As a programmer, I’ve always been on the lookout for new ways to increase my productivity and brain power. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with the use of an infrared flashlight strapped to my head to help improve my performance while coding.

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The anomalous properties of infared light has been widely studied from being able to stimulate healing in degenerated brain tissues [1] [2] to even being able to de-age skin [3]. I am mostly interested in the first property - its supposed effects on the brain. I aim to investigate how infrared light can be used to alleviate fatigue in the brain allowing me to code more.

Headgear

I got an infrared flashlight from Amazon and some straps to create a headband which I used to fasten the flashlight to my head in a way that the flashlight shines directly on my forehead.

Procedure

1. Obtain the headgear. Secure the flashlight to the headband using clips.
2. Sit in a comfortable position at a desk or table with a laptop or computer.
3. Record the time you start using the computer.
4. Go about usual activity, but record whenever you start actively working or stop actively working
5. Record the time you stop using the computer.

Data Collection

In addition to the data manually recorded in the procedure, install software that records typing activity.

Trials

Trial 1: Wearing headband without flashlight, recording data over the course of one week

Trial 2: Wearing headband with flashlight, recording data over the course of one week

Trial 3: Wearing headband without flashlight, recording data over the course of one week

Results

Conclusion

While the results may be indicative of an increase in performance not only during infrared-light therapy but also after infrared-light therapy, I highly doubt the results. The first problem is that I, the creator of the experiment, was the test subject. While I tried to go about my day as normally as possible, there may have been some subconscious bias where I wanted positive results, leading me to be more reluctant to “clock out” during weeks 2 and 3.

I highly implore people to wait for larger experiments before making any proper conclusions. In the meantime, I will continue using IR therapy because it at the very least encourages me to work more, even if there is no proper statistical basis.

1. Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders
2. Transcranial near-infrared light in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
3. A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase