LIGHTING
One study in a residential care home in Calgary, Canada, found that circadian lighting reduced daytime napping (right), and improved the quality of sleep at night (above), while reducing sedative medication.
Conclusions Lighting is a basic feature of every healthcare facility, alongside plumbing, heating and cooling, and security. Until very recently, we believed that the only job of a lightbulb was to help us to see clearly and move around safely, while keeping energy costs to a minimum. We now know that the right light at the right time has the potential to transform our ability to sleep and recover from acute and chronic conditions, and to support the health and satisfaction of the dedicated care teams who work through the night. For the first time in history, not only do we have these insights, but we have the technology to deliver the optimal conditions to support the body clock and reduce energy use too. Perhaps it’s time to give the humble lightbulb, hiding in plain sight, the attention it deserves.
* For more information on the IHEEM Innovation in Healthcare 2024
conference at Uttoxeter Racecourse on 11 September, and to book a place, visit
https://tinyurl.com/f5k3a8fa
References 1 Cain SW, Phillips AJK. Do no harm: the beginning of the age of healthy hospital lighting. Sleep, 44(3). https://tinyurl. com/87sb7skw
2 Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. European Commission, 18 July 2024.
https://tinyurl.com/ycshzhcw
3 Hadi K, DuBose JR, Ryherd E. (2016). Lighting and Nurses at Medical–Surgical Units: Impact of Lighting Conditions on Nurses’ Performance and Satisfaction. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal 2016; 9(3), 17-30. https://
tinyurl.com/3v5bwwby
36 Health Estate Journal September 2024
4 Hosseini SN, Walton JC, Sheikh Ansari I, Kreidler N, Nelson RJ (2024). An Architectural Solution to a Biological Problem: A Systematic Review of Lighting Designs in Healthcare Environments. Applied Sciences 2024: 14(7), 2945.
https://tinyurl.com/yck8hcyc
5 Maruani J, Geoffroy PA (2019). Bright Light as a Personalized Precision Treatment of Mood Disorders [Review]. Front Psychiatry. https://tinyurl. com/43385vu4
6 Constantinescu A, Warness JR, Virk N, Perez G, Shankel M, Holroyd-Leduc J. Optimizing Sleep for Residents in Long- Term Care Without Sedatives. Annals of Long-Term Care 1 October 2019. https://
tinyurl.com/5n7whfjt
7 Grant LK, St Hilaire MA, Heller JP, Heller RA, Lockley SW, Rahman SA. (2022). Impact of Upgraded Lighting on Falls in Care Home Residents. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022; 23(10), 1698-1704.e1692.
https://tinyurl.com/54ec992p
8 Walch JM, Rabin BS, Day R, Williams JN, Choi K, Kang JD. (2005). The effect of sunlight on postoperative analgesic medication use: a prospective study of patients undergoing spinal surgery. Psychosom Med 2005; 67(1), 156-163.
https://tinyurl.com/58nx2pku
9 Sánchez-Sánchez M, García TL, Heredia D, Reséndiz I, Cruz L, Santiago J et al. (2022). Effect of a light-darkness cycle on the body weight gain of preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Sci Rep 2022; 12(1), 17569. https://
tinyurl.com/52ut9y4x
10 Lowden A, Kecklund G. (2021). Considerations on how to light the night- shift. Lighting Research & Technology 2021; 53(5), 437-452. https://tinyurl. com/2sj4avbh
11 Albala L, Bober T, Hale G, Warfield B, Collins ML, Merritt Z et al. (2019). Effect on nurse and patient experience: overnight use of blue-depleted illumination. BMJ Open Qual 2019; 8(3).
https://tinyurl.com/mwz3fw2y
12 Hadi K, DuBose JR, Ryherd E. (2016). Lighting and Nurses at Medical–Surgical Units: Impact of Lighting Conditions on Nurses’ Performance and Satisfaction. HERD 2016: 9(3), 17-30. https://tinyurl. com/4m4n6xa2
Dr Shelley James
Dr Shelley James is a lighting design consultant, TedX and keynote speaker, author, and elected member of the WELL Light Advisory Team. She is also a trained electrician and open-water swimmer. Current clients include healthcare providers, utility companies, and financial institutions, along with architects, developers, and lighting manufacturers.
Photos courtesy of Chromaviso
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