Lighting for Health & Wellbeing
In times when we are at our most vulnerable, our main source of light tends to be predominantley artificial. Long stays in hospitals and care facilities limit our exposure to natural sunlight, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm that supports our healing and well-being.
Our Circadian Lighting system carefully replicates the natural daylight cycle in hospitals and care facilities, enhancing patient wellbeing and treatment responses. This system specifically aims to regulate melatonin production throughout the day and night, promoting effective rest for patients.
A true Circadian Lighting system
For a number of years, Commercial Lighting has worked closely with John Bullock and Dr Shelley James at Lightcycles: HOME, in collaboration with care operator WCS Care. Together we have developed a true, real world Circadian system using the detailed research by the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute (SCNi), headed by Professor Russell Foster at Oxford University.
Blue Light
Central to our system is what is known as the ‘melanopic response’. The presence of blue light in daylight plays a crucial role in inhibiting melatonin production in the body until nightfall. Once dusk arrives, melatonin levels begin to rise, signaling that it is time to sleep. A circadian lighting system uses efficient ‘blue light’ components to mimic the effect of daylight, therefore encourage internal body systems to operate in a natural and healthy way, even within indoor environments.
Light Level
The level of light that directly reaches the retina is also a crucial factor in triggering melanopic responses. As such, circadian systems have placed considerable emphasis on achieving high lux output. Recent research by the SCNi, however, offers a more nuanced perspective on the relationship between our visual and non-visual systems in response to light. This suggests high light levels are not so crucial, provided we obtain ample light throughout the day. In practical terms, this suggests we can still deliver Circadian lighting systems at ordinary lighting levels over time.
Below, John Bullock and Dr Shelley James discuss these new revelations and the implications for lighting design.Â
Our Circadian Lighting system
Commercial Lighting’s specially designed residential luminaires can provide ample full-spectrum light output, adjustable between 2200K and 6500K. Paired with a wireless mesh network from Casambi, this setup allows for flexibility, diagnostics, and the possibility of integration with other systems like fire alarms and building management platforms.
When installed along with our kinetic switches for secondary manual functionality, our Circadian Lighting system is quickly and simply installed without any rewiring required. This makes is perfect for retrofitting existing care home settings.
Circadian Lighting in practice
Commercial Lighting is currently in the process of rolling out it’s system in numerous care homes under the WCS Care Group. Our initial case study at Sycamores, Leamington Spa, has demonstrated dramatic outcomes, both in patient health and well-being , with notable increases in engagement, alertness and mood.
For a more detailed summary of the project, visit the Sycamores case study page.
Interested in Circadian Lighting?
Want more information or advice about our Circadian Lighting system? Just get in touch.