Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), can feel like carrying a heavy weight every single day. Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, recurring infections, brain fog, and muscle pain make it difficult to live life the way you want.
While there’s no single “cure” yet, researchers are investigating new therapies that target the underlying issues in CFS/ME — especially problems with cell energy (mitochondria) and immune function. One of the most promising options being studied is red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy uses gentle beams of red or near-infrared light to stimulate your cells. Unlike surgical lasers that cut or burn, this type of light therapy works at a cellular level, encouraging the body to heal and function more efficiently.
How it may help in CFS/ME:
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Boosts energy production: Light stimulates the mitochondria (the “batteries” of your cells), helping them produce more ATP — the fuel your body needs for energy.
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Reduces inflammation and stress on cells: This can help calm overactive immune responses and reduce muscle pain.
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Supports circulation: Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients reach tired tissues.
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Balances the immune system: Studies suggest light therapy can help regulate immune signalling, which is often out of balance in people with CFS/ME.
What the Research Is Saying
Although research into red light therapy for CFS/ME is still young, scientists are paying close attention.
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A new clinical trial (NCT06145867) is currently underway, testing whether photobiomodulation can improve fatigue symptoms and immune function in people with CFS. This is exciting because it’s designed to measure both energy levels and immune markers.
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Other studies in related conditions, like fibromyalgia and post-viral fatigue, have already shown that red light therapy can reduce fatigue, improve muscle recovery, and enhance quality of life.
This means there’s a solid scientific reason to believe it could help people with CFS/ME as well.
Realistic Expectations
It’s important to remember: red light therapy is not a cure. But for many people, it may become a supportive therapy that:
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Reduces the intensity of fatigue
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Helps the immune system respond better
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Makes it easier to recover after activity
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Improves overall quality of life
Because CFS/ME varies so much from person to person, results can differ too. Some notice improvements quickly, while others may need weeks or months of regular use to see changes.
Safety First
The good news is that red light therapy is considered very safe when used correctly. Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as temporary warmth or skin sensitivity in the treated area.
The main limitations right now are:
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Research is still ongoing, so the best treatment schedules aren’t fully known.
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It should be seen as an add-on therapy, not a replacement for medical care.
A Patient’s Perspective: Feel–Felt–Found
Many people with CFS/ME feel sceptical when they hear about “light therapy.” It may sound too simple for such a complex condition. Others have felt that way too — especially after trying treatments that didn’t help. What patients and researchers have found, though, is that when used consistently and safely, red light therapy can improve energy and resilience in some people. It’s not a miracle cure, but it may make life more manageable.
Getting Started
If you’re curious about trying red light therapy:
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Talk to your healthcare provider about whether it’s suitable for you.
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Be consistent — most people use it several times a week over many weeks to see results.
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Choose safe, therapeutic devices. For example, the Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy device from Pulse Laser Relief is designed for home use and offers the kind of pulsed red light therapy studied in clinical research.
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Track your progress — keeping a symptom diary can help you and your doctor see what’s changing.
Bottom Line
Red light therapy is an exciting, gentle treatment that may help support energy and immune health in people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. While research is still in progress, including a promising clinical trial underway now, early evidence suggests it could reduce fatigue and improve day-to-day resilience.
If you’re living with CFS/ME, it may be worth exploring as part of a holistic care plan — especially if you’re looking for safe, non-invasive options to support your energy and wellbeing.
References:
Quadram Institute Bioscience. (2024, April 25). A feasibility study: Assessing photobiomodulation in myalgic encephalomyelitis (LightMEup) (Clinical Trial No. NCT06145867). U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06145867
