The inner clock, otherwise known as the circadian rhythm, is crucial for all living beings and humans are no exception. It plays an important role and prepares our body for environmental changes, including being active, sleeping, and eating. The major external stimulus that activates circadian rhythm is the sun’s light/dark cycle. The right light influences our day-to-day activities, which is why deploying human-centric lighting (HCL) in schools, healthcare facilities, offices, and other commercial spaces has numerous benefits.  

In this blog, we will discuss the following: 

• What is human-centric lighting? 
• Factors influencing human-centric lighting 
• Advantages of human-centric lighting  
• Human-centric lighting design 

What is Human-centric Lighting?  

Human-centric lighting, also called Circadian Lighting or Biodynamic Lighting, is the technology that incorporates light to suit the changes in nature. It mimics sunrise and sunset cycles to align with our biological circadian rhythm. 

The  modification in colour temperature  (2700K to 6500K), intensity dimming (0-10V), usage of sensors, and intelligent lighting controls can significantly impact our circadian cycle. 

Human Centric Lighting optimises biological circadian cycle, productivity, health, sleep, and mood in general. 

Benefits of Human-centric Lighting 

An HCL solution (Human Centric Lighting) strengthens your circadian rhythm, while improving visual comfort, mental abilities and health.   

In commercial applications, employees have demonstrated greater productivity, alertness, and job satisfaction.  

In health care, patients sleep better, recover more quickly, and nurses and doctors who work on shifts are more energetic and have excellent job performance. 

In educational settings, students are more attentive   which improves learning and performance.  

Human-centric Lighting Design 

The core tenets to consider when designing HCL are daylight, time of the day, eco-friendliness, and sustainability. Also, it is crucial to customise lighting to suit users’ needs, tasks and space requirements.  

Also, it’s better to consider the factors like spectrum, distribution, intensity, timing, and duration when designing and commissioning an effective Human Centric Lighting solution. 

Spectrum 

The light spectrum is the different wavelengths of energy a light source produces.  

Blue light is essential for good health and it helps: 

• Promote alertness 
• Boost memory and cognitive function 
• Elevate mood 
• Regulate circadian rhythm 

Intensity 

Intensity is measured in terms of footcandles or lux. It is the amount of light falling on a given space. Ensuring adequate intensity for each space is important as it ensures visual comfort and make things more visible.  

Timing and duration 

We sleep during the night and wake up during dawn because of the circadian rhythm. Therefore, human-centric lighting should also be designed according to circadian cycle.    

Distribution 

The light distribution must be appropriate and glare-free.  

What are the factors to consider when choosing a solution for HCL? 

• Can the system be automated? 
• Is the system future-Proof?  
• Are the system controls easy to use? 

To Conclude 

It is impossible to neglect the benefits of circadian lighting. If you are an architect, designer or contractor, always go for HCL design to take lighting to the next level. Your customers will definitely appreciate you for the unparallel benefits of HCL.  

Need help creating human-centric lighting for your commercial space? 

Check-out to know how Lumos Controls can help you with human-centric lighting design.