How to set the right lighting and dedicate it to your well-being and productivity.
When purchasing lamps or light bulbs, there are several light quality indicators that you should consider to ensure that you get the right type of light for your needs. Here are some of the most important ones: Color Temperature, Color Rendering Index (CRI), Flicker, and Glare.
In this post, I will go into more detail on the Color Temperature.
What exactly is light color temperature?
Light temperature refers to the color of the light that a bulb or lamp emits. This color can be measured in Kelvin (K) and is often referred to as the color temperature. Warm light, such as that emitted by a candle or a sunrise, has a lower temperature, around 2000K-3000K. Cool light, such as that emitted by fluorescent bulbs or a midday sky, has a higher temperature, around 4000K-5000K. The higher the temperature, the cooler and bluer the light appears, while the lower the temperature, the warmer and more yellow or red the light appears. In short, light temperature describes the color of the light that a bulb or lamp produces.
Why it is important?
Color temperature affects our circadian rhythms by regulating our exposure to blue light, which can disrupt our natural sleep-wake cycle. For example, warm white or amber-colored light with a color temperature of around 2700K should be used in the evening to promote relaxation and better sleep, while cooler, bluer-toned light with a color temperature of around 5000K should be used in the morning, and during the day to promote wakefulness and productivity. By adjusting our lighting throughout the day, we can help synchronize our circadian rhythms and promote overall health and well-being.
What are Circadian Rhythms in short?
Circadian rhythms are our body's internal clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle and other bodily functions over a 24-hour cycle. These rhythms are primarily influenced by light and help our bodies adapt to changes in the environment, such as the transition from day to night. By synchronizing our circadian rhythms with our natural sleep-wake cycle, we can promote better sleep, mood, and overall health.
Tunable lighting is the best solution!
It's a good idea to have lighting that can be adjusted throughout the day. Our bodies respond to different light color temperatures at different times of day, with warm light in the morning and dimmer light in the evening. Having adjustable lighting can help you create the right environment for your body's natural rhythms.
By taking these steps to design lighting that's in sync with your circadian rhythm, you can improve your overall health and well-being. So, consider investing in lamps or bulbs that allow you to adjust the temperature of the light in your home and create a more comfortable and healthy living space for you and your family.
