For thousands of years, humans lived their days around the rising and setting of the sun. After the invention of the carbon-filament bulb in the late 19th century, artificial light enabled humans to continue daytime activities long after sunset, which became a cornerstone of modern life.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that researchers began to realize the negative effects artificial light may have on our circadian clocks. Our physiological processes depend greatly on the naturally dynamic shifts in sunlight. Too much or too little light at the wrong time of day can throw them out of sync, causing physical and mental fatigue and even illness.
We’re not suggesting you stop using artificial lights at your Issaquah, WA home. Instead, upgrade to tunable LEDs, which can change in color temperature and intensity throughout the day to mimic the changing patterns of sunlight. This smarter and healthier solution to lighting can be easily achieved with Lutron lighting control. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the benefits of tunable lighting.
SEE ALSO: Quick Guide: Which Lutron Lighting Solution Is Best for Your Home?
Boosts Productivity
Your home is your haven, but these days, it’s likely your workplace, too. As more families work and learn remotely, it’s important that your home environment encourage productivity. The best light for productivity is bright, cool white light, which you can receive from the sun by sitting next to a window in the afternoon. But what if that’s not an option?
Tunable lighting allows you to shift the color temperature and intensity of your lights to correspond with the natural light outdoors. Because natural variations of sunlight regulate when we feel alert or relaxed, we need different light intensity and temperatures for different activities while indoors. By tuning your lights to be brighter and cooler in the afternoon for reading and working, you’ll notice improved alertness during the day.
Reforms Your Sleep Habits
Light is a key regulator of our sleep-wake cycle. Sunlight energizes us in the morning by inhibiting our production of melatonin. Then as the sun goes down and light becomes warmer and dimmer, our melatonin levels rise again. Bright, cool afternoon light helps us feel alert while dim, warm evening light prepares our bodies for rest.
Tunable lighting encourages a regulated sleep-wake cycle by allowing you to change the intensity and color temperature of your indoor lights to mimic the changing daylight outside. With Lutron lighting control, you can even schedule your lights to adjust on their own so that you never have to lift a finger.
Improves Emotional Stability
Stagnant artificial light not only wreaks havoc on our energy levels and sleeping patterns, but it can also lead to potentially negative effects like hormonal disruptions and compromised mood. The changing spectrum of light doesn’t just regulate how alert or tired we feel; it can manipulate our behavior, too.
Tunable lighting solutions at home can help prevent mood fluctuations and depression by stabilizing your circadian clock. As a result, you’ll experience more restful nights, less fatigue, and fewer mood fluctuations. You’ll also foster a better home environment for all your various tasks throughout the day and night.
Learn more about the power of tunable lighting paired with the convenience of Lutron lighting control by contacting our technology professionals here or sending us a live chat below. We’d love to help you plan your lighting project.
