For Joe Rogan, red light therapy plays a big role in improving his eye health and overall well-being.
Joe Rogan, the popular podcast host and UFC commentator, has been a vocal proponent of red light therapy for its wide-ranging health benefits.
In conversations with guests on his podcast, Rogan has detailed his personal red light therapy routine and the positive effects he’s experienced.
In this post, we will share Joe Rogan’s red light routine, recommendations, and results.
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Joe Rogan Red Light Therapy
Joe Rogan has been a vocal proponent of red light therapy for its wide-ranging health benefits.
In conversations with guests on his podcast like Gary Brecka, Rogan has detailed his personal red light therapy routine and the positive effects he’s experienced.
Rogan uses a high-powered red light bed with 45,000 light diodes, which he lays in for 10-20 minutes per day.
Related: Andrew Huberman Red Light Therapy Recommendation
Notably, Rogan keeps his eyes wide open and stares directly at the lights during his sessions, going against the common advice to wear eye protection.
He reports noticing significant improvements in his vision after just 1-2 weeks of this routine.
In addition to the vision improvements, Rogan reports feeling and performing noticeably better overall since incorporating daily red light therapy.
While the high-powered medical bed he uses may be out of reach for most people, Rogan and his guests emphasize that even lower-dose consumer devices, a red light blanket, and natural sunlight exposure can provide many of the same benefits.
- Highest clinical grade quality
- Option to add a stand for full-body coverage
- Industry-leading 3 year warranty
Rogan also couples his red light therapy with other biohacks like cold plunges, saunas, an organic diet, and targeted supplements.
He specifically takes Pure Encapsulations Macular Support to protect his eye health as he ages. The combination of these practices has allowed Rogan to maintain peak mental and physical performance well into his 50s.
How Red Light Therapy Works
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, leverages specific wavelengths of light to stimulate beneficial biological processes at the cellular level.
When red and near-infrared light penetrates skin and tissue, it is absorbed by the mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses.
Inside the mitochondria, red light exposure helps dissociate nitric oxide from cytochrome c oxidase, an important enzyme in the electron transport chain.
This allows oxygen to bind more readily, boosting ATP energy production by up to 16-fold.
With more energy, cells can perform their functions more efficiently, accelerating healing, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall cellular performance.
Gary Brecka Red Light Bed
So, which red light therapy device does Joe Rogan use specifically?
Rogan has mentioned using a red light bed developed by biohacker and human performance specialist Gary Brecka.
The red light bed uses a combination of red and near-infrared wavelengths at high power densities to penetrate deep into the body’s tissues, stimulating a range of therapeutic effects.
With 45,000 light diodes, it envelops the entire body in therapeutic light, making it one of the most powerful devices on the market.
This full-body coverage allows for systemic benefits, supporting everything from skin health and muscle recovery to brain function and hormonal balance.
Related: Best Red Light Therapy Beds
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Studies have shown that red light therapy confers a wide array of health benefits, including:
- Improved skin health, collagen production, and wound healing
- Better eye health
- Reduced inflammation and pain
- Enhanced muscle recovery and athletic performance
- Increased testosterone and sexual function in men
How to Implement Red Light Therapy
To start reaping the benefits of red light therapy, you don’t necessarily need to invest in an expensive medical-grade bed.
Consuming a wide spectrum of natural light, especially early morning sunlight, is the foundation.
From there, targeted red light therapy sessions using more affordable at-home devices can provide a extra boost.
- Adjustable stand
- US-based company
- 3 year warranty
Look for FDA-cleared devices that deliver at least 100mW/cm² of power at the recommended treatment distance.
Ideal wavelengths are in the mid-600nm range for red light and 810-880nm for near-infrared.
Aim to treat large surface areas of the body for 3-10 minutes per area, 3-5 times per week.
- Unique, mid-sized form factors targets large parts of body
- Good value for those who don't want a full mat/bed
- Includes 660nm and 850nm wavelengths
Be consistent with treatments and don’t expect overnight results – benefits accrue over weeks and months of regular use.
- Full-body 660nm red light bed coverage
- Alternative to expensive industrial sauna beds
- Doubles as an infrared sauna
- Flexible light positioning for optimal coverage
- Dual wavelength red lights (660nm + 850nm)
- Lightweight and portable
- Smaller size to target specific areas (joints, back, etc)
- Portable and easy to travel with
- 630nm, 660nm, and 850nm wavelenghts
- Unique, mid-sized form factors targets large parts of body
- Good value for those who don't want a full mat/bed
- Includes 660nm and 850nm wavelengths
- Convenient, full-body coverage for shorter sessions
- Unique, two-panel design
- 2,500+ high-powered red and infrared lights
- Covers entire side of body (front/back)
- 3,840 medical red and 768 infrared lights
- Protective plastic layer for easy cleaning
As always, consult with your doctor before starting any new therapy, especially if you have an underlying medical condition or take medications.
With the green light from your healthcare provider, red light therapy can be a safe and effective biohack to help you look, feel, and perform your best.
FAQ
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing and beneficial biological processes at the cellular level. The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in cells, leading to increased ATP energy production and reduced inflammation.
How often should I use red light therapy?
For optimal results, it’s recommended to use red light therapy devices for 10-20 minutes per treatment area, 3-5 times per week.
Is red light therapy safe for the eyes?
While most manufacturers recommend wearing protective eyewear during red light therapy sessions, some users, like Joe Rogan, report benefits from direct eye exposure. However, those with pre-existing eye conditions should consult their ophthalmologist before trying this approach. If you experience any discomfort or vision changes, discontinue use and seek medical advice.
Can I use red light therapy if I have a medical condition?
While red light therapy is generally considered safe, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or take medications. Some conditions, such as certain cancers or photosensitive disorders, may contraindicate the use of red light therapy.
How long does it take to see results from red light therapy?
Some people report noticing improvements in skin tone and texture within a few weeks, while others may take several months to see significant changes. For chronic pain and inflammation, consistent use over several weeks to months is typically necessary for optimal results.
Does Joe Rogan wear eye protection during red light therapy?
No, Joe Rogan has stated that he keeps his eyes wide open and stares directly at the lights during his red light therapy sessions. He reports experiencing vision improvements using this method. However, this goes against the common advice to wear eye protection, and may not be suitable for everyone.
How long are Joe Rogan’s red light therapy sessions?
According to Rogan, he typically spends 10-20 minutes per day in his high-powered red light therapy bed.
What other benefits has Joe Rogan experienced from red light therapy?
In addition to vision improvements, Rogan reports overall enhancements in his physical performance, recovery, and mental clarity since incorporating daily red light therapy. He credits the combination of red light therapy with other healthy lifestyle practices for his ability to maintain peak performance in his 50s.
Does Joe Rogan recommend any specific red light therapy products?
While Rogan uses a high-end, medical-grade red light therapy bed (the Gary Brecka bed), he and his guests acknowledge that lower-cost, consumer-grade devices and even regular sunlight exposure can provide many of the same benefits, making red light therapy accessible to a broader audience.
