Human Centric Lighting to support human bio-rhythm

Light is of great importance to the body, because it controls our entire daily rhythm, decides when we sleep and are awake, when we want to eat, concentrate on work and be active. Lighting designers have long since recognized this and are now coming up with an innovation: Human Centric Lighting.

The term Human Centric Lighting (HCL) refers to a lighting concept that is adapted to daylight. This controls the human circadian rhythm. We absorb light through the eye. To do this, we use light-sensitive ganglion cells on the retina. These special cells react to blue light. In response, they send signals and thereby control the day-night rhythm. To achieve this, the cells work in conjunction with hormones. One of these is melatonin. This is present in particularly high concentrations in the evening. It makes us tired. At night, the body breaks down the hormone again during sleep. As soon as the sun rises, daylight suppresses melatonin and we become awake and active.

Human Centric Lighting offers the perfect illusion

Human Centric Lighting has set itself the goal of exploiting the physical reactions to light in order to simulate normal daylight with the aid of special luminaires and their position in the room, and thus also their effect on the human body. Therefore, it is not enough to install a light that always shines either cold or warm. It must be able to adapt to the day and the different requirements. Preferably automatically. To do this, it needs the ability to adjust different color temperatures. In this way, the light can stimulate people to be active, concentrated and awake. This is particularly important in the workplace, where full performance is required. The light makes it possible, even on days when the weather is not cooperating. Even in open-plan offices or factories, it can be helpful to imitate natural light to create the perfect illusion. Where windows are missing, a sophisticated lighting concept is needed. Neutral or cool white light is perfect for daytime.

The angle matters

Just using the right light source is by no means enough to create the optimum lighting moment. It needs the right angle. Sunlight usually comes from diagonally above, so this is also a good place for the new lamps. If the sun goes down, the angle of light incidence decreases. So if you don’t need an active workspace, but want to relax in the evening, you need lower lighting concepts that can mimic dusk. And because the whole thing is very complicated, experts have long offered their know-how here and know how to synchronize Human Centric Lighting perfectly. If necessary, luminaires can be rotated or dimmed, depending on what the customer wants. Conceptually, however, the whole thing is designed to be self-functioning; once it has been set correctly, no new settings are needed.

Human Centric Lighting better than sunlight?

Human Centric Lighting is more controllable and can be used everywhere, but it cannot replace natural sunlight. So if you feel exhausted and tired, it’s better to go for a walk in the fresh air instead of getting right back behind the desk and starting new projects unmotivated. Artificial light can create an illusion to natural light, but it never forms a true substitute. What it can do is make dark days, especially in winter, a little brighter and more colorful. This makes the body and mind more alert, cheerful and the sense of well-being increases. In this respect, Human Centric Lighting would be a clear recommendation for all those who cannot capture sufficient daylight at the workplace because windows are missing or rooms are too spacious.

Image copyright: etse1112

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