Many studies have shown the effects lighting has on a person’s mood, concentration, and energy levels.
It’s known that the correct amount of light can raise moods and improve productivity. Warm lights create a welcoming atmosphere for relaxing, while cool lights tend to improve brain function to be more alert and focused.
Although we acknowledge light as a mere purpose to see clearly in rooms where natural light doesn’t reach or in some cases for design purposes, we are now discovering that lights have a deeper connection to our wellbeing and our emotions.
Psychologically, the way we use lights can improve many areas of our lives, from getting better sleep to decreasing depression symptoms and increasing productivity at work.
The Effects Of Poor Lighting At Home
Most adults know that insufficient lighting causes bad eyesight when reading and watching TV, but it is now known to impact several other areas of our daily lives that we may not notice.
When it comes to eating in rooms with bright lights, studies have shown that people typically eat slower and enjoy their food, whereas, with dimmed lights, people tend to eat fast or overeat.
Moreover, the effects of lighting contribute to circadian rhythms, which are mental, physical, and behavioural changes.
Naturally, the circadian rhythms (body clocks) respond to light and dark when we wake up in the morning to when we go to sleep at night, but if the rhythm is confused by the wrong lighting, it can cause interrupted sleeping patterns and lack of morning enthusiasm.
So how to combat household lighting to improve one’s mood, energy, and wellbeing?
The best way is to install warm lights in areas of the house where no natural sunlight enters, and in reading and relaxing areas, install cool lights with a lampshade to create a calm, relaxing environment.
Adequate Office Lighting
Workspaces are vitally important to have appropriate lighting. People spend most of their working lives around lights, so it should be necessary to have the right lights to help you through the day positively and productively.
Working in spaces with poor lighting can result in headaches from strained eyes trying to focus on a task.
Inadequate light in offices where people work with computers is most vulnerable to these effects, with drowsiness, lack of motivation, and difficulty maintaining focus known to play a part in poor lighting environments.
On the other side of the coin, too much light can equally cause headaches and difficulties with production.
One of the best solutions in office environments is to install table lights with lampshades, and some of the best bespoke lampshades and lighting solutions for offices can be found at Dorval lighting.
The benefits of better lighting in offices will create a positive atmosphere and increase productivity within teams.
The Solution
No matter whether you’re at work or home, the colour of the light affects you in the same way psychologically.
Blue and white lights are used during the day and proven in workspaces to improve concentration and productivity levels, as well as stimulate better moods.
Whereas warmer coloured lights of yellow and orange are more common in the evening for relaxing.
Although nothing compares to natural light for vitamin D and boosting moods, where natural light can’t go, light bulbs and lampshades can provide the best solution!