licht.wissen 19 No. "Impact of Light on Human Beings"

<strong>licht</strong>.<strong>wissen</strong> <strong>19</strong>
<strong>Impact</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Light</strong> on Human Beings
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Outlook:
Sharing knowledge and researching further
In recent years, there has been a vast increase in research findings about the significance <strong>of</strong> light’s non-visual
effects on human beings. The basic mechanisms are well understood and viable concepts for adaptive lighting
systems have been developed. What is needed now is to incorporate the findings in pr<strong>of</strong>essional training and
in the market.
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Today, we know we need light for more
than just vision. There is now sound scientific
evidence showing that light is actually a
form <strong>of</strong> nutrition. But like the food we eat,
the wrong amount can have negative effects
– from winter blues due to too little
sunlight through to skin cancer due to too
much. Artificial light at the right time with
the right spectrum can make up for insufficient
exposure to natural light.
That said, a regular, uninterrupted day/ -
night rhythm – or rather light/dark rhythm –
is a crucial factor for human wellbeing and
maintenance <strong>of</strong> health. The wrong light at
the wrong time has been shown to result
in the disruption <strong>of</strong> hormone rhythms.
Years <strong>of</strong> shift work with regular interruption
<strong>of</strong> the day/night rhythm has even been
classified by the WHO as a probable
human carcinogen.
New stimuli for preventive
healthcare
In future, adaptive lighting systems will increasingly
be regarded as essential for the
maintenance <strong>of</strong> human health. From the
mood-elevating “light shower” in the morning
to the sleep-neutral reading light in the
evening at home – or to 24-hour biodynamic
lighting at work as part <strong>of</strong> occupational
health management – modern lighting
installations will provide new stimuli for preventive
healthcare.