Wondering when to squeeze Red Light Therapy into your day, before coffee or before bed? Short answer: the best time depends on your goal, mornings boost energy, evenings enhance recovery. Most people don’t realise how much timing can change their results. If you want to make every session count, this guide breaks down when your body benefits most.

Morning vs. Night: When is the Best Time for Red Light Therapy?
Optimising Your RLT Sessions for Your Specific Goals
There isn’t a single “perfect” time for everyone. The best timing depends on what you want from Red Light Therapy. Some people need early-morning energy, while others want an evening recovery boost. Once you match your timing to your goals, the results become far more noticeable. Your timing should support your lifestyle, not complicate it.
The Case for Morning Sessions
To Boost Energy: Stimulating ATP Production for the Day Ahead
Red Light Therapy in the morning can feel like a warm, slow-release version of coffee. It helps your cells create more ATP, which gives your body a natural lift. Many people notice better focus and sharper thinking afterwards. It’s one of the simplest ways to start the day feeling switched on.
To Regulate Circadian Rhythm: Mimicking the Sunrise
Morning light exposure sends a clear signal to your brain: “wake up, it’s daytime.” RLT mimics that sunrise cue, helping rebalance your sleep-wake cycle. Over time, this can improve sleep quality without relying on supplements. It’s especially helpful for anyone who wakes up groggy or off-schedule.
To Reduce Skin Inflammation Before Starting Your Day
If your skin tends to look irritated, blotchy, or stressed in the morning, a quick RLT session can calm things down. It reduces inflammation and redness, making it a helpful pre-work ritual. Your skin looks smoother and more even before you walk out the door.
The Case for Evening Sessions
To Enhance Sleep: Promoting Melatonin Production
Unlike blue light from screens, red light helps your body wind down. It encourages melatonin production, which prepares you for sleep. Many people who struggle with bedtime routines find evening sessions surprisingly effective. It’s an easy way to shift your body into rest mode.
To Aid Muscle Recovery and Reduce DOMS After a Workout
If you train later in the day, evening sessions work well for reducing inflammation and stiffness. Athletes often use RLT after intense workouts to speed up muscle repair. This helps reduce next-day soreness and keeps recovery on track.
To Wind Down and Reduce Stress
Red Light Therapy has a naturally calming effect. The warm glow and stillness of the session help you disconnect from the chaos of the day. Some people pair it with stretching or light breathing to create a mini nighttime ritual.

The Expert Consensus: Consistency Trumps Timing
Why the "Best" Time is the Time You Won't Skip
Experts agree that regular use matters more than perfect timing. If mornings feel rushed or evenings feel unpredictable, choose whatever time fits your routine. You’ll get better results from showing up consistently than chasing the “ideal” hour.
Building a Sustainable RLT Habit
Start with the time of day you’re most likely to keep doing long term. Once the habit sticks, you can adjust it based on how your body responds. Think routine first, optimisation second.
A Goal-Oriented Approach to Timing
If Your Goal is Energy and Skin Health... Try Morning
Morning sessions help boost alertness and leave your skin calmer and brighter for the day. If you want visible daytime benefits, start early.
If Your Goal is Sleep and Recovery... Try Evening
Night-time RLT supports muscle repair and deep relaxation. It’s ideal for people who want improved sleep or a gentler end to the day.
Can You Do It Twice a Day?
Yes, many advanced users do short sessions in the morning and evening. Just avoid overdoing it, and keep your total weekly exposure within recommended ranges. Listen to your body and increase slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can red light therapy at night keep me awake?
Unlikely. Red and near-infrared light don’t interfere with melatonin the way blue light does. Most people feel more relaxed after evening sessions.
How long before bed should I do red light therapy?
Aim for a session 30–90 minutes before bed. This gives your body time to wind down naturally while still benefiting from the calming effects.
Does the timing affect results for pain relief?
Not dramatically. Pain relief is more about consistency than timing. Pick the time of day when you're most likely to use it regularly.