Human Centric Lighting
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What is Human Centric Lighting?
Human-centric lighting is the practice of illuminating a space with light fixtures that mimic the pattern of natural light. The human body craves natural light as there are several benefits to sunlight. It nourishes the body with vitamin D, which helps calcium absorption. Natural light exposure also improves mood, helps regulate sleep, and generally improves a
person’s health. Human-centric lighting (HCL) aims to combat modern life’s reliance on artificial lighting. We are constantly surrounded by artificial light in our offices, houses, and schools. Soft diffused lighting is designed to negate harsh glares, warm white light mimics natural light, and brightness control helps maintain light intensity.
Understanding the Circadian Rythym Cycle
Research has shown that our energy level, mood, and sense of alertness or sleepiness are controlled by the human biological clock, also known as circadian rhythm, that is regulated by the brain based on light signals from the environment. Human-centric lighting adapts its light colour and intensity throughout the course of the day to create a circadian-friendly lighting sequence, improving a person’s mood and increasing their productivity. The human biological clock, also known as circadian rhythm, is mainly synchronized by the light perceived, specifically short-wavelength. Insufficient access to daylight or equivalent electric lighting can compromise human health and well-being. The effect of light on the circadian rhythm is greater in children and adolescents than in adults, making lighting design for classrooms important for good circadian entrainment for students.
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Artificial Light Mimicking Sunlight
A good and healthy classroom environment naturally improves productivity. HCL simulates natural sunlight, causing the brain to relax and stay tension-free. Working in a dimly lit classroom can strain eyes and significantly reduce cognitive stimulation. Good circadian lighting aims to use LED technology to its fullest extent and boost student test scores and teacher performance. The human body naturally wants to stay awake during daytime and sleep after dark. If the body follows a normal circadian rhythm, by going to bed on time and sleeping a healthy 7-8 hours a day will give a long lasting energy boost the next morning. Being well-rested, more productive, and in a relaxed environment, you are more likely to feel happiness.
People can experience feelings of sadness and loneliness and stay in a low-energy state during winter due to a lack of sunlight. This condition is known as Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which has symptoms including: lack of energy; sleeping too much; finding it hard to wake up in the morning; feeling very tired all the time. HCL provides circadian lighting during winter seasons to counter act this condition. Tailored lighting can reduce eye strain and visual discomfort, especially in schools, by adjusting light levels and colour temperatures to suit the visual task at hand. Artificial lighting also usually falls on the blue spectrum, which can be damaging to both physical and mental health.
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