When it comes to health and wellness, light exposure is a crucial aspect often overlooked by the average person. It is commonly perceived merely as a means to see in the dark, rather than recognizing its potential as a tool to aid our bodies in healing, relaxation, and optimal performance.
The inspiration behind our circadian lighting products stems from the various frequencies of light we would encounter in nature back in the caveman days:
🌄 Wake up to the gentle warmth and brightness of sunrise, signalling to your body that it's time to start the day.
☀️ Experience the vibrant energy of a bright sunny sky throughout the day, filled with natural blue light frequencies that invigorate and keep you alert.
🌅 Wind down around sunset, surrounded by soft pinks, yellows, and reds painting the sky.
🔥 Finally, conclude the day basking in the deep red and orange hues of a crackling fire, the sole source of light at night.
Comparing this natural cycle to our modern lifestyle, where we stare at blue-lit screens first thing in the morning and into the late hours of the night, and on top of that, illuminating our homes with harsh fluorescent/ flickering lighting, it's no wonder many of us struggle with sleep, hormone imbalances, anxiety, stress, and nervous system dysregulation.
So, how exactly does light exposure affect our health?
Blue Light & Hormone Health
The hormone serotonin, derived from the amino acid tryptophan, is converted into melatonin by the body during the absence of blue light (naturally this would be in the evening). Melatonin regulates our sleep-wake cycles, inducing relaxation and sleepiness.
However, exposure to blue or bright light in the evening obstructs this conversion process. Consequently, the body remains in a state of daytime alertness, leading to difficulties falling asleep, poor sleep quality, and a perpetual cycle of grogginess in the morning and restlessness at night.
Beyond sleep, prolonged exposure to blue light has also been linked to digital eye strain, skin damage, and disruptions in other hormone levels. Blue light blocking glasses are a great tool if you must look at screens after sunset.
Creating a Healthy Lighting Environment
Home lighting is another source of blue light that can wreak havoc on circadian rhythm. Living solely by firelight isn't practical, and unfortunately most households are equipped with flickering, blue light-emitting bulbs.
That is why we offer a range of flicker-free, warm lighting solutions designed to replicate the gentle warmth and ambiance of natural sunlight, sunset, and campfire light, all with a simple flick of the light switch (no Wi-Fi or smart components needed).
To learn more about how our lightbulbs and recessed lights work, check out the product pages.
By reducing blue light exposure from screens and swapping out bright home lighting in the evening, we can mitigate hormone disruptions and improve the quality of our sleep, setting the stage for better overall health as the body requires a good night's rest to do many important functions such as detoxication and rebuilding cells.
Flicker: The Invisible Stressor
Flickering lights can have detrimental effects on the nervous system. The average light bulb or panel flickers, however it is so fast that it is undetectable to the naked eye, so it is not a factor that most people consider when looking for a home lighting, or are even aware of.
The rapid and irregular fluctuations in light intensity can disrupt the brain's processing, leading to fatigue, headaches, and even mood disturbances. These flickering patterns can trigger neurological responses, causing discomfort and stress, particularly to those sensitive to sensory stimuli. Prolonged exposure to flickering light may also contribute to heightened anxiety levels and difficulty concentrating, further impacting overall well-being. Choosing flicker-free home lighting is essential for maintaining a calm and harmonious environment conducive to optimal nervous system function.
Tip: You can test to see if your lights flicker by taking a slow-motion video of the light while it’s on.
Getting Natural Light
Just as important as minimizing artificial blue light exposure is maximizing our exposure to natural light, particularly in the morning. By soaking up the morning sun, we signal to our bodies that it's time to wake up and kickstart essential physiological processes.
Incorporating outdoor activities into our morning routines or simply spending time near windows can help optimize our circadian rhythms and promote alertness throughout the day, and balance out blue light exposure from screens. Catching a sunset serves a similar purpose, helping our bodies align with natural cycles. For those in sun-scarce locations, utilizing red light therapy devices can serve as a beneficial supplement on overcast days.
Light isn't just something we use to see our surroundings.
It is a factor that profoundly influences our health and well-being. By understanding the effects of blue light and flicker on our circadian rhythms, nervous system, and more, we can make informed choices to create environments that promote vitality,
Whether it's taking in the morning sun or winding down in the gentle glow of flicker-free, warm lighting, let's illuminate our lives in ways that nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits.
