What is circadian lighting

Balance between light and dark

WHY IS LIGHT IMPORTANT?

The human system is designed to derive energy from a balance between light and darkness, with daylight playing a pivotal role. Any disruption in this balance can have a negative impact on our well-being. A prime example is the discomfort many experience when dealing with jet lag. Concentration wanes, focus is lost, and one feels disoriented and fatigued, unable to sleep. This is a result of our body's natural rhythm being thrown off, leading to decreased efficiency and lack of alertness. The same holds true for individuals subjected to night shifts or those who work in darkness throughout the entire workday.

Humans thrive best with a stable circadian rhythm, with daylight during the day and darkness at night. This is crucial in order to ensure the undisturbed functioning of the vital hormone melatonin. Melatonin, an antioxidant, is promoted in darkness and inhibited by daylight.

Today, we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, which means that the built environment plays a crucial role in the light we are exposed to. However, we rarely consider the impact that light has on our sleep, circadian rhythm, and overall health. For vulnerable patients, maintaining a normal circadian rhythm is particularly important to ensure the best treatment and care outcomes. At the same time, night shift workers are affected by a disrupted circadian rhythm.

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The good circadian rhythm

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

Maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm is crucial for our bodies to thrive and stay well. By ensuring that we receive the right light at the right time, we contribute to fostering both health and well-being. But what are the actual psychological and physical effects that light provides?

BETTER SLEEP

Soft lighting in the evening and darkness at night create optimal conditions for a restful night's sleep.

ANTI-DEPRESSIONA proper balance between light and darkness promotes a stable circadian rhythm and reduces depression.

MORE ENERGY

Intense daylight fuels the body and mind with energy throughout the waking hours of the day.

INCREASE HEALTHProperly utilized light preserves the body's natural processes and enhances well-being.

Evidence-based circadian lighting

CHROMA ZENIT

Chroma Zenit circadian rhythm light is a non-pharmacological treatment with proven effectiveness. The light is based on a clinically documented light protocol tailored to diagnoses, behavior, and departmental needs - developed in collaboration with sleep experts, doctors, and researchers.

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Target audience

WHO BENEFITS FROM CIRCADIAN LIGHTING?

Everyone needs a good and stable circadian rhythm to thrive and support their health. Circadian lighting are beneficial for anyone who spends the majority of their day indoors, especially those who experience imbalances in their sleep-wake cycle or need to regulate their circadian rhythm. The healthcare sector has a particular need for these lights. Here are some of the groups who will particularly benefit from circadian lighting:

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Staff Health and CareMultiple studies have demonstrated that circadian lighting enhances well-being and health among healthcare professionals, and can reduce sick leave.

Staff Health and Care

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Psychiatric patients Inpatients in psychiatry

Circadian lighting is effectively used in the treatment of psychiatric patients who struggle with settling down in the evening and achieving a restful and steady sleep. Additionally, the light can be tailored to meet individual patient's needs for stimulation as part of their treatment.

Psychiatric patients Inpatients in psychiatry

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Somatic patients Intensive Care & RehabilitationPatients receiving somatic treatment in intensive care or rehabilitation often spend their entire time indoors, making it difficult for them to maintain a stable circadian rhythm. We know that this rhythm plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of treatment and the duration of the illness.

Somatic patients Intensive Care & Rehabilitation

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Senior citizens Nursing home residentsElderly citizens, especially those with conditions like dementia, spend over 90% of their time indoors. Consequently, they lack exposure to natural sunlight, which affects their circadian rhythm. Additionally, lighting that mimics the natural day-night cycle helps promote relaxation and a restful night's sleep.

Senior citizens Nursing home residents

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Vulnerable citizens Treatment & CareVulnerable individuals require stability in their daily lives, and the circadian rhythm plays a crucial role in creating a good day and night for them. With circadian lighting, they can gain the necessary energy during the day and unwind and relax towards the evening. Vulnerable individuals need lighting that caters to their specific needs, ensuring a stable circadian rhythm for them.

Vulnerable citizens Treatment & Care

- Unlike conventional lighting, circadian lighting supports the body's natural rhythm, promoting health and well-being while providing visually pleasing light for all types of tasks.

Torben Skov HansenDirector of Innovation at Chromaviso

Are you considering installing circadian lighting for your nursing home or hospital?

5 PIECES OF ADVICE TO GET STARTED

Documentation for effectTo ensure that you achieve the value you invest in, it is crucial for you to thoroughly examine the supplier's documentation on effectiveness.

Customized adaptation

Choose a system that is tailored to each department and patient group. There is no "one size fits all" lighting solution.

ImplementationConsider implementation from the beginning and choose a supplier who includes implementation as an integral part of the solution.

Technical RequirementsThe technical specifications, such as night lights and control systems, play a crucial role in promoting a healthy and pleasant environment.

Measure according to M-EDIUtilize Melanopic EDI to measure the biological impact of light. M-EDI is defined by the International Standardization Organization CIE.

CIRCADIAN LIGHTING

WHY IS LIGHT IMPORTANT?