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Stress

Stress activation: HPA axis

When the body perceives a stressor (physical, emotional, or psychological threat), the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis) is activated. The hypothalamus secretes CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone), which stimulates the pituitary gland to release ACTH, which in turn activates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol – the main stress hormone. Cortisol allows the body to mobilize energy by increasing blood glucose levels and prioritizes the “fight or flight” system.

  • Cortisol: Raises blood sugar levels, affects metabolism and the immune system.
  • Adrenaline and noradrenaline: Increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory function.
  • Symptoms: rapid breathing, sweating, muscle tension, high blood pressure.

Chronic stress and hormone disorders

Prolonged stress activation can lead to:

  • reproductive hormone disorders (decrease in testosterone, estrogen)
  • suppressed immunity and inflammatory processes
  • increased insulin resistance and metabolic problems

Gender difference

  • Men and women have different stress response patterns due to differences in the hormonal system and microenvironment of hormones such as estrogen and oxytocin.
  • Some studies suggest that men may have a more intense HPA response to acute stress, while women show a more dynamic hormonal pattern across cycles.

2. Stress statistics – globally and in children

Adults

  • ~25% of adults show indicators of high levels of stress in the population according to a meta-analysis of many studies.
  • In some studies, ~74% of adults experienced stress that resulted in them feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope.
  • ~31% of adults worldwide consider stress to be their country’s biggest health problem.

Children and adolescents

  • Mental disorders (including anxiety and depression) occur in ~15% of adolescents globally, which includes stress reactions and neuropsychological consequences.
  • Children aged 3–17 have ~11% anxiety problems, with a slightly higher percentage in girls than boys.

Note: Direct global statistics strictly for stress (not for symptoms of related mental disorders like anxiety) vary between studies due to different assessment methods.

3. Molecular consequences of chronic stress

HPA dysfunction and molecular effects

  • Cortisol chronic disrupts normal signals in glucose metabolism and can inhibit immune functions.
  • Inflammatory markers (IL-6, other cytokines) may increase in response to stress, indicating a link between stress and inflammatory processes.

Neurobiological effects

  • Long-term stress can affect brain regions such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which can alter memory and emotional regulation.

4. What happens when using LT8? (red light + Schumann frequency)

Note: This is an educational description of possible biological effects on stress responses — not medical claims.

Red light (630 nm) – photobiomodulation

Red light can act at the cellular level by:

  • increases ATP production in mitochondria → supports cellular energy balance
  • may contribute to reducing inflammatory markers

These effects are associated with better recovery and reduced physiological stress at the cellular level (e.g. metabolism, tissue repair).

Schumann frequency (7.83 Hz) – nervous system

The Schumann frequency is often associated with:

  • by influencing neuronal activity in the alpha/theta range, which is associated with a state of relaxation and balance
  • supporting the autonomic nervous system regulation

These effects are most often cited in the context of calming and autonomic balance, which may indirectly reduce the subjective perception of stress and support parasympathetic dominance — “rest and recovery.”

5. How LT8 can affect stress processes (conceptually)

  1. Regulation of the autonomic nervous system:
    • The Schumann frequency can support the balance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems — potentially reducing chronic activation of the “fight or flight” response.
  2. Cellular support:
    • Red light can support adequate cellular energy (ATP), which can help tissues adapt and recover more quickly from oxidative or metabolic stress.
  3. Subjective feeling of calm:
    • The combination of stimulation can contribute to a feeling of relaxation, better sleep, and emotional balance.

 Zaključak

  • Stress activates a hormonal response via the HPA axis and causes the release of cortisol, adrenaline and other hormones that prepare the body for an emergency reaction.
  • Chronic stress can have long-term negative effects on metabolism, the immune system, reproductive hormones, and the brain.
  • Statistically, a significant proportion of adults and children experience stress reactions with potential health impacts.
  • The LT8 combination of red light and Schumann frequency may be conceptually aimed at reducing subjective stress and supporting physiological balance, although no medical claims are made here.

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