How Lighting Influences the Human Circadian Rhythm™ and Hospital Recovery

Sleep, a subject of growing importance in our understanding of overall human well-being, often takes a back seat in our lives amidst the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced work culture. With the added complications of increased screen time, our bodies are subjected to more stimulants than they're naturally accustomed to.

The environment that envelops us on a daily basis has a profound influence on our Circadian Rhythm™, the internal clock that governs our sleep patterns. Lighting, in particular, plays a pivotal role in shaping our Circadian Rhythm™ as it serves as the medium through which our bodies receive signals about the time of day, thereby guiding our sleep-wake cycles.

Understanding the Circadian Rhythm™

Think of the Circadian Rhythm™ as your body's internal clock, responsible for regulating your sleep patterns. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), located in the underside of your brain, is the control center for this rhythm. It prompts glands to produce the hormones cortisol and melatonin, which, in turn, dictate when we wake up and when we should sleep, respectively.

The SCN receives its cues primarily from the retinohypothalamic tract, which, in simple terms, is directed by the light that reaches your eyes. Thus, the quality and timing of the light we are exposed to are crucial factors.

Natural light vs artificial light

Human exposure to and the transition between natural daylight and artificial lighting have a profound impact on the human Circadian Rhythm™. The circadian clock is exquisitely sensitive to the light-dark cycle of the sun, utilizing light as a signal to stay alert and darkness as a cue for sleep, as previously explained.

Hence, incorporating natural daylight into your day is vital for aligning your internal clock, promoting alertness, and optimizing cognitive functions. Notably, this impact extends beyond daily life and can be especially critical in certain settings, such as hospital wards.

The impact of blue light on the Circadian Rhythm™  

Blue light exposure is one of the worst things for your Circadian Rhythm™. Unlike other colours, blue light penetrates the retina and hinders the release of melatonin. This interference can lead to increased nighttime alertness and means we’ll take longer to fall asleep. Most people spend around seven hours a day on electronic devices that notoriously emit blue light. The most common sources of blue light include smartphones, tablets, and LED bulbs. When they are used shortly before bedtime, as so many of us do, they can cause sleep disturbances and sometimes insomnia.

To make matters worse, many people are spending all their time focused on screens and not enough time exposed to natural light. This means there is a growing trend in people becoming exceedingly overstimulated. Although technology and screen time has become an essential aspect of everyday life, there are certain circumstances where exposure to natural light is undismissable.

Enhancing hospital recovery with natural light

In the context of hospital wards, harnessing the power of natural light to synchronize patients' Circadian Rhythms™ can significantly enhance their recovery process. Hospitals, traditionally designed with minimal access to natural light, can unintentionally disrupt patients' internal clocks and hinder their healing.

Research indicates that patients exposed to sufficient natural light during their hospital stay experience several benefits:

1.     Improved Sleep Quality: Patients who have access to natural light tend to enjoy better sleep quality, which is essential for the body's restorative processes. A well-regulated Circadian Rhythm™ can help patients fall asleep faster and experience deeper, more rejuvenating rest.

2.     Faster Recovery: The alignment of the Circadian Rhythm™ with natural light can enhance the body's healing mechanisms. Patients with well-regulated sleep patterns may experience quicker recoveries and shorter hospital stays.

3.     Reduced Discomfort: Patients exposed to natural light often report lower levels of discomfort and pain. This can be attributed to the body's improved ability to manage pain and stress when its internal clock is in sync with the day-night cycle.

4.     Enhanced Mental Well-being: A well-regulated Circadian Rhythm™ can also have a positive impact on patients' mental health. It can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms, making the hospital environment more conducive to healing.

To maximise the benefits of natural light in hospital wards, architects, designers, and healthcare providers are now focusing on designing patient rooms with larger windows and access to outdoor views. Such architectural enhancements, coupled with the proper management of artificial light, can create an environment that promotes patient well-being and recovery. However, there are some instances where building larger windows is simply not possible. That’s why facilities like hospitals have to look to other solutions to facilitate optimised patient recovery.

Lighting technology and innovations for our Circadian Rhythms™

Light plays a pivotal role in regulating our bodies and adhering to our natural circadian rhythms. The more we delve into this area, the more possible it becomes for us to align our daily lives with what our bodies require. While it may have been simpler in an era less dominated by technology, today, our dependence on blue-light-emitting devices is undeniable.

However, the bright side is that technological advancements also open doors to innovative solutions that can support a healthy Circadian Rhythm™. One such innovation is Sky Inside, which has developed ceiling and wall panels that display natural scenes, much like what one might see through a window or skylight. Additionally, customers have the option to include circadian programming with their purchase, enabling the panels to adjust their light intensity based on the natural light conditions throughout the day.

Considering the Circadian Rhythm™, Sky Inside's lighting products not only reflect the organization's commitment to human health but also exemplify how advances in research into human well-being can drive progress in the digital age.

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