Lighting and how it affects our mood and bodies

Kelvin Scale from 1000K to 10,000K (starts as a yellowish color and turning into a warm and then cool white and then a bluish color as the scale gets bigger)

OUR BODIES ARE IN NEED OF PROPER LIGHTING

Research shows that an adequate amount of light improves mood and energy levels, while poor lighting contributes to depression and other deficiencies in the body.

Artificial light has afforded mankind incalculable possibilities, However it has also caused some confusion in our bodies, which have evolved for thousands of years to respond to the stimuli of sunlight in the day and darkness at night. This responsiveness to natural light is called the circadian rhythm or cycle, and describes the 24-hour biological cycle of all human beings. Circadian rhythms are primarily influenced by light reception, but temperature and other stimuli also play a role in the process.

Our natural clock is in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is linked to photoreceptors located throughout the body (such as the retina). These receptors are responsible for synchronizing our internal clock with the light we absorb during the day. Understanding the circadian cycle is essential because it affects the rhythms of the human body and influences sleep, mood, wakefulness, digestion, temperature control, and even cell renewal. The amount and type of lighting directly affect concentration, appetite, mood, and many other aspects of daily life.

So you ask, how can we have a healthy circadian rythym if we spend the majority of our time inside under artificial lighting? well throught the advancement of technology we now have ways to mimic the bright light of the daytime and the more calming light of the evenings. There is a color temperature scale that has been generated (as shown in the above picture) and is measured in Kelvins(k). The cooler or brighter a light is will have a higher Kelvin rating, and the warmer or softer a light is will have a lower Kelvin rating. The cooler kelvin rating is typically a white/bluish color and a brighter light that mimics the natural light of the sun and is encouraged to be used during the daytime hours or in areas that require high energy and efficiency at all times (Kitchens, Offices, Sporting Venues, Warehouses, etc..). The warmer kelvin ratings are generally yellowish in color and provide a more calming effect and are suggested for use in areas that require a more relaxed environment (Bedrooms, Living Rooms, Restaurant/Dining Areas, Rest Areas, etc..).

Experts agree that taking advantage of sunlight during the day and avoiding direct exposure to cold or blue light at bedtime can improve quality of sleep and positively affect people's well-being and productivity. And although it's impossible to control the lighting of all the environments and spaces that we will inhabit, being aware of the impacts of lighting on our body can make us consider the type of lighting we install in our personal spaces. As most of us are used to checking emails or social media before bed the blue light emitted from the computer or phone screen can stimulate our eyes and keep us awake, so check to see if you device has a ‘Blue Light Filter” and if it does turn it on at nightime to help your eyes rest and not be fooled into thiking it is still daytime. which will likely ensure a more quality and undisturbed sleep pattern.