Our bodies are composed of trillions of clocks. Virtually all tissues, including our brains, operate with a genetic clockwork that enables us to perform the right functions at the right times. For instance, our heart is designed to work hard during the day and recover at night. However, typical modern lighting can disrupt these internal clocks, making us more susceptible to poor health.
If you’ve ever experienced jet lag, you’re familiar with the effects of a disrupted body clock—feelings of misery and disorientation. For many individuals with poor mental health, this sensation is a constant reality. Fortunately, light can have a powerful positive effect. Healthy lighting can correct disrupted clocks, helping us feel healthier and happier.
Sleep deprivation doesn’t just make us tired; it impacts our emotional regulation. Lack of sleep reduces trust and increases selfish behavior during social interactions. It diminishes the connectivity between the brain’s emotion regulation and processing centres, leading to heightened reactivity to negative stimuli. This can manifest as irritability, aggressive behaviour, and even bullying.
The consequences of disrupted sleep and lighting extend to various aspects of cognitive and emotional functioning, including:
By aligning our lighting environments with our natural biological rhythms, we can support better mental health and overall wellbeing.
By aligning our lighting environments with our natural biological rhythms, we can support better mental health and overall wellbeing.
Read more of our research to find out more.
