The Role of Light on The Circadian Rhythm
Exposure to indoor light has a huge impact on your mood, wellbeing and even sleep.
Humans, like all mammals, function on approximately 24-hour cycles, known as circadian rhythms. Light has a pivotal role in driving the circadian system, which in turn controls a variety of bodily processes, including:
- Digestion
- Body temperature
- Hormones
- Sleep
Through evolution, humans have become reliant on the natural day/night cycle…Sleeping through the night and waking at daybreak. This pattern is ideal for keeping the circadian system in order.
The problem with indoor lighting
In our modern world, we spend almost 90% of our time indoors, where exposure to adequate light levels is compromised.
Indoor, electric light levels rarely equate to the amount of light received by outdoor sunlight.
This light deficiency affects the functioning of the circadian system, which has been linked to various health issues including obesity, diabetes, depression and metabolic disorders.
Thanks to the increased reliance on electric lighting, televisions, and other screens we are staying up far later than the human body is primed for and being exposed to unnatural lighting during this time.
This night-time light exposure and disruption is associated with negative health problems including breast cancer and sleep disorders.
The benefits of natural light
Studies have shown that light exposure during the daytime, however, has endless benefits:
● Increases in productivity
● Improved sleep quality
● Improved mood and a reduction in symptoms of depression.
How to increase natural light exposure:
Access to appropriate levels of light in indoor environments can be achieved through the design of our buildings and windows.
- Windows, atriums and skylights are three examples of design features that can be utilised to
increase daylight and create a bright, well-lit space.
- The interior layout of the space also impacts daylight exposure. For example, in an office, conference rooms are best added to the centre of the floor plate, so that workstations can be situated near windows and employees are better exposed to natural light.
- Where natural lighting is lacking, in darker buildings with fewer windows, electric lighting can be utilized to achieve the required amount of light exposure.
The benefits of large windows
Rooms with large windows have been proven to reduce recovery time for patients suffering from severe depression and those recuperating after heart attacks.
School students have been shown to perform better in coursework and exams when they have access to windows that can open.
Studies show strong links between workplace views and performance, boosting mood and productivity.
In a hygiene-focused world, indoor spaces with daylight exposure and fresh air are crucial for decreasing the spreading of germs
What does this mean for your blind and curtain choices?
By installing larger windows, occupants will gain the benefits of natural light exposure – improved mood, productivity, and general wellbeing. However, brighter rooms come with design challenges.
By increasing light in our building, we also need to consider an increase in
- Direct sunlight, particularly at midday.
- Outside noise
- Glare/glaze on computer screens
- Potential for circadian disruption at night
- Security or privacy issues
- Heavy blinds that are difficult to operate
Blackout Blinds & Curtains
Blackout blinds and curtains with automation controls can be used to rectify many of these issues. If concerned about direct sunlight or glare, blinds and curtains could be scheduled to automatically close at specific times of the day. This function could also be used for extra privacy in the evenings.
Blind fabric choices also play an important role, for those in busy areas, soundproofing fabric is a fantastic option. Blackout fabric can also be used to ensure natural light doesn’t disrupt your sleeping schedule, especially important for those working untraditional shifts or particularly sensitive to disturbance in sleep.
At Umbra, we can help overcome the challenge of introducing larger windows and more natural light into a space.
We’re experts at designing blind and curtain solutions for large windows, view our case studies to find out more.
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