Why we need light

During the cold winter months we feel again and again how important light is for us. On the many grey days when the sun rarely shows itself, we simply do not feel so good. In the summer, when we can enjoy the warm, pleasant rays for many hours a day, it is just the opposite. This is not simply a feeling, but has biological reasons.

switzerland light
Pixabay: switzerland light

How does lightning affect us?

We are given up to 100,000 lux on sunny days in summer. In winter this number is reduced to 3,500 lux. The difference is striking. Lux is the unit in which the strength of light is measured. Even with artificial light, such as our mirror cabinets with light, the strength is measured in this unit.
In absolute darkness we humans cannot see. But brightness is not only important to us for this. Our biological clock is also dependent on brightness. Anyone who has ever slept in a room without a blackout and has not set an alarm clock knows that at some point he or she will be automatically awakened by the light coming in.


In the so-called “bunker experiment”, people have voluntarily lived for months in a room, closed off from the outside world, without radio, clocks or television and without daylight. The results were astonishing. Despite this striking change and without natural light, the processes concerning our physical sensation and perception did not change. The only difference: the biological clock suddenly ticked for 25 hours. So it is clear: our inner clock controls us whether we want it to or not. It has been given to us in our genes.
These facts become particularly noticeable in closed rooms. If there is too little light, we quickly feel tired and weak. A short walk in the bright sunshine can already help to recharge the batteries.

 

Does artificial light have a positive effect on the well-being of people?

In the past, lighting design was mainly concerned with making rooms appear in an attractive light. This is still important today, but in addition, the effects of brightness on people are becoming increasingly important.
And that is a good thing! After all, today we spend up to 90% of our time in rooms. Research into the positive effects of artificial light on the body and its further development is virtually indispensable at this rate. However, many studies are still in their infancy and do not yet provide conclusive results.


The demand on brightness depends on the time of day. In the morning we need more light so that we do not get tired again immediately. In the evening we need less of it and shortly before falling asleep it can be almost dark.

Light
Pixabay: Light

The brightness situation

If the brightness situation is not optimal, our inner clock is disturbed. Especially in the morning it is important to get a lot of brightness so that our inner clock is not disturbed. If we are in a well-lit room at this time of day, our body can deal better with irritations caused by bright light, such as the smartphone in the evening before going to sleep, and can even ignore them completely.


Light sources that can be adjusted in their strength, i.e. dimmed, are ideal for adjusting the lighting conditions in our own home to the time of day. For example, a mirror cabinet with light in the bathroom can be brighter in the morning, which not only helps you prepare for the day, but also makes you feel more awake. And in the evening, such a mirror with light can be dimmed down to a soothing strength using a sensor. In this way, you can adjust its brightness optimally to the time of day and your inner clock.

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