LED technology is here to stay with us, at least until other, more sustainable possibilities appear. Let’s briefly review some advantages for our health when using this type of lighting at home.
1. Effects of LED light on biological cycles
The wavelength of LED lights determines their colour. There are many studies that associate a certain wavelength with curative properties or with the growth of crops according to their degree of maturity.
Throughout the day, the spectrum of sunlight changes, presenting a greater concentration of bluish lights in the morning and more reddish as the afternoon falls. This natural variation is associated with the heart rhythms of people who regulate our activity and performance. Even our vision varies throughout the day.
LED lights are incredibly versatile in color. By varying its wavelength you can get lights of all colors of the spectrum, so it is very useful to create an a la carte lighting that affects our behavior. In fact, it is not the LED that has the healing properties, but the light. Today we are experimenting with light therapies for cancer treatments. Many studies show evidence that it is above all the blue light that most affects our behaviors.
The color composition of the sunlight spectrum changes throughout the day. In the morning there is more blue light and in the afternoon the light becomes more reddish and yellow. This variation affects our cardiac and biological rhythms in general and our activity. Even our vision changes throughout the day!
The light therapy that handles the different types of light in search of benefits for our health, achieves thanks to the versatility of the led and modifying especially the amount of blue light to which we are exposed, improve our performance at work, our degree of attention and reaction time. On the other hand, a misuse of blue light can also have significant negative effects that we must take into account: It could cause eye damage and inhibits the production of melatonin, hormone related to lack of sleep, stress, tiredness.
2. Leds help reduce headaches.
Migraine symptoms and headaches may vary from person to person, but sensitivity to light is a common problem. For those suffering from headaches and migraines, problems such as flickering fluorescent bulbs and lack of adequate lighting can have devastating side effects.
Good lighting design and LED technology can help create a better environment for people who are prone to headaches. LEDs combined with lighting controls can allow individual lighting levels to be customized and adjusted to improve comfort and light sensitivity. This can be beneficial for everyone, but especially for those suffering from headaches and migraines.
3. LEDs increase productivity
Unpleasant flickering and glare from fluorescent lamps in the ceiling can be common in classrooms. The priority given to lighting in the design of school buildings, including appropriate light sources, colour levels and temperatures, promotes well-being. In addition, modern LED technology produces less heat and can help regulate the temperature of the installation and reduce the number of luminaires, while reducing the need for ceiling lighting. When LEDs are used in a learning environment, research suggests that learning performance improves for these reasons.
Companies that install LED lighting in offices and workspaces have recognized increased productivity levels. Recent studies show immediate and powerful benefits for workers’ productivity, health and brand image.
4. Leds reduce stress and anxiety.
Humans naturally enjoy sunlight, which means we are more likely to be subject to changes in behavior and mood when lighting does not reproduce natural environments. This can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and even seasonal emotional disturbances, a potentially serious condition that requires treatment, such as phototherapy, to help regulate melatonin production and relieve symptoms.
Although work, school and other commitments can annoy many people and limit the time they spend outdoors during the day, LED lighting can provide assistance. Because of its ability to mimic the effects of mood and the circadian impact of natural light, LED lighting has been associated with reduced levels of indoor stress and anxiety.
Advances in colour matching and lighting control technology have made it possible to mimic the complex nature of indoor natural light and improve the health and well-being of users.
5. UV Emissions
LEDs do not emit UV radiation and are therefore safe for office applications. Fluorescent bulbs emit UV rays, which can cause premature aging and skin cancer, as well as eye fatigue and headaches. A study published in the August 2008 issue of Oxford University Press found that “UV emissions from a significant percentage of tested fluorescent ampoules can lead to predictable overexposure of the skin when these lamps are used for office or work lighting.
LEDs are also easier to control than other light sources. Lighting controls can help adjust the environment according to health and comfort benefits, as well as improve the ability of health care providers to care for patients in a health care facility.
LED lighting has far fewer disadvantages than most lights. The only light source that could gain in terms of health effects to the LED bulb is the old incandescent bulb, but it has been withdrawn from the market. In addition, LED bulbs are being improved and all lamps have safety requirements. These standards only apply in Europe, so make sure you know where the products you consume come from. Thus, all our LED bulbs meet these standards.