Health 3.0 w/ Dr. Doug Lucas
Why Your Lights Are Making You Tired w/ Dr. Glen Jeffery | Ep 29
Artificial lighting has quietly become one of the biggest environmental changes humans have ever experienced. For millions of years, our biology evolved under the full spectrum of sunlight. Today, most of us spend our lives under LED lighting that is energy efficient—but fundamentally different from the light our cells evolved to use. Dr. Doug Lucas sits down with Dr. Glen Jeffery , Professor of Neuroscience at University College London, to explore how modern lighting affects mitochondrial function, metabolism, vision, aging, and chronic disease. Together they unpack the science behind red and near-infrared light, why mitochondria depend on specific wavelengths to function properly, and how simple changes to your home or workplace lighting may improve energy, blood sugar regulation, recovery, and long-term health. In this episode, you will learn: The Evolution: Humans evolved under full-spectrum sunlight, but modern LED lighting removes many of the wavelengths our biology depends on for optimal health. The Mechanism: Red and near-infrared light support mitochondrial function by improving ATP production, helping cells produce more energy while reducing inflammation. The Research: Studies suggest that optimizing light exposure may improve blood sugar regulation, retinal health, muscle recovery, and slow age-related decline. The Strategy: Simple lifestyle changes—such as increasing natural daylight, adding incandescent or halogen lighting, and being intentional about indoor lighting—may provide meaningful health benefits without expensive devices. Quotable Moments "For the first time in the evolution of life, we're living under an incredibly restricted light spectrum." "When your mitochondria start to fail, you're on the slippery slope of aging." Key Moments (0:00) Why modern lighting may be affecting your health (1:50) Meet Dr. Glen Jeffery (3:32) How LEDs changed the human light environment (7:30) Understanding the light spectrum beyond human vision (14:01) Why red light supports metabolism and longevity (20:07) Mitochondria, ATP, and the biology of aging (26:04) Can changing your light bulbs improve blood sugar? (30:45) Red light's effects on vision and retinal aging (35:39) Exercise recovery, muscle function, and mitochondria (39:22) What health improvements should you actually expect? (45:35) How to optimize your home lighting (56:36) Do blue-light blocking glasses actually work? Featured Resources • University College London Institute of Ophthalmology • Scientific Reports research on indoor lighting and mitochondrial health Connect with Dr. Glen Jeffery University College London Institute of Ophthalmology Support the Show If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with someone who needs to take control of their health. Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts Spotify: Listen on Spotify YouTube: Watch on YouTube Connect with Dr. Doug Website: LifeMD | Health 3.0 with Dr. Doug Lucas Instagram: @drdouglucas LinkedIn: Dr. Doug Lucas on LinkedIn Powered by LifeMD Website: LifeMD official site Instagram: @lifemd LinkedIn: LifeMD on LinkedIn Disclaimers: The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of LifeMD or Health 3.0. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
