Lights and Well-Being: How Lighting Affects Your Mood and Health

Lighting plays an essential role in our daily lives, far beyond its primary function of illuminating our spaces. In fact,  light has a direct impact on our well-being, our mood, and even our health. In this article, we will explore how lighting influences our emotions, productivity, and sleep cycle, and how you can adjust your home lighting to make the most of it.

1. Lighting and the Circadian Rhythm 🌅🌙

The circadian rhythm is our internal biological clock, which regulates our sleep and wake cycles over a 24-hour period.This rhythm is strongly influenced by natural light. When we are exposed to bright light during the day, our body produces less melatonin (the sleep hormone), which allows us to stay awake and alert. On the other hand, when the light decreases in the evening, our body starts to produce more melatonin, thus promoting sleep. However, in a modern world where we spend much of our days indoors, often exposed to artificial lighting, our circadian rhythm can be disrupted. Exposure to lights that are too intense or too cold in the evening, for example, can delay falling asleep and lead to sleep disorders.

Tip : Use warm light lamps or adjustable bulbs (like our Circular Floor Lamp) in the evening to mimic the natural light of sunset and promote melatonin production.

2. Lighting and Mood 🌤️😊

Light has a profound effect on our mood. Studies have shown that bright light increases the production of serotonin, a hormone that improves mood and helps reduce feelings of stress and depression.On the other hand, insufficient or unsuitable lighting can contribute to feelings of  fatigue,  weariness and even  seasonal depression  (seasonal affective disorder), especially during the winter months when natural light is scarce.

It is therefore essential to choose  adequate lighting for each room in the house:

• In the living room or relaxation areas, choose warm and soft lighting that creates a soothing and comfortable atmosphere.
• In the kitchen or office, brighter and more energizing lighting can improve concentration and productivity.

Tip : If you work from home, expose yourself as much as possible to natural light and supplement with bright artificial lighting during the day to boost your energy and mood.

3. Lighting and Productivity 💡👩‍💻

Good lighting is crucial for maintaining a high level of concentration and productivity, whether at home or in the office. A poorly lit space can cause headaches, eye strain, and a decrease in alertness.The key is to find a balance between enough lighting to see clearly without creating reflections or annoying shadows .

• In a workspace, choose functional lighting such as adjustable desk lamps , which allow you to direct the light where you need it.
•  Dimmable LED bulbs are also an excellent choice, as they allow you to adjust the light according to the task you are doing (reading, working on the computer, etc.).

Tip : Make sure your desk benefits from a mix of natural light and artificial lighting. A white and cool light is ideal for precise tasks, as it mimics daylight.

4. Lighting and Relaxation 🛀

Just as bright lighting can stimulate activity and productivity, soft and dim lighting is ideal for moments of relaxation. After a busy day, our body and mind need to relax, and lighting that is too intense can make this difficult.

• In rooms like the bedroom or the bathroom, the lighting should create a calming atmosphere. Choose bedside lamps with soft light or wall lights for indirect lighting.
• In a space like the living room, using accent lamps, string lights or adjustable lights can help create a cozy atmosphere.

Tip : Consider adding dimmers to adjust the light intensity according to your activity: brighter light for reading, softer light for relaxing.

5. Lighting and Creativity 🎨✨

Light can also stimulate your creativity. Good lighting is essential in spaces where you want to create, such as art studios or areas dedicated to hobbies.Natural lights or bulbs that mimic daylight are ideal for revealing true colors and creating an inspiring atmosphere.