As far back as the most ancient of civilisations, humans have depended on light for the survival of the species. The sun provides the natural light we need to survive and thrive, and without it, life could simply not sustain itself. In other words, light is integral to life as we know it. It also has a direct impact on our mood and the way we feel. As such, the lighting you select for your home can have a big difference on your general health and wellbeing, which is why you need to think carefully about which light fittings to go for at home.
The science behind lighting and mood
Several studies have discovered an integral relationship between mood and lighting. In some instances, light therapy is even used to treat specific ailments, particularly sleep and affective disorders. In the human body, the circadian system is responsible for the relationship between light and mood, as it’s the part of our body that uses lighting cues to dictate actions to other integral parts of the body.
The circadian clock is responsible for signalling to the brain that we should be awake when it’s light and asleep when it’s dark. Research has found that the circadian clock is most affected by light in the immediate hours before bedtime. As such, selecting appropriate lighting for your bedroom, in particular, will have a significant impact on how well you sleep at night.
How lighting can affect your mood
It’s hardly surprising that natural light from the sun contributes to your general health and wellbeing. This is because it boosts your levels of Vitamin D, reduces the onset of seasonal affective disorder (SAD – often referred to as seasonal depression), enhances sleep quality, and contributes positively to your general wellbeing. Welcoming natural light into your home is essential, and as many as 20% of people suffer from SAD due to lack of sunlight. Therefore, it’s crucial to let natural sunlight flood your home. You should also schedule a daily walk to help you soak up direct sunlight. Equally important is how you install unnatural lighting in your home, as we explain below.
Exceptionally bright lighting is not conducive to a relaxing home environment. In fact, studies show that bright light can heighten your emotions, which can induce anxiety and leave you feeling on edge. We recommend that you avoid bright light in the run-up to bedtime, as it will make it difficult for you to fall asleep. What’s more, studies have also found a relationship between bright light and increased hunger, which is further motivation to choose appropriate lighting for your home.
On the other hand, soft lighting can positively influence the way you feel. Specifically, introducing dim lighting at home has a calming influence on most people. Studies show that this is due to the relationship between light and melatonin, which can directly affect your ability to sleep at night. So, to feel calmer and more relaxed as you sink into bed at night, consider switching to dimmer or softer lighting in the bedroom.
Enhance your home lighting today
There’s so much to choose from when it comes to selecting the perfect lighting for your home, and it’s far from easy to arrive at a decision. However, be sure to check out Situ Live’s collection of lighting to put you in complete control of the mood in your home. You will be amazed at how much of a difference lighting makes to your property, and you will almost certainly see your mood improve at home as a result.
Leave a Reply