Impact of Light On Health

Not only does the amount of light exposure affect the human body but also the positioning of the light can affect it just as much. Chronobiology is described as “the influence of light exposure on human physical and mental health” (p.1) according to Doctor Eve Edelstein.

The effects light has on the body can be both positive and negative. When dealing with health care facilities, it is vital to have access to both natural light as well as darkened conditions. Natural light from a window or skylight can help immensely with recovery of a patient but there must also be provisions put in place to support complete darkness as well for the wellness of sleep and rest for the patient.

Much research on circadian rhythms has suggested that light changes help us transition from wakefulness into sleepiness.  Light alters our melatonin. This hormone “increases in darkness” (Edelstien.1) helping to promote sleep through the absence of light.

Lights effect on health has “demonstrated significant cardiac changes under different light conditions” (Edelstein.5) such as exposure, but we as humans can also be affected by different types of light as discussed in the article “calibrated by wavelengths of light.”

Exposure to different wavelengths of light such as blue wavelengths or red wavelengths can affect our learning. Scientist from the Center for Chronobiology at the University of Basel tested this theory and found that people who were exposed more to blue wavelengths of light “scored higher on tests of memory and cognition.” (Beil 2). This has a huge connection to regions and environment.

As I previously discovered that we learn and experience light through region and environment, the types of light that occur in those environments also can affect us. Those who are exposed to more daylight hours tend to have better quality of life.

             

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