How lighting affects mood

At the same time that artificial lights have brought infinite and incalculable possibilities to humanity, they have also caused some confusion to our bodies, which have adapted for thousands of years to respond to the stimuli of sunlight and the darkness of night. This is the circadian rhythm or cycle, which designates the period of approximately 24 hours on which the biological cycle of almost all living beings is based, influenced mainly by the light received, but also by temperature and other stimuli. This is why it is said that lighting affects mood.

Does lighting really affect our mood?

Our natural clock is located in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus, and is linked to photoreceptors (such as the retina) throughout the body that synchronize the internal clock with the light absorbed during the day. Understanding the Circadian Cycle is essential, as it affects the rhythms of the human body, influencing sleep, mood, wakefulness, digestion, temperature control and even cell renewal. Research shows that an adequate amount of light daily improves mood and energy levels, while insufficient lighting contributes to depression and several other deficiencies in the body. The amount and type of lighting directly affect concentration, appetite, mood, etc.

But how can we have a healthy circadian rhythm if we spend most of our time in environments with artificial light? What if the last thing we do before going to sleep and the first thing we do when we wake up is to check our cell phone? And how can architects make environments healthier through lighting? Experts on the subject show that the ideal is to try to mimic the natural with artificial lights. For example, brighter, brighter lights are better for the morning and throughout the day, while it's nice to be exposed to dim lights at night. The opposite of this can cause a confusing circadian rhythm, mess with your sleep schedule or make it difficult to find energy throughout the day. A study from the University of Toronto showed that bright lights “intensify the initial emotional reaction we have to a stimulus, and the effects of this can be both positive and negative.

Does the color temperature of lighting affect mood??

The unit of measurement is the Kelvin (K) and the higher the value, the lighter and colder the color tone of the light.

When we talk about warm or cold light, we are not referring to the physical heat of the lamp, but rather the color tone it emits into the environment. Warm lights make spaces more welcoming and relaxing, while brighter lights make the environment more stimulating, making us feel more alert, focused and can increase productivity levels.

It is believed that blue light reduces levels of the hormone melatonin that makes us feel sleepy, that is, we feel more awake. Computer and cell phone screens emit a lot of blue light. Therefore, the last email check before bed can harm our sleep. Still, if used intelligently, it can be great for places where the mind must be working at full steam, such as meeting rooms, industrial kitchens and even factories, where everyone is expected to be focused on work.

The yellow tones of lighting affect mood (the lowest part of the color scale) refer more to dusk and dawn, when the body is generally more relaxed. This makes perfect sense if we consider that until recently, human beings were not actually exposed to high-intensity lights at night, but rather to fire and moonlight. Dim, indirect and warm lighting tends to make spaces calmer and people more relaxed. While this may not be so good for a work environment that needs efficiency and productivity, it can be a wise choice for a restaurant, break area or bedroom.

Experts say that spending time receiving sunlight daily and avoiding being exposed to so much cold, blue light close to bedtime can improve sleep quality and positively affect well-being and productivity.

As much as it is impossible to control the lighting in all the environments and spaces you visit, at least you are aware that it impacts your mood.