Circadian Lighting System Definition

Circadian lighting as a term came to prominence after the discovery of the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell iprgc in 2002 berson et al 2002.

Circadian lighting system definition.

Sleeping at night and being awake during the day is an example of a light related circadian rhythm. Circadian lighting is a smart tech concept that seeks to reduce the harmful impacts of artificial light on human beings. The cycle is controlled by a region of the brain known as the hypothalamus which is the master center for integrating rhythmic information. Scientists have discovered that long term exposure to certain wavelengths of blue light at a specific intensity can have a negative impact on melatonin production.

Light is one of the main drivers of the circadian system which starts in the brain and regulates physiological rhythms throughout the body s tissues and organs affecting hormone levels and the sleep wake cycle. This approach to lighting is a new joint frontier for the lighting and health industries. The circadian system is best described as your body s master clock which tells you when to wake up and when to go to bed among other things. Within the circadian cycle a person usually sleeps approximately 8 hours and is awake 16.

There are three main ways to implement a circadian lighting system. They respond primarily to light and darkness in an organism s environment. Circadian lighting can be defined as any lighting strategy or source that is efficient in stimulating the circadian system boyce 2006. This harmony is referred to as entrainment.

What are circadian rhythms. An entrained circadian system is aligned with the natural light dark cycle of the solar day. When we review the anthropology of luminosity we see that the invention of man made lighting from firelight and candlelight to the more advanced innovations of gaslight and subsequently electric lighting in the 19th century changed all of that. Circadian rhythms are physical mental and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle.

Proper implementation of this new technology can lead to a health and productivity revolution at home and in the workplace.