Seasonal Differences in Light Exposure and the Associations With Health and Well-Being in Older Adults Living: An Exploratory Study
2017
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 10
Pages 64-79
Author(s): Nioi, A., Roe, J., Gow, A., McNair, D., Aspinall, P.
Exposure to appropriate levels of bright light directly affects human circadian rhythms. The circadian rhythm plays a key role in overall human well-being. Previous research suggests that elderly patients within residential care homes are often exposed to low levels of light, which can result in circadian misalignment and irregularities in sleep/wake cycles.
Added May 2017
Patient room lighting influences on sleep, appraisal and mood in hospitalized people
2017
Journal of Sleep Research
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 26
Pages 236-246
Author(s): Giménez, M. C., Geerdinck, L. M., Versteylen, M., Leffers, P., Meekes, G. J. B. M., Herremans, H., de Ruyter, B., Bikker, J. W., Kuijpers, P. M. J. C., Schlangen, L. J. M.
Hospitalized patients often struggle with sleeping soundly due to various factors that arise within the hospital environment, such as noise, pain, general discomfort, and irregular and inappropriate light exposure. Because sleep is such an integral part of the healing process, healthcare designers should consider different ways to improve hospital sleep conditions.
Added April 2017
Analysis of circadian stimulus allowed by daylighting in hospital rooms
2017
Lighting Research and Technology
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 49
Pages 49-61
Author(s): Acosta, I, Leslie, R. P., Figueiro, M. G.
Light is the major synchronizer of circadian rhythms to the 24-hour solar day. Compared to the visual system, the circadian system requires more light to be activated and is more sensitive to short-wavelength light. For those confined indoors, such as patients or residents in care facilities, the lack of access to daylight, or electric lighting providing a comparable amount, spectrum, distribution, duration, and timing, may compromise their human health and well-being.
Added November 2016