Harnessing Natural Rhythms: The Rise of Circadian Smart Products
, 5 min reading time
Circadian rhythms are a natural part of life that have only received intensive scientific study over the last few decades. The term refers to the natural changes your body experiences over the course of 24 hours, often impacted by lighting and other signals from the environment. The circadian rhythm is responsible for making you feel sleepy at night and energized in the morning. It’s a kind of master clock that helps your body stay on schedule. Aside from sleep, these rhythms can have wide-reaching effects on human health and well-being. That’s why it’s becoming a design element to consider in many healthcare settings, both in new construction and renovated facilities.
Thanks to the introduction of new smart products, these modern lighting systems are designed with our natural rhythms in mind. These systems can adapt to mimic natural light patterns, providing a number of potential benefits to workers and guests in any kind of building.
Understanding Circadian Smart Products
Circadian smart lighting systems are complex designs that integrate a number of related products. Most systems rely on multiple sensors placed around a workplace or service area to capture the available light level and track outdoor light conditions. These sensors send their signals to a centralized unit that is programmed to control the lighting throughout the facility. Automated technology adjusts each lighting zone's intensity and color temperature throughout the day.
Using a lighting system that follows circadian rhythm principles may lead to improved sleep, enhanced mood, and a greater sense of overall well-being. Specifically, this is why it makes it an ideal upgrade for healthcare facilities, particularly those focused on recovery and mental health.
Applications in the Healthcare Industry
Research into circadian rhythms in humans has exposed a number of potential benefits from managing a naturalistic lighting system. Thanks to today's modern lighting systems, these benefits could be put to good use in a hospital, senior living facility, or behavioral health center.
First, circadian lighting helps regulate the sleep-wake cycles of patients. This can not only reduce the instances of sleep disorders like insomnia but also improve overall recovery times from illness and surgery. Getting plenty of deep sleep is crucial to physical and mental healing alike, which can be challenging in traditional patient rooms. Many patients find the harsh overhead lighting levels and noises in hospitals are quite disruptive to sleep, but automated lighting systems that follow our natural circadian cycle can play a big role in providing an environment much more conducive to rest.
Second, better management of circadian rhythms may help reduce the likelihood of health conditions like diabetes and unintended weight gain. Some studies have even shown a link between a lack of quality sleep and higher rates of cancer and depression. Circadian lighting systems in a mental health or senior living facility can support treatment plans and stabilize moods and behaviors, as well. Overall, managing the lighting levels in healthcare facilities could have long-reaching effects on wellness that improve the effectiveness of care.
Beyond Health Care: Other Industries Adopting Circadian Smart Products
With the potential for long-term effects from circadian lighting, it’s no surprise that many other types of facilities are starting to integrate these systems. For example, adding this kind of automated lighting to the office environment may help boost employee productivity by improving cognitive performance and reducing fatigue. In schools, a similar effect can benefit students and teachers alike. Even hotels and resorts can incorporate circadian lighting to create a more restful and rejuvenating experience for their guests. And while most advanced lighting systems are built for commercial or public use, some savvy homeowners are starting to request residential installations.
Why Circadian Smart Products Are Important
With the potential for numerous health benefits from aligning artificial lighting with the body’s natural circadian rhythms, it’s not surprising that healthcare facilities are leading the way in adopting this technology. These lighting systems have the potential to impact cognitive function, alertness, and overall productivity positively. They can help patients or workers stay on a natural sleep schedule, resulting in a stronger immune system and better weight control and blood sugar stability. On the emotional side, circadian lighting can reduce stress. This can have a secondary benefit of lowering anxiety and depression rates by mimicking exposure to natural lighting.
Case studies from government buildings and textile factories have all shown that unexpected industries can benefit from paying attention to circadian rhythms. Lighting is the single most impactful factor that facility managers can easily control when it comes to these natural rhythms, so it’s worth installing high-tech lighting systems to achieve higher productivity and better overall health for employees. Adaptive lighting can also reduce overall energy costs, especially since most circadian systems drop light levels slowly to mimic the setting of the sun. Even a few hours of dimmed or disabled lights can add up to big savings if you’re managing a large facility.
The Future of Circadian Smart Products
Circadian smart technology is only continuing to evolve and grow with the latest advancements in AI-driven lighting systems. There’s great potential for widespread adoption across even more industries, including public spaces like libraries and community centers, and private home residences. The use of smart building systems and integration with circadian light equipment allows for even more precise control, with remote smart systems so you manage the light levels from anywhere. We expect to see more adoption of circadian smart products over the next few years as new research continues to show how these natural lighting rhythms promote positive health benefits—and cost savings.
Circadian smart products have significant potential, especially for healthcare and related industries, with basic lighting adjustments that foster a more productive team and healthier environment. Enhance your building or home by integrating circadian smart products and lighting systems from ULE Group, designed to align with your natural rhythms. Explore our range of products today to find the perfect lighting solution for your needs.