The topic of Circadian Lighting continues to be a hot one in the world of lighting. The capability and control we have over LED grows by the day, while at the same time studies develop regarding how lighting affects our Circadian Rhythm. Throughout the millions of years of human existence, our bodies had grown accustomed to sleeping when the sun goes down and waking when it rises. Artificial lighting over the past 140 years has changed that dynamic with the sun and thus our sleep cycle has been altered.
In recent years, huge progress has been made in LED lighting technology and at the same time understanding how different types of light affects our bodies. That research has shown us that many of the early LED installations are not benefiting our biological needs and in turn our Circadian rhythm is disrupted. Humans are continually becoming more sedentary and this time inside is often away from windows, reducing our exposure to natural sunlight light which our body so desperately needs for maintaining wellness.
Circadian Lighting is designed around reducing exposure to harmful bio-active light that has been shown to increase obesity, diabetes, heart attacks and cancer. Some of the benefits seen so far in the workplace with Circadian Light include improved productivity up to 25%, increased alertness in the morning and faster cognitive processing. Schools have made strides as well with the aim to help kids sleep better at night and thus be more engaged and active during school hours.
More research is needed to fully understand the benefits of Circadian Lighting, but the focus of lighting is shifting to not just be about saving energy but to also understand the benefits and consequences of the lighting we use (for humans and nature alike).
What is circadian lighting?