Smart circadian lighting
smart circadian rhythm lighting
The potential benefits of circadian lighting are vast, which is why this type of lighting is now explored in various real estate and interior design sectors around the world. Circadian rhythm lighting systems are strategically designed to positively affect our health, alertness and productivity, which is why this particular concept is getting much deserved attention lately. Read on to find out more..
What is circadian lighting?
Circadian lighting is an innovative new trend within the world of biophilic design and its near cousin, healthy design, especially in the home and workplace where we now spend the vast majority of our lives.
So what is it all about and how is smart technology helping us live urban lives that are more closely aligned with our evolutionary past?
A circadian lighting system is created in way that follows the human so called circadian rhythm - something like a 24-hour internal clock.
It is controlled by hypothalamus that works by receiving signals from the eyes that report when it’s day or nighttime. In turn, hypothalamus can control the amount of melatonin released to correlate sleepiness with darkness and alertness with light.
Circadian rhythm
The body’s circadian rhythm is essentially our 24-hr body clock; we’re not the only ones to have one either - plants, animals and even funghi share their own version too. It’s literally a part of our DNA, evolving over millions of years as a way of connecting us to the daily ebb and flow of sun and moon.
Certain research has shown that light affects both our visual and non-visual systems, while artificial lighting can well impact our circadian rhythm.
While each one of us is different, with some experiencing sleepy mornings and others hitting a wall of drowsiness in the afternoon for example, standard hours of activity and rest for the vast majority of people are fairly regulated.
However, circadian lighting is the concept that artificial lighting can be used to support human health by minimizing the effect of electric light on human circadian rhythm.
How? Well, scientists have discovered that a long-term exposure to certain wavelengths of blue light, at specific intensity, can have a negative impact on circadian rhythm.
circadian light therapy for increased productivity
Circadian rhythm and light are closely connected, meaning this natural flow in each 24hr cycle also influences our day-to-day productivity.
Mental productivity during the hours of work is therefore crucial, as is, conversely, ensuring a solid night’s sleep.
Twenty-first century urban lives full of technology and an always on culture however can mean that, if we are not careful, we can all too easily expose ourselves to disrupting factors, especially as the body does not distinguish between natural and artificial light.
This is where a circadian lamp, or a circadian lighting system comes in. By implementing a circadian lighting design into your working space, you can increase productivity at your office. Since circadian lighting is imitating natural lighting, employees who are exposed more to it have a better recollection of memories and mental function.
Wellness lighting & circadian rhythm light therapy
Enter circadian or wellness lighting is specifically designed to reflect nature’s daily light cycle, prompting periods of mental alertness in the morning and afternoon with light from the blue-white end of the spectrum, before slowly fading into amber hues in the evenings and again in the early mornings.
In practical terms this means you wake up to a soft, gentle light of white-amber, spend your days working in energising white-blue light and relax before bed in the evenings in amber light. Avoiding sources of blue-white light an hour before going to sleep is also recommended, meaning no TV, smartphone or other screen activity!
Circadian rhythm lighting is also great for the purpose of therapy - allowing you to reset your mind and body, and have a better night sleep. When used like a treatment, circadian rhythm lighting can really improve mood and boost your energy levels throughout the day.
Smart circadian rhythm lighting systems
A number of smart circadian rhythm light systems are now readily available in the market making this technology accessible to the general public.
Our favourite is the Philips HUE that involves one ‘bridge’ box between your wifi router and the lightbulbs in your home (up to 50), plus a simple remote control and an app. We used this set-up in our Biofit nature gyms in Calgary and Stockholm, to great effect.
The two main benefits of introducing this kind of light therapy for circadian rhythm are improved mental focus by day and sleep quality at night.
For more information on how we can help you integrate this type of healthy design solution into your office or home, contact us via the Contact page.