This is definitely one of my most commonly asked questions: What can I do to protect myself from blue light and NNEMF while traveling?

First the question: What's the issue with airplane travel and hotels in regards to NNEMF?

(PS - my travel list is after all the science - so please feel free to scroll right through if you don't care about the science 😉)⬇️⬇️

Airplanes: Why NNEMFs Are High? Pressurized Metal Tubes with Electronics Everywhere

• Airplanes are essentially metal Faraday cages, which can cause electromagnetic fields to bounce and concentrate rather than dissipate
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Radar and Communication Systems

• Planes constantly emit and receive radiofrequency (RF) signals for communication, GPS, transponders, and navigation—often in the MHz to GHz range.

Wi-Fi & In-Flight Entertainment

• Modern planes offer in-flight Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and individual entertainment systems, all of which emit RF and EMFs

Electrical Cabling Under Seats

• You’re often sitting above or next to wiring and power converters, exposing passengers to intermediate frequency EMFs during the entire flight.

No Grounding

• At 30,000+ feet, you are completely ungrounded and detached from Earth’s natural electric field and Schumann resonance—while being bombarded by artificial fields.

Hotels: Why NNEMFs Are High

Dense Wiring in Walls

• Hotel rooms have heavily wired walls, often with multiple outlets, lamps, and electronics near the bed, creating high electric and magnetic fields (ELFs).

Wi-Fi Routers on Every Floor

• Many hotels use individual Wi-Fi routers per room or per hallway, broadcasting RF radiation 24/7, especially in large or luxury chains.

Smart TVs, Phones, and Appliances

• Modern hotel rooms are filled with wireless smart devices, each emitting RF EMFs & typically there are sources of blue light that cannot be turned off

High-Voltage HVAC Systems

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in hotels often run on high voltage, contributing to EMF levels in the room.

OK - So how this can be an issue for someone's health ?*with citations*

1. Increased ROS Production (This can create damage/dehydration & less energy production in the mitochondria)

NNEMFs disrupt electron flow along the electron transport chain (ETC) in mitochondria, leading to electron leakage and excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

• Source: Blank & Goodman, Pathophysiology (2009) – EMFs increase oxidative stress by disturbing cellular electron flow.

2. Calcium Dysregulation via VGCCs

EMFs activate voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in cell membranes, especially near mitochondria. This leads to an influx of intracellular calcium, which:

• Disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential

• Triggers peroxynitrite formation (a damaging free radical)

• Inhibits ATP production (energy production)

• Source: Dr. Martin Pall, Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (2013)

3. Melatonin Suppression

Melatonin is not just a sleep hormone—it’s also a mitochondrial antioxidant. NNEMFs (especially blue light and RF) reduce melatonin synthesis, leaving mitochondria more vulnerable to oxidative stress.

• Result: Less repair of mitochondrial DNA and proteins = dehydration, aging and dysfunction

4. Decreased ATP Output (Slowed energy production at the level of your mitochondria)

Disrupted redox signaling and excess calcium or ROS impair Complexes I and III of the ETC, reducing ATP synthesis—your core energy currency.

• Fatigue, brain fog, hormone dysfunction, and weight gain can be common results.

5. Disruption of Mitochondrial Biogenesis

EMF exposure alters the signaling of key regulators like PGC-1α, which governs the creation of new mitochondria.

• Long-term exposure = fewer mitochondria, and the ones you have work less efficiently.

YIKES - I know that sounds like a lot - but there are a few very simple things I do while traveling on planes & staying in hotels to stay healthy & feeling my best ⬇️⬇️⬇️

My short list of travel items and WHY

Thanks for reading this far (I hope I have done a good job of laying out some of the science for you).

First thing that is crucial - HYDRATION! If you couldn't tell from everything I mentioned above! So here are the things I bring with me (you can click on each one to go to the website):

​Quinton Minerals (and on my upcoming trip I splurged on this Quinton carrying case). I stock hypertonic & isotonic. Hypertonic is more for quick energy & isotonic is more for medicinal/re-establishing blood volume.

I opt for isotonic if I have a headache or need some parasympathetic support & hypertonic as a daily energy enhancer.

Quinton minerals are especially important during and after flying because they replenish essential electrolytes and trace elements that support hydration, redox balance, and mitochondrial function—systems that take a major hit in the travel environment.

​Methylene Blue - Just Blue (use code SARAH)​

It acts as a mitochondrial electron cycler, helping buffer oxidative stress and improve cellular energy production under conditions that would otherwise impair mitochondrial function—like air travel.

​Hydrogen Tablets & Hydrogen Water (on this trip I am bringing my new Hydrogen Water Bottle from Axiom)

Hydrogen water (H₂-rich water) is one of the most underestimated tools for protecting your mitochondria and nervous system during and after flying. Unlike regular water, it delivers molecular hydrogen gas (H₂)—a selective antioxidant that targets the most damaging free radicals (like hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite) without shutting down beneficial redox signaling.

​Mini Red light therapy panel - (code sarahK)​

Red and NIR light increases Nitric Oxide, improves blood flow, and reduces ROS - especially when used before take off - to precondition mitochondria, and after landing to speed up recovery and reduce inflammtion.

I also use my mini battery operated panel as a flashlight in my hotel room - or a source of lighting at night.

​Blue blockers (yellow for the plane during the day & red for evening) - code SARAH​

Blue blockers are essential mitochondrial protection tools while flying and at night. They preserve melatonin, reduce retinal oxidative stress, and keep your circadian clocks in sync—even under the artificial lighting of air travel.

​Lifewave Patches - X39 (I also like the AEON for inflammation)

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Lifewave patches may offer non-invasive mitochondrial and nervous system support during high-stress environments like flying. While more research is needed, anecdotal evidence suggests they can help with energy, inflammation, sleep, and detox—without drugs or supplements.

For me they really have been a game changer!

​Digestive Enzymes ​

Digestive enzymes = invisible travel insurance for your gut and mitochondria. They optimize digestion under altitude stress, reduce inflammation, and help absorb the nutrients your mitochondria need most during high-stress travel.

​Skincare - Sun & Moo Code SARAHK - I have been LOVING their vitamin C serum for days when my skin needs a bit of a boost & their Age Reverse tallow cream is extremely moisturizing and soothing.

Water for traveling when I don't have all my purification tools:

As far as the water I drink, I always scout out local grocery stores to see if they have Mountain Valley Spring Water in glass bottles (so far I haven't had any issues finding these). I also love Gerolsteiner mineral water when I travel as a treat!

I always bring my Analemma Wand (code SARAH) - for structuring on the go, and I am super excited to try the new Axiom Hydrogen Water Bottle while traveling as it does have a system to filter water as well!

Other miscellaneous things I bring: Eye Mask, Ear Plugs, Electrical Tape (to cover annoying light sources in hotel rooms), toothpaste (code SARAHK) & my favorite Shilajit (code SARAHK)​

When I land - I try to get into a body of water if possible - or do some grounding. Hydration is really my main concern & I'm super excited to try out the new Axiom water bottle on my upcoming flight! I will keep you posted on how it all goes & how I feel about the filter system if I end up using it.

I hope this helps & stay tuned for next week's email where I will dive more into sunscreen & nuances around travel to high UV envrionments!