The acceptance that light plays a huge part in our mood and productivity levels is being taken more seriously, according to a recent article by the BBC entitled 'Can light nutrition help us beat the January blues?'.
It describes how people are using light simulators during the SAD season and have been doing so for the last 30 years with increasing success. However a new device called a dawn-light simulator has been helping all sorts of people face the day with more positivity and energy, including the British rowing, cycling, and swimming teams who provide their athletes with dawn simulators to help them cope with the early morning training sessions.
The article describes the science behind this - daylight suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that makes us sleepy, and increases production of cortisol, the hormone that helps control blood sugar levels and regulates our metabolism. Too little sunlight, over prolonged periods, can result in an imbalance of our moods. "When it gets dark, our bodies produce more melatonin, getting us ready for sleep. Dawn light suppresses the melatonin, waking us up and giving us a boost for the day ahead." So it is easy to see why a dawn simulator, a device that introduces light to your room gradually, is perfect for anyone who suffers with a constant mood imbalance due to their reaction to the dark.
We often talk to our clients about the science behind our specifications - it is much more than simply lighting the space, lighting design is crucial to the mood of your team, customers and the success of your business.
(Source: BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42809255)