It is understated just how important proper lighting is to our everyday lives. Although to most it is an afterthought, there is significant research to show how impactful it can be to daily functions.
The relationship between light and sleep is well established. The human body runs on a circadian rhythm – a roughly 24-hour internal clock regulated largely by light exposure. When light hits the receptors in the eye it sends direct signals to the hypothalamus to begin the waking process. Blue light, the most common light found in modern screens and white LEDs, is a potent suppressor of melatonin, the hormone responsible for calming the brain for sleep. Research has shown evening blue light exposure can delay melatonin production for 90 minutes or more. Gradually dimming your LED overheads or fixtures in the evening mimics natural sunset and gives the brain the signal to start producing the hormones needed for a deep nights sleep. It can be as powerful as taking supplements but without the hassle or dependency. Poor sleep is linked to anxiety, depression, weakened immune system function, weight gain, and reduced cognitive performance.
Using color temperature to your advantage is a rewarding endeavor. Cool light measured in the 5000-6500 kelvin range triggers cortisol, the alertness hormone. This is why hospitals, schools, and offices use cooler lighting, it keeps people awake and focused. Warm light at 2700-3000 kelvin imitates sunset and candlelight. This range gives any easy relaxation perfect for family time or evening wind down. It is quite useful for a working individual to be able to control not only how much light they use but the range of temperature.
Natural daylight is the gold standard for wellness. Natural light exposure throughout the day is proven to strengthen your circadian rhythm, making you better focused and productive, and in return giving you deeper sleep. It’s a rewarding cycle. However, uncontrolled natural light has real downsides. Direct sunlight glare on screens or uneven brightness can increase strain or discomfort, driving most people to close the blinds in a room entirely, losing all the benefits. A crude solution to a nuanced problem. Motorized shades solve this by diffusing rather than blocking. A sheer or filtering shade drops glare and heat while maintaining the mood-boosting qualities of natural light. They can slowly cascade down as sunset takes the day and slowly rise as the birds chirp and dew forms. Lutron shades can be programmed to adjust based on a schedule that works with your needs.
The real value of home automation isn’t any single feature, it’s the removal of friction. Humans are a creature of habit, and yet there any so many factors that drive our actions and moods. Simplification is the end goal. Make something else of the time wasted on future proofing ourselves to the seemingly endless queue of nags and annoyances. Smart lighting is a life investment. The difference in a fine tuned home, with adjustable lighting schedules, fully customizable mood colors, and automated shades, is a difference felt everyday.