Guest Voice: How phototherapy helped me reclaim my life with MS
My severe fatigue eased, and I had more consistent sleep
Written by |
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with phototherapy. Not everyone will have the same response. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping any therapy.
Receiving a diagnosis of a serious health condition is never easy. When I was told last year that I had multiple sclerosis (MS), it felt like the ground had shifted beneath me.
I understood right away that there is no cure. There are medications that can help manage symptoms and slow progression, but I was now living with a chronic condition that will be part of my life moving forward. Physically and emotionally, it was devastating.
I’ll be the first to admit I haven’t always prioritized my health. I’d describe myself as being a “big guy” since high school. My family has a history of losing loved ones to diabetes. When I received my MS diagnosis, I knew meaningful change was no longer optional. My wife and kids became my biggest motivation. I had to take an honest look at how I was living and make a decisive pivot.
A wake-up call for my health
I started with nutrition. In a relatively short period of time, I committed to disciplined eating habits and brought my weight down to a healthier 200 pounds. For me, the transformation was about far more than a number on the scale. It was about regaining a sense of agency.
Because MS can affect strength, coordination, and mobility, I also committed to resistance training. As I began experiencing symptoms like foot drop and chronic fatigue, strength training became my way of proactively fighting back. I couldn’t control everything about MS, but I could control how hard I worked to preserve my physical function.
Education became just as important as exercise. I immersed myself in learning about MS, from established pharmacological treatments to emerging research and evolving clinical approaches focused on improving quality of life. I connected with other patients and found support in the MS community across several online communities. The ability to have honest conversations and shared experiences offered inspirational insight and emotional support.
Discovering the benefits of phototherapy
One topic that kept coming up was phototherapy, the use of ultraviolet light to harness some of the potential benefits of natural sunlight. I was curious. During the summer of 2025, I intentionally spent more time outdoors to increase my exposure to natural sunlight and see if it made a difference.
At first, the effects were subtle. After several days, I noticed changes not only physically but also mentally. I felt more balanced and emotionally uplifted. Still, I questioned what exactly was driving it. Was it the sunlight itself, the warmth, or simply spending more time outside?
As I continued researching phototherapy, I learned about a New Hampshire-based company working to expand awareness around its use for individuals with autoimmune conditions, including MS and long COVID. The company distributes UV-B lights that are cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat dermatological conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo, with an established safety and efficacy profile for those uses, though it’s not cleared specifically for use in MS.
Noticeable results in energy, sleep, and mood
After speaking with my physician and securing a prescription, I began phototherapy during Thanksgiving weekend. Over the following months, it made a meaningful difference, especially during the holiday season with my kids.
The severe fatigue I had been struggling with gradually eased, giving way to a more consistent and regulated sleep schedule. With better rest came noticeably increased energy in my day-to-day life. Physically, I felt more active and experienced greater stamina, which helped me to stay engaged as a father and continue running my plumbing business. Mentally, I noticed a sustained uplift in my mood and overall outlook, even during New Hampshire’s short and cold winter days.
Six months into my phototherapy journey, I’ve found myself wanting to reflect on how far I’ve come. Alongside the traditional MS medications prescribed by my neurologist, I truly believe that taking a comprehensive, personalized approach has made a meaningful difference in my quality of life.
I’m hopeful that future research will continue to explore the role phototherapy might play in treating autoimmune diseases, and that it may eventually support and reach more people in the MS community.
This diagnosis changed my life in ways I never expected. But it also pushed me to take ownership of my health in a way I hadn’t before. I’ve not only been able to track my progress with objective MS blood test results, but I also subjectively feel a positive difference in my fatigue and mood. As difficult as this lifestyle shift has been, it’s ultimately made all the difference.
To submit your own Guest Voice for publication on Multiple Sclerosis News Today, please email your idea to our columns manager at [email protected] with the following included in the subject line: “Guest Voice: Multiple Sclerosis News Today.”
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
Leave a comment
Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published.