WHAT ARE CIRCADIAN LIGHTING?
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Introducing the circadian rhythm
The circadian rhythm is a natural, biological cycle that keeps our body in sync with the 24-hour day-night cycle. Central to this rhythm is how our physiology responds to light and darkness.
The body’s ‘master clock’—located in the brain’s hypothalamus—regulates various functions based on light exposure. This includes the production of hormones that prepare us for sleep and wakefulness, as well as managing hunger, alertness, and body temperature.
Disruptions to this rhythm, such as inadequate light exposure or exposure at inappropriate times, can interfere with these processes. This can lead to health issues and increased risk of various diseases, affecting overall wellbeing.
What is circadian lighting?
Circadian lighting is designed to support the body's natural circadian rhythm and enhance psychological health by using both natural and artificial light sources.
In essence, it involves delivering the right intensity and spectrum of light at various times of the day.
However, implementing circadian lighting can be challenging, as individual working hours, personal rhythms, and specific needs vary. Consequently, different lighting configurations may be required based on the task at hand.
In addition to rod and cone cells, the eye also contains other light sensitive receptors which are linked with mental alertness. The spectral sensitivity of these receptors are different to that of cone cells: the sensitivity curve of cone cells peaks at yellowish light at 555nm, whereas the peak sensitivity of the newly discovered receptors seemed to be in the bluer, colder light at about 470nm. [2]
In practice, this means that our alertness responds not only to the intensity of light but also to the colour temperature. From prior research, we also know that exposure to light can increase alertness much quicker too [3]. Of course, this makes sense when you consider the variations we experience in natural daylight. It changes in terms of both intensity and colour temperature, not only over the course of the day but also as the seasons change.
Powerful bluish morning light suppresses the production of Melatonin (natural soporific) thus supporting the production of Cortisol (stress hormone), which allows you to be alert, active and ready for the working day, and Serotonin, which elevates your mood. Warm, cosy light in the evening releases the production of Melatonin (natural soporific), which leaves you feeling relaxed and sleepy.
Bearing this in mind, it has become apparent that the direction of light, colour temperature and overall illuminance levels in a space can have a notable effect on a person’s mood. One way to support the natural circadian rhythm of a person is by using warmer (relaxing) light with lower intensity in the evenings, and cooler (energising) light during a typical working day.
Closely related to circadian lighting is the concept of Human Centric Lighting (HCL), which aims to support health, well-being, and performance through the visual, biological, and emotional benefits of light. While circadian lighting primarily focuses on aligning with the body's natural circadian rhythms, HCL has a broader scope, encompassing additional design elements that impact beyond just circadian rhythms.
Another emerging concept is Integrative Lighting, which is specifically designed to create beneficial physiological and/or psychological effects on humans.
Here's a summary of these concepts:
- Human Centric Lighting (HCL): Aims to enhance health, well-being, and performance by addressing the visual, biological, and emotional impacts of light.
- Integrative Lighting: Focuses on lighting designed to produce beneficial physiological and/or psychological effects.
- Circadian Lighting: Concentrates on supporting circadian and psychological health through artificial lighting, indoor daylight exposure, and outdoor views.
The importance of circadian lighting
Health benefits
Proper lighting plays a crucial role in influencing sleep, mood, and overall well-being. For instance, exposure to blue wavelengths can interfere with melatonin secretion, disrupting sleep patterns. This makes circadian lighting particularly vital in settings like healthcare and hospitality, where maintaining a balanced light exposure is essential for health.
Productivity Benefits
Beyond health, circadian lighting enhances productivity by supporting alertness and reducing stress during work hours. Intelligent lighting control systems can adjust light intensity and color temperature to align with circadian rhythms, optimizing work performance and well-being.
Achieve Building Standards
Standards such as the WELL Building Standard provide benchmarks for creating spaces that prioritize occupant health and well-being. Adhering to these standards involves implementing effective circadian lighting solutions, contributing to a sustainable, people-focused environment.
Lighting Controls and Circadian Lighting
Lighting control systems are extensively utilized in both indoor and outdoor lighting for commercial buildings, ensuring that the right amount of light is delivered exactly where and when it’s needed. These systems are also essential for maximizing energy efficiency, adhering to building regulations, and achieving sustainability goals.
As specialists in DALI and wireless lighting control systems, we provide a variety of lighting control solutions and luminaire components tailored to meet any project’s requirements.
The Imagine Router Solution
The Imagine Router Solution allows for custom, connected lighting control tailored to any office setting, whether it's a meeting space, an entire floor, or a whole building. This solution integrates seamlessly with Building Management Systems (BMS), offering exceptional scalability, flexibility, efficiency, and benefits for wellbeing.
Tunable White drivers
Tunable White technology allows for adjustment of light colour temperature (measured in Kelvin) or full colour. Our iC range of Tunable White drivers is designed for both wired and wireless projects, making them suitable for various luminaire designs. They provide flicker-free amplitude dimming to enhance visual comfort
Light over Time
Light over Time is a feature within Rockgate’s Human Centric Lighting range, Intelligent Colour, or ‘iC’. This advanced software offers a graphical tool for creating dynamic Tunable White profiles. It allows lighting designers to easily customize lighting settings to fit specific project needs, ensuring that the lighting adapts over time to support various environments and applications.
