Research on Circadian Lighting at Glostrup Hospital

In the Apoplexy Unit at Glostrup Hospital, research is being conducted on the effects of circadian lighting on long-term hospitalized patients recovering from stroke or brain hemorrhage. The study of light in a neurological department is noteworthy in itself. Furthermore, the unique interdisciplinary aspect of this publicly and privately funded collaboration is exceptional.

The research on circadian lighting at Glostrup Hospital began with a curiosity about the effects of light in a multidisciplinary group. The evolving patient environment CURAVIVO is poised to become a part of the project in the department.

Approximately three years ago, a multidisciplinary group of employees at Glostrup Hospital came together with a shared interest in the impact of light. This group included Drift and Project Manager Morten Christiansson, Professor and Chief Physician at the Danish Center for Sleep Medicine Poul Jennum, Chief Physician at the Neurology Department Allan Andersen, Professor and Chief Physician at the Ophthalmology Department Henrik Lund-Andersen, PhD, Cand.Scient and Laboratory Manager at the Ophthalmology Department Birgit Sander, and architect Maj Seligmann from the Operations and Construction Department. The group sought both internal and external expertise on the effects of light, working to establish a common language and understanding of the subject.

This knowledge was to be used, among other things, in connection with the design of Glostrup Hospital's new Neurohus, which is expected to be put into use in 2018. When Glostrup Hospital was contacted by the lighting company Chromaviso about a foundation project involving circadian lighting, they were immediately intrigued and saw the potential. The application was sent to the former Innovation Fund under the Danish Business Authority, which granted funding in December 2012.

Circadian rhythm, the quality of sleep, and overall well-being

The research project on circadian lighting became a reality on March 1, 2013, with the appointment of Doctor Anders West as a PhD in the Apoplexy Unit, Neurology Department. In addition to the Neurology Department, the research involves the Danish Center for Sleep Medicine, Glostrup, the Clinical Biochemical Department, Glostrup, the Radiology Department, Glostrup, the Ophthalmology Department, Glostrup, the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Department, Glostrup, as well as the Operations Department, Glostrup. The research focuses on how Ergonomic Circadian Lighting affects patients admitted for rehabilitation after a stroke or brain haemorrhage, and how it impacts the staff in the department. A total of 110 patients are expected to participate in the research, where their circadian rhythm, sleep quality, and overall well-being will be examined. A group of patients admitted to rooms with special lighting following the natural rhythm of light will be compared to a control group in a section with traditional lighting.

A groundbreaking and complex research project

The research project at Glostrup Hospital involves measuring multiple parameters simultaneously and sharing knowledge with various departments along the way. The scientific protocol has been established, and significant efforts have been made to acquire high-quality equipment. The research is complex, involving measurements on sleep habits, sleep studies, sleep markers, MRI scans, eye examinations, and tests for sleep quality, anxiety, depression, cognitive deficits, memory, fatigue, well-being, and delirium. The groundbreaking aspect of this research project lies in the lack of available data on the significance of circadian lighting for long-term hospitalized patients with brain injuries.

Future Applications of Circadian Lighting

There are three parties involved in the foundation project on circadian lighting: the Operations Department at Glostrup Hospital, the Clinical Apoplexy Research Unit at the Neurology Department of Glostrup Hospital, and the lighting company Chromaviso. They all agree that if the ongoing research demonstrates the positive effects of circadian lighting on patients and staff, it would be a compelling argument for its future application. Additionally, there are plans to test the entire CURAVIVO concept in the department, where CURAVIVO equipment such as informational screens, visual observation, and directional speakers have already been installed.