Picture the scene. It’s a dull, rainy Sunday afternoon mid-winter. You feel lethargic, gloomy and uninspired. You only want to curl up on the sofa with a blanket and watch a movie.
Now, picture the same scene mid-summer. It’s a Sunday afternoon, but it’s bright, warm and sunny outside. You feel positive, energetic and excited to go out and do something. Sitting in front of the TV all day seems such a waste.
What’s the difference? Believe it or not, it’s light.
The secret lies in your body’s internal clock, known as circadian rhythms, and how they are influenced by light.
What are circadian rhythms?
Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles that govern various physiological processes in the body. They include sleep-wake cycles, hormone release and body temperature regulation.
They are basically our brain’s 24-hour clock, letting us know when to be active and when to go to sleep.
But how do our brains know what time it is? The answer is light. Natural light and darkness heavily influence our rhythms, helping to regulate our sleep patterns, mood, and overall health.
We evolved without artificial light, so our bodies are fine-tuned to the natural world, especially the Sun’s rising and setting. Unfortunately, in today’s world of street lights, TVs and smartphones, our brains can’t tell when it’s time to be alert and awake or when it’s time to relax and sleep.
The smart solution
The answer to the problem is circadian lighting, that is, lighting that is designed to align with our natural light-dark cycle. By adjusting the colour temperature and intensity of artificial light, we can simulate natural sunlight, tricking our brains into thinking the light in our home is “natural”.
This type of lighting supports our circadian rhythms by providing bright, cool light during the day to boost alertness and warm, dim light in the evening to promote relaxation and sleep.
The benefits of circadian lighting
Circadian lighting isn’t simply a trend to make your home look good; it’s a scientifically-backed approach to improving health and well-being.
Improved sleep quality
By aligning lighting with natural circadian rhythms, circadian lighting helps regulate sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up refreshed. The gradual changes in light intensity and colour temperature help signal to your body when it’s time to wind down and when it’s time to wake up, promoting a healthier sleep cycle.
Enhanced mood and mental health
Exposure to appropriate lighting can significantly improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Circadian lighting systems simulate natural light variations, which have been shown to boost serotonin levels, leading to a better overall mood and mental health.
Increased productivity and alertness
Proper lighting boosts concentration and productivity, especially in work and learning environments. By mimicking natural daylight, circadian lighting helps maintain alertness and focus throughout the day, reducing the risk of fatigue and improving cognitive performance.
Overall well-being
Circadian lighting supports overall health by promoting hormonal balance and reducing stress. The dynamic lighting changes help regulate cortisol levels, aiding in stress management and enhancing overall physical health. By fostering a balanced circadian rhythm, this lighting solution contributes to a healthier, more harmonious lifestyle.
Where circadian lighting can be helpful
Light pollution is a serious problem, yet one which very few people actually think about. Having our circadian rhythms disrupted is something that happens everywhere, even if we don’t realise it.
- Home – Create a sleep-friendly environment with circadian lighting in your bedroom and enhance daily activities with adjustable lighting in living areas.
- Workplace – Boost employee productivity and well-being with circadian lighting solutions that adapt to the time of day.
- Schools – support students’ concentration and learning with lighting that adjusts to their natural rhythms.
- Healthcare facilities – Aid patient recovery and improve staff performance with circadian lighting in hospitals and clinics.
How we can help
Next Group are New Zealand’s foremost experts in circadian lighting. We can help advise, install and program your circadian lighting to suit your own unique situation.
We use Control4 Vibrant Linear Lighting to transform your home both aesthetically and environmentally.
Vibrant Linear Lighting
Vibrant Linear Lighting by Control4 transforms your home by accentuating architectural features and setting the perfect mood for any occasion. This innovative lighting solution provides diffuse lighting that can be seamlessly integrated into new spaces or discreetly retrofitted into existing ones.
Imagine highlighting your art collection with a soft glow or having functional lighting to assist you while preparing dinner in the kitchen. With Vibrant Linear Lighting, the ambience of your home can be tailored to your lifestyle, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Vibrant Plus Daylight
Vibrant Plus Daylight goes beyond aesthetics to enhance your well-being. Paired with the Control4 Daylight feature, this lighting system can automate your home’s lighting to follow the natural progression of sunlight or be customised to fit your personal circadian rhythm.
The Daylight feature adjusts the warmth and brightness of tuneable white LEDs throughout the day, mimicking the sun’s natural patterns. You can easily set preferences for sunrise and sunset times and fine-tune the brightness and colour temperature to suit any moment, creating a lighting environment that supports your health and lifestyle.
Vibrant and Daylight provides an innovative lighting solution that seamlessly integrates into your daily life, offering the perfect balance of beauty, functionality and wellness. Powered by cutting-edge automation, these systems ensure your home’s lighting always supports your needs and preferences.
Transform your life with circadian rhythm lighting
By mimicking natural light patterns, circadian lighting helps regulate sleep, boost mood and enhance productivity. It’s something you didn’t know you needed until you experience it firsthand!
And integrating circadian lighting at home or work is easier than you might think. Our systems are designed to enhance your well-being by providing optimal lighting throughout the day. From smart home integrations to tailored lighting designs, we have the perfect solution for you.
If you’re ready to transform your living space with circadian lighting, contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how our innovative lighting solutions can enhance your well-being.
