Applying the science behind circadian lighting

Recently amBX has been working closely with it does lighting and Swann Lighting to develop the right circadian lighting solution for a Derbyshire care home. 

Armed with years of research and knowledge, it does lighting provided the science behind circadian lighting, designing a range of scenes for different times of the day and specifying the spectral distribution.

Founder Lorraine Calcott kindly took some time out to help us understand a little more about the science; some find it hard to grasp, which now provides the backbone of Swann's new Circadian Plus range working in partnership with amBX.

Why is lighting so important in care homes?

[LC] As we age, we need lighting to support our biology more than when we are younger and more resilient. We don't get outside as much, often spending too much time inside and, therefore, not having our circadian clocks reset each day. This then impacts our sleep-wake cycle and means we often don't sleep as well or long enough, which further affects our overall health and mental wellness - and so the cycle continues.

With the right spectrally specific lighting, we can seek to overcome these issues and balance inside living with a healthy body and mind therefore increasing the quality of life and even reducing trips, falls, and in some cases, the need for medication.

Why is lighting so pivotal in supporting human circadian cycles?

[LC] Because it feeds the SCN within the brain and supports the other clocks within the body to ensure all our body's rhythms for sleep, exercise, and food are appropriately synchronised. It's no good eating at midnight if your body has told your stomach and digestive system to go to sleep when it gets dark. The result would be indigestion and not sleeping well. In a 24-hour society, we often fight what is naturally our bodies desire to eat, exercise, and sleep at certain times to try and fit in with our 'to do' list or the latest Netflix box set. However, we are giving our systems more to overcome, and if we don't sleep well, this impacts us on levels that we often try to ignore. Scientists have linked many modern-day health problems with poor sleep, so if we can improve internal lighting to support our sleep-wake cycles, we can improve overall health from a foetus through to end of life care.

What is circadian rhythm?

[LC] A sleep-wake cycle that runs through just over a 24-hour cycle. If it doesn't get reset each day with light at the right time, it runs long and alters our sleep patterns, and reduces the time the body has to regenerate/heal/repair.

What benefits does circadian rhythm bring personally? And in a working environment?

[LC] if you sleep better, every aspect of your life is positively influenced. If you have had a good night's sleep, you are more alert, process information better, speak coherently, and ultimately have more energy and vitality. If you are in sync with your body, it works for you; rather than trying to overcome your poor choices, you function optimally.

What other application areas would benefit from amBX Circadian Plus technology?

[LC] Anywhere. From fertility clinics to end of life care homes and workplaces, let's bring the outdoors in!

How can lighting improve our health and wellbeing?

[LC] If applied correctly and with the right spectral elements. Tunable white only has a psychological effect; true spectrally specific Circadian Plus has a much more significant impact and starts to influence the biology, therefore supports the body and mental health.

Before antibiotics, red light was used in hospitals to treat TB and other diseases; however, once we had antibiotics, we seemed to forget the benefits of light. Now we are beginning to rediscover its power again, especially within health care and, to some extent, everyday life.

Can circadian rhythms be maintained without light? If so, could you explain how

[LC] Not easily. Light is the key driver; food and exercise also play a role in keeping time for the body. If someone is blind, but their eyes are not damaged in the area that influences the SCN, then you can still keep time; however, if they perhaps have no eyes, then it's challenging to maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle, and this often causes a raft of problems for the person to stay synchronised and healthy.

Why did you choose to become a specialist in circadian lighting?

[LC] Because I couldn't find enough information on it that was factual. So, I decided to start doing my own research, which led to a PhD in light and its effects on health. It has become a passion ever since. We need to fully understand the impact of what we do, especially when it can potentially affect humans on a fundamental level, and it shouldn't be undertaken lightly (pun intended) 😊

What does it take to become a specialist in circadian lighting?

[LC] Years of study, and a devotion to finding the answers, not just rumour, and a love of proper lighting design that stems back over 35 years. It's an area that fascinates me, and I never stop learning.

What does the future look like as it does lighting, and amBX continue to partner together on projects?

[LC] We firmly believe this solution is groundbreaking and as innovation implementors, we are proud to be leading the way in helping find answers to our human challenges of living and working inside all the time. Health is a growing problem globally, and this form of lighting can help support the NHS/world's health services to reduce the negative impacts of modern living.

What is the biggest challenge you face when discussing new projects with clients?

[LC] A lack of understanding about the science and technology. Many people are unaware of circadian rhythms, let alone why you need to support it with the right kind of light. Once you talk about it, they usually embrace it; however, it's a very technical subject and not always easy to fully grasp. We seek to make it easy to understand, implement, and use for a cost-effective price, which usually overcomes the main challenges.

If you have a project that would benefit from circadian lighting (most lighting projects can), then please do not hesitate to get in touch. Working together with professionals who understand the science and lighting manufacturers who embrace the latest technologies, amBX can help you.

amBX Ltd