How does blue light affect wellbeing?
Blue light can have either a positive or negative effect on wellbeing depending on the timing and intensity of exposure. Lighting systems that offer users a way to control blue light levels can help to create healthier environments that promote wellbeing. But what exactly is blue light and how can it be controlled?
Blue light and its connection to wellbeing
Blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light that is prevalent in natural sunlight. It is also emitted by artificial sources including LED lights, fluorescent lamps, and digital screens. There is broad scientific consensus, including researchers based at Warwick University, that exposure to blue light during the day has positive effects on our mood, attention, and cognitive function, helping regulate our circadian rhythm – the internal clock that dictates our sleep-wake cycle.
The importance of the circadian rhythm
The body’s circadian rhythm is a finely tuned biological clock that syncs with the Earth's natural day-night cycle. It influences various physiological processes, including hormone release, body temperature, and sleep-wake patterns. Exposure to high-energy blue light during the day helps regulate the circadian rhythm, promoting alertness and enhancing overall wellbeing.
On the flipside, excessive exposure to blue light in the evening and night can disrupt the circadian rhythm. For example, the blue light emitted by electronic devices can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This disruption can lead to difficulties falling asleep and negatively impact the overall quality of our sleep.
Lighting choices and wellbeing
Lighting systems can be designed to accommodate the body’s changing light needs as day progresses to night and create a more soothing environment conducive to relaxation. The most effective solution is the incorporation of DALI lighting control systems - smart lighting systems that can allow for colour temperature and light level adjustments.
By optimising our exposure to blue light, both natural and artificial, through lighting control systems, we can positively influence our circadian rhythm. Lighting systems designed with wellbeing in mind can both enhance our sleep quality and improve mood, with all the productivity, and long-term health benefits this brings.
As a leading lighting manufacturer committed to supporting better and healthier environments, Tamlite offers a range of lighting solutions designed with wellbeing in mind. For more information, please visit our website.
