Patterns of daylight have governed humans for millennia, but the discovery of electricity, followed by the invention of light globes and domestic lighting, shifted that relationship with light. Fast forward to the 21st century and brightly backlit screens dominate our days and deep into the night when our bodies should be preparing for rest.
Lighting affects human circadian rhythms, regulating sleeping cycles and bodily functions and behaviours such as immune responses and appetite. Light can also have acute effects on alertness, attention and mood. The importance of light on health is demonstrated through its therapeutic properties, as reported in the January 2021 edition of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Both natural and artificial light therapy effectively reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and other types of depression.
The lighting in your home impacts your mental and physiological state. As an essential design element, lighting also shapes the look and feel of a space. The next time you are sitting in the dentist’s chair, pay attention to the lighting in the room. No doubt it will be fluorescent and harsh with blue overtones and not at all relaxing. Now think about the lighting at your favourite
