week—but honestly, the beauty is that you can adjust this to fit around beach trips, barbecues, or whatever your summer looks like. The trick is finding a rhythm that sticks and combining it with things you're already doing; that way, it becomes as automatic as brushing your teeth.

Here's how to practically integrate red light therapy into your summer wellness routine:

• Choose Your Ideal Session Time: Priorities come first: morning sessions between 7-9 AM to start your day off right, or evening sessions between 7-8 PM for recovering. Set your phone for the same time each day—consistency is the key to forming the habit. Just avoid sessions within 2 hours of bedtime; some people find it too energizing for bed.".
• Start with 10-15 Minute Sessions: Here's what works best: begin with 10 minutes, 3 times per week (think Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for the first two weeks. Once it feels routine, gradually increase to 15-20 minutes. Use your phone's timer or the device's built-in timer, and resist the urge to do longer sessions, thinking it'll work faster.
• Match with Existing Summer Activities: This is the best part: put your device next to your morning coffee, scroll through social media, or stretch a bit. It's used very often when watching Netflix, reading, or when on phone calls with friends. Just pile it on top of something you're already doing and you won't even notice it.
• Make a Cool, Comfortable Space: Because summer heat is ruthless, utilize it in your air-conditioned bedroom, living room, or basement on hot days. Dress in loose, comfortable clothes and have a water bottle within reach—you'll appreciate it later. When using a handheld device, have a fan blow air around you.
• Sync with Exercise and Hydration: Tip: utilize a session 30 minutes before your morning walk or gym workout to warm up; or, utilize it after evening sessions while winding down. Drink an extra glass of water before and after sessions, especially on hot days when you're already sweating profusely.
• Track Your Consistency and Progress: Simple: check off your sessions with a checkmark on a plain calendar or mobile app. Track your energy level on a scale of 1-10 each day for the first month to look for patterns—this actually keeps you engaged. Most people start seeing differences around week 3; so don't quit even when you don't see changes right away.

Want Better Results? Here are 6 Simple Tips for Boosting Your Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy works best when you combine it with other healthy habits rather than using it alone. Adding simple wellness strategies to your routine can make the therapy more effective and help you see results faster. When these approaches work together, you'll likely notice bigger improvements in your energy and mood.

Here are the most effective ways to enhance your red light therapy results through lifestyle integration:

1. Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day: Hydrate yourself by drinking water prior to, during, and after your red light treatments to allow optimal cellular function. Water hydration allows your cells to be able to utilize the energy surge gained from the therapy more efficiently, and the hot summer climate makes it all the more essential for maintaining energy levels.
2. Sleep Seven to Nine Hours: Use red light therapy in the evening to help with improved sleep, and ensure that you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Proper sleep improves the cellular repair and energy production benefits of the therapy, and you are on a cycle of recovery and vigor.
3. Munch on Light, Protein-Rich Snacks Before Sessions: Eat a light, protein-rich snack 30-60 minutes before your session to provide your cells with building blocks for energy production. Avoid eating a heavy meal right before therapy because digestion will disrupt the cellular process you are trying to enhance.
4. Incorporate Gentle Movement Before or After: Stretch, walk, or do yoga lightly before or after your red light therapy sessions. Movement increases circulation, which can enhance your tissues' ability to absorb the therapy and combine with the increased cellular activity.
5. Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques During Sessions: Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing or meditation during your sessions to maximize the mood benefits. Lower stress levels allow your body to direct more energy toward healing and repair rather than managing cortisol and other stress hormones.
6. Eat Regular, Balanced Meals: Eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day to provide steady fuel for the enhanced cellular energy production from red light therapy. Skipping meals or eating irregularly can counteract the therapy's energy-boosting effects, especially during active summer months.

Beat Summer Slump Naturally with Red Light Therapy

Summer doesn't have to mean feeling sluggish and unmotivated—red light therapy can help you get your energy back by working directly with your cells to boost natural energy production. The research shows it really works, and the process is simple: just consistent sessions combined with staying hydrated, sleeping well, and taking care of yourself. It's a gentle approach that supports what your body already wants to do naturally. If you're dealing with summer fatigue that's affecting your daily life, red light therapy might be exactly the natural boost you've been looking for.