Light therapy eases MS fatigue

Light therapy can help ease fatigue and tiredness in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients.

Almost every MS patient suffers from fatigue that makes it almost impossible to carry out the simplest tasks—but sitting in front of a strong light for just 30 minutes every day can dramatically reduce tiredness.

Using a commercially-available lamp that emits 10,000 lux—the equivalent of ambient daylight—for just a fortnight can give MS patients a lot more energy, say researchers at the Medical University of Vienna.

They tested a standard daylight lamp against a lamp that emitted red light of less than 300 lux on 26 MS patients for 14 days who used the equipment at home.  The red light had no effect on levels of fatigue, but those who had standard lamp therapy reported higher levels of physical and mental performance.  They also felt more alert during the day.

Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 2022; 8: 205521732211332

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