Dynamic Lighting Enhances Health and Wellbeing

Health

 

Feb 12, 2018

At the end of 2017, the Nobel Prize for medicine went to three American researchers: Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young. By isolating and investigating the “period” gene of the fruit fly, they were able to prove the existence of the “inner clock,” which controls the circadian rhythm of humans, animals and plants. The lighting industry, architects and planners, are interested in this, too, and are developing lighting solutions and concepts for a wide range of applications, based on these scientific findings.

Circadian rhythms — the foundation of human-centric lighting

The biological rhythm of the human being is crucially influenced by the progress of sunlight. And it is, first and foremost, the proportion of blue light that is responsible for blocking or stimulating the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. The relatively blue sunlight in the morning blocks the melatonin hormone and stimulates the activity of the stress hormone cortisol. This leads to increased wakefulness, an enhanced ability to concentrate, and a feeling of general fitness. In the course of the day, the colour of the light changes into a significantly warmer tone, thus creating a reversal of this effect, so that people become calmer in the evening and are prepared for the imminent sleep phase.

Biologically effective lighting

Lighting solutions that embody the notion of HCL (human centric lighting) try to support the biological process of hormone control by simulating the missing sunshine that actively promotes this natural rhythm. The fact that most people only rarely get to feel the sun on their faces can lead to problems such as sleeplessness, fatigue and even depression. A lamp designed along biological lines follows the same phases as the sun, as far as the colour of the light is concerned, and thus creates healthier lighting. At the same time, however, aspects such as intensity and direction of the illumination must be taken into account, in order to maximize the effects of the installed system appropriately. Sunlight varies in intensity from 3,000 lux (on a dull winter’s day) to 100,000 lux (in direct sun). The direction of the lighting, too, needs to be taken into consideration. For instance, the diffuse light from the sky covers a major part of the human visual field. Broad-surface lighting in the upper part of the room is therefore desirable, as this is what most efficiently reaches the bottom half of the retina, where most of the light-sensitive cells are to be found. All three factors (colour temperature, intensity and direction) must be taken into consideration in any good quality and serious HCL lighting plan, if the effect of sunlight is to be replicated as closely as possible.

Multiple areas of application

Applications for biodynamic lighting are many and varied, ranging from private dwellings to offices, nursing facilities and care institutions. There is a particular focus on lighting solutions for offices and the healthcare system, as it is here that the positive effects have the greatest impact. Equally exciting and relevant for these areas are cost-benefit analyses. The introduction of an HCL based solution in the office, for instance, holds the promise of better work outcomes, positively motivated staff and, at the end of the day, a reduction in down time due to illness, too. This all adds up to definite cost savings. In the health service, the effect of correct lighting can, in certain circumstances, result in staff savings and, with increased sense of well-being and consequent shortened healing periods for patients and those in care, also enhance the image of the establishment as a whole. In other areas, too, such as retail experiences for instance, positive results can be obtained with the correct lighting effects. Appropriate lighting solutions awaken curiosity, make shop interiors more inviting, increase length of stay and foster enthusiasm.

As well as in these areas, it also makes sense in industry, where appropriate artificial lighting can — particularly with shift work — be significantly different from actual daylight and the rhythms of sunlight. In that case, it is about keeping workers on night shift as awake and maintaining the same degree of attention and concentration as if they were at work in the morning. The avoidance of mistakes and health and safety considerations in the workplace are just two of the major issues that are of particular importance in day-to-day industrial life. Yet if we look at the requirements for a comprehensive and effective HCL lighting system, it quickly becomes apparent that all the lamps on the market can only be used efficiently if put together in sensible combinations. Large-surface diffused lighting, in combination with indirectly and directly projected light from floods and spots, can be used in all the areas mentioned above and lead to an effective result. The use of individual table and standard lamps also plays a major role here, as does the introduction of complex lighting control systems.

Conferences and tradeshows showcase huge variety of solutions

Technical implementations of an HCL system can basically be divided into two categories: on the one hand, there are individual solutions, whereby individual lighting elements react on their own or, indeed, as part of an interlinked control network, which regulates the individual luminaires and ensures that they interact sensibly. These include the so-called ‘swarm technologies’. Here, several light sources communicate with one another and thus ensure a well-balanced lighting scenario. All versions have their own key functions and must be selected for individual requirements in each case.

The industry will be showcasing the range of products and the growing choice available to the public at two upcoming events:

Light + Building, March 18-23 2018 in Frankfurt am Main, light-building.com/human-centric-lighting
LightFair International, www.lightfair.com
Visitors will be able to collect information about the latest lighting trends as well as intelligent lighting control systems.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Ontario Solar Incentives with Essex Energy

    Ontario Solar Incentives with Essex Energy

    August 20, 2025 Essex Energy is helping municipalities, universities and colleges across Ontario take advantage of incentives under Ontario’s Retrofit DER Program including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. What’s Available Significant rebates available to eligible businesses and institutional organizations deploying rooftop or parking lot solar PV systems. These incentives are paid upon completion of the project, accelerating project… Read More…

  • Beyond the Bid: How Modern Estimating Solutions Drive Contractor Success

    Beyond the Bid: How Modern Estimating Solutions Drive Contractor Success

    August 18, 2025 By Brooke Stewart In today’s fast-paced construction landscape, electrical contractors are constantly pressured to keep their estimates competitive, often at the expense of healthy profit margins. Compounding this challenge are rising material costs, a shortage of skilled labor and siloed data, all of which make it increasingly difficult to stay competitive and… Read More…

  • Hammond Power Solutions Helps EFC Champion Sustainability as First Carbon Neutral Sponsor at Annual Industry Conference

    Hammond Power Solutions Helps EFC Champion Sustainability as First Carbon Neutral Sponsor at Annual Industry Conference

    August 18, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada Did you know that carbon emissions from this year’s Annual Industry Conference were offset? With the help of Hammond Power Solutions (HPS), EFC took an important step toward reducing our environmental impact by offsetting the emissions associated with the event. This milestone reflects a growing commitment within the electrical… Read More…

  • FortisBC Detail Impact of their Energy-Efficiency Programs in 2024

    FortisBC Detail Impact of their Energy-Efficiency Programs in 2024

    August 18, 2025 In 2024, FortisBC Energy Inc. and FortisBC Inc.’s (collectively FortisBC) conservation and energy-efficiency programs helped lower gas and electricity use while helping create more comfortable living and working spaces for customers. Building on 2023 reductions, its gas programs cut close to one million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) 1 in 2024. “Our customers’… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Blackline Safety Announces Quality Assurance Program Expansion

    August 18, 2025 Blackline Safety Corp. has announced a major expansion of its quality assurance (QA) program. As part of the expansion, the company has increased its QA team, upgraded its inspection equipment, and boosted in-lab testing of its entire product line. Headquartered in Canada with offices in the UK, France, U.S., and UAE, Blackline… Read More…

  • EB Horsman Introcuce New Burnaby Branch Manager

    EB Horsman Introcuce New Burnaby Branch Manager

    August 18, 2025 EB Horsman & Son is pleased to announce the promotion of Sean O’Brien to Branch Manager of their Burnaby location, effective August 6, 2025. Sean brings over 15 years of experience in the electrical and lighting industry, with a strong background in sales, technical leadership, project management, and clean energy initiatives. He… Read More…

  • BCCA Response to “Report on 2026 Budget Consultation”

    BCCA Response to “Report on 2026 Budget Consultation”

    August 18, 2025 BCCA is pleased to receive the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services’ Report on the 2026 Budget Consultation, and celebrates the emphasis placed on supporting BC’s construction industry and workforce. Chris Atchison, President of the BCCA, spoke to the Committee on the recommendations and priorities of BC’s construction industry. These included:… Read More…

  • NSAA Introduces Mentorship for Women Apprentices Program

    NSAA Introduces Mentorship for Women Apprentices Program

    August 18, 2025 This program is designed to support the retention and progression to certification of women apprentices in the 39 Red Seal Construction or Manufacturing trades. The program pairs women apprentices with experienced tradespeople to provide guidance, career development, and support throughout their apprenticeship journey. The program is for 6 months, with the mentor and… Read More…