How Lighting Impacts Our Moods

As I mentioned in a previous post, I’m extremely passionate about lighting and I love educating people on all the nerdy stuff like  wavelength, color temperature. I feel that a hugely overlooked facet is how crucial lighting is for our mood and resulting behaviors. In this article I share my insights and also provide some more in depth research that confirms the importance of correct lighting.

The Science of Light: More Than Just Illumination

In Iceland, where we have never ending daylight in Summer and long (really long!) dark Winters, understanding how illumination affects our emotional and behavioral patterns is not just a topic of interest but a necessity. At SEG LED-Solutions , our exploration into this intricate interplay highlights the significant influence light has on human emotions, drive, and overall well-being.. Here, we break down the science in simple terms to reveal how different lighting can affect us in profound ways.  - 

Understanding the difference between Natural light and the Artificial light

The image above displays the visible spectrum of sunlight along with the wavelength of each color. This full spectrum shows all the constituent colors that make up sunlight, at the color temperature of 5700K. 

When compared to other common light sources, incandescent bulbs emit significantly less blue light, resulting in a more reddish tone. Fluorescent (CFL) and halogen lights also do not replicate the smooth continuous spectrum of sunlight. LED technology, however, can closely mimic the balanced full-spectrum profile of natural sunlight.

The concept of color temperature describes the perceived warmth or coolness of a light source, which relates to the amount of blue, red, and other hues in its spectrum. Sunlight's well-balanced profile gives it a color temperature near the middle of common light sources. Understanding these spectral power distributions helps explain the varying aesthetic qualities of indoor and outdoor illumination.

The Influence of Light on Emotion, Motivation, and Well-being

Lighting transcends its basic function of illumination, playing a crucial role in modulating our emotional states and levels of motivation. Various studies, including those from the Lighting Research Center, have highlighted how certain types of light influence our circadian rhythms—the natural internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. This is particularly evident in environments where natural light is either variable or scarce, making artificial lighting a key element in maintaining well-being.

 One critical aspect of artificial lighting is the color temperature. ( CCT) as it  plays a pivotal role in our physical functioning. CCT is directly related to the sun cycle and is measured in Kelvin (K)

In places like Iceland, where natural light varies dramatically, Color temperature  becomes a critical factor. LED lights, particularly those with a CCT of 4000- 5000 Kelvin are known to enhance alertness and concentration due to their ability to simulate the spectrum of natural light, which helps in maintaining our natural circadian rhythms, subsequently affecting our alertness and cognitive function. Making it ideal for workplaces where focus and precision are paramount. For office spaces, class-rooms, and production halls we always recommend 4000K.  

 Conversely, warmer, yellow-ish lights are associated with relaxation and are more suitable for areas intended for rest or leisure. However, excessive exposure to warm colors may have a detrimental effect on cognitive function.causing drowsiness, lack of focus and difficulties in processing information

Moreover, the impact of lighting on our physical energy and overall well-being cannot be overstated. High quality LED lights that simulate the spectrum of natural light play a significant role in reducing fatigue and improving alertness. A study published in the "Journal of Environmental Psychology" found that employees working under LED lighting, as opposed to traditional lighting, reported higher levels of energy and productivity. This is particularly relevant in workspaces, where the appropriate lighting can substantially mitigate the effects of insufficient natural light, thus fostering a better work environment.

Case Studies: Real-World Evidence

Let's look at real-world evidence from a case study conducted in the U.S. by USLED.  The research focussed on  Enhancing Employee Well-Being Through Circadian Rhythm Adjustment in Nighttime Warehouse Settings

Background: The circadian rhythm is an intrinsic 24-hour cycle that governs various physical, mental, and behavioral changes in the human body, predominantly influenced by light exposure and darkness. In occupational settings where shift work is prevalent, particularly in nighttime operations, there is a significant impact on employees' natural circadian rhythms.

Challenge: Workers engaged in late shifts, such as those in warehouse environments, often experience a misalignment in their circadian rhythms. This misalignment can lead to reduced alertness and increased drowsiness, especially during periods when the body is naturally inclined to sleep. The primary challenge in such settings is to maintain high levels of employee alertness and minimize fatigue, which are crucial for both productivity and safety.

Innovative Solution: To address this challenge, a novel approach involving the strategic use of bright LED lighting was implemented in a nighttime warehouse setting. The core principle behind this intervention is to utilize the properties of LED lights to simulate daylight conditions. These lights emit signals that trick the brain into thinking it is daytime, thereby helping in adjusting the body's internal clock. This adjustment aids in enhancing alertness and reducing fatigue among night shift workers.

Additional Benefits: Apart from aligning the circadian rhythm, LED lighting presents other advantages. Traditional lighting fixtures in warehouses generate considerable heat, leading to increased ambient temperatures. This rise in temperature can adversely affect employee concentration and productivity, as working in extreme temperatures is uncomfortable and potentially hazardous. In contrast, LED lights produce minimal heat, allowing for prolonged operation without significantly affecting the warehouse's ambient temperature.

Conclusion: This case study demonstrates that through innovative lighting solutions, it is possible to realign workers' circadian rhythms in night shift scenarios, thereby enhancing alertness and reducing fatigue. Additionally, the heat-reducing properties of LED lighting contribute to a more comfortable working environment, further supporting employee well-being and productivity. This approach serves as a valuable reference for industries where shift work is common, highlighting the importance of considering environmental factors in employee well-being strategies.

The Health and Efficiency of LED Lighting

Beyond mood and behavior, LED lighting stands out for its health and efficiency benefits. Emitting less heat and lacking harmful UV rays, LED lights are healthier for both the environment and the people exposed to them. They are energy-efficient, which translates into cost savings – an added benefit for any business. In my next article I will discuss in depth how LED lighting systems can save companies money and produce a quick ROI.

 So there you have it…

The impact of lighting on our moods, behaviors, and overall well-being cannot be overstated. As SEG LED-Solutions , we are dedicated to harnessing this power to create environments that are not only well-lit but also conducive to health, happiness, and productivity. Whether you are a manager, maintenance specialist, or lighting designer in Iceland, understanding the transformative power of lighting is the first step towards creating a better, brighter future. 

Get in touch and let’s talk about how we can transform your working environment with a strategically planned LED lighting system…your employees will thank you for it and the results will show! 🙂