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Light as Medicine

5-minute read 30 XP in app 6 cards

Light controls your biology

Beyond circadian rhythm, specific light wavelengths (red, near-infrared) penetrate tissue and boost mitochondrial function — a field called photobiomodulation.

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Match the light to its effect

Connect each light type to its biological impact.

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Fact

Morning sunlight outranks every device

5-10 minutes of natural sunlight within an hour of waking — even on a cloudy day at ~10,000-50,000 lux — anchors the circadian rhythm and produces a cleaner cortisol curve than any lamp. Indoor lighting peaks at ~500 lux. The strongest signal nature gives your master clock is the contrast between morning sunlight (very bright, blue-shifted) and dim evening (warm, red-shifted). Match it.

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Red light therapy — what it does + doesn't do

Tap each claim.

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Evening light hygiene

Tap each habit — most people do the opposite.

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Takeaway

Key Takeaway

Morning sunlight is the #1 light hack. Red/NIR light therapy is promising for skin, joints, and energy but requires the right dose and wavelength.