Exploring the Benefits of Circadian Lighting

I first heard of Circadian Lighting and the benefits to humans in a lighting conference in Bregenz, Austria, in 2014. Since then, there has been multiple scientific studies and discussions regarding the impact of adjusting the colour temperature and intensity of the light throughout the day for both humans and animals. Despite the proven benefits if done correctly, colour changing lighting has yet to become mainstream in non-residential settings, primarily due to costs, limited technical support, and a lack of understanding about how and where this lighting can be most effectively applied.

 

What is Circadian Lighting?

Circadian lighting involves adjusting the colour temperature and intensity of light at different times of the day to replicate the natural light cycle in built environments. Delivering circadian lighting throughout a multiuse property is complex and expensive. The alternative is to leverage the benefits of adjustable colour temperature and intensity in targeted areas where it would be most effective. In this instance it would be referred to as Tunable White, as it doesn’t necessarily match the natural human circadian rhythm but still provides flexibility in lighting control.

This adjustment can be done automatically or manually, depending on outcome needs.

 

Commercial Applications of Tunable White lighting

Colour temperature has many impacts on human (and animal) health and well-being:

• Warm Light (2200K - 3000K): Less stimulating, creating a relaxing atmosphere, which makes it ideal for stress-prone settings.
• Neutral Light (4000K): Strikes a balance between relaxation and alertness, perfect for general-purpose environments where focus is needed, but comfort is also a priority.
• Cool light (5000K+): Has a blueish hue and is more stimulating as it suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Cool light is typically used to enhance alertness and concentration during daytime activities or in environments that demand high productivity.

Using these principles as a guide there are many ways circadian lighting can be deployed in commercial environments to support specific functions. For example:

1. Doctor’s waiting rooms/Childcare nurseries: Warm, dim light can help create a calming atmosphere, easing patient anxiety while they wait for their appointments or soothing young children as they prepare them for nap time.
2. Offices: Neutral light serves as a perfect blend between warm and cool lighting, creating a calm yet productive environment. This light colour also complements the varying daylight hues that enter through office windows and throughout the day.
3. Exam halls: Cooler, high-intensity light boosts concentration and cognitive performance, making it ideal for exam settings where students need to stay focused.

In each of these examples, the advantage of colour tunable lighting is the ability to adjust settings as situations change. For instance, a school hall may need cooler light during exam time to help students concentrate, while more neutral light during creates a balanced, welcoming atmosphere during assemblies.

These examples illustrate how lighting can positively impact a business’s operations. Additionally, by focusing on smaller, contained areas such as waiting rooms, exam halls, or childcare nurseries, controlling the lighting becomes simpler, and costs can be reduced by limiting the lighting solution to key areas where it is most effective.

 

See Tunable White Lighting in action at enLighten

At enLighten, we have a colour-tunable panel on display in our showroom, complete with simple controls to demonstrate how this can be deployed. If you’re interested in learning more or would like a demonstration, please reach out to Yasmine at yasmine@enlighten.com.au.