Summarize
- LED lighting can improve mood and reduce depression symptoms
- Emulating natural light with LED lights supports circadian rhythms
- Temperature-controlled LED lights for customised lighting solutions
- Bright light in the morning can reduce depression
- and anxiety symptoms
- LED lighting used in hospitals, offices and homes to support well-being
Can lighting improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety?
Do LED lights help with depression? In this blog post, we look at the potential benefits of using lighting to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. LED lighting technology has made it possible to mimic natural light patterns and create customized lighting solutions for individual needs. Studies have shown that exposure to certain types of light can have a positive effect on our mental health, for example in relieving symptoms of coma, with a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
As we at LedStore are interested in the effects of light and lighting on human well-being, I went through some online articles and put together this blog post. I hope you will gain new perspectives on the possibilities and uses that LED lights can have. I am not claiming that lighting alone has curative or disease-causing effects, we are not health care professionals and LedStore as a company does not provide medical lighting.
on the potential benefits of LED lighting in improving mood and reducing depression and anxiety symptoms
LED lighting technology has come a long way in recent years and has the potential to offer benefits for our mental health. Studies have shown that exposure to certain types of light, for example, can have a positive effect on mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. The key is to emulate natural light patterns as much as possible and create tailored lighting solutions that meet individual needs.
Individual needs can be met by using LED lighting, which offers a wide range of options in terms of colour, intensity and timing. Such luminaires include, for example, white-tinted, CCT adjustable LED lights. By exposing ourselves to light that mimics natural light, we can help regulate our circadian rhythms, which in turn can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
In addition, LED lights can be tailored to meet specific needs, such as providing a blue light in the morning to help you wake up or a yellow light in the evening to help you relax and go to bed.
Other important ways to support wellbeing include regular exercise, meal times and good social relationships. However, it is also worth bearing in mind that the lighting of spaces where people spend a lot of time, such as their homes and workplaces, has an impact on well-being and can help prevent depression.
Studies show positive effects of light on mental health
Several studies have investigated the relationship between light and mental health, and the results have been promising. A study published in “JAMA Psychiatry” found that exposure to bright light in the morning can effectively reduce depressive symptoms (source link at the end of the article). Another study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that exposure to bright light in the morning can reduce anxiety symptoms (source link at the end of the article).
These and many other studies support the idea that light can have a significant impact on our mental health. The mechanism behind this relates to how light affects our circadian rhythm, which controls the production of mood and behavioural hormones such as melatonin and serotonin. By exposing ourselves to light that mimics natural daylight, we can help regulate our circadian rhythms and improve our well-being. At the end of the article you will find links to studies that you should read and draw your own conclusions. There is no definitive answer to the question “Do LED lights help with depression?”, but you can draw your own conclusions.
How does light affect circadian rhythms and hormone production?
Light in general plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms. Our internal biological clock controls many of our physiological processes, such as the production of hormones like melatonin and serotonin. Our circadian rhythms are influenced by the presence and absence of light, with blue light in natural daylight being a particularly important factor.
When the blue light of daylight hits our eyes, it sends signals to our brain that block the production of melatonin, the hormone that makes us feel sleepy. That’s why exposure to bright light in the morning can help us wake up feeling refreshed. On the other hand, when the blue light fades in the evening, the brain starts to produce melatonin, which helps us feel sleepy and prepare for sleep.
In addition, exposure to light can also affect the production of serotonin, a hormone linked to our mood and behaviour. Serotonin is known as the “feel-good hormone”, and its levels are highest during the day when we are exposed to bright light. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression and anxiety, so exposure to bright light during the day can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. So get out of the dark and turn on the lights.
How different colours and intensities of light can affect mood and behaviour.
In addition to the timing of light exposure, the colour temperature and intensity of light can also affect mood and behaviour in different ways. The different wavelengths of white light affect our body’s ability to produce things like melatonin and serotonin.
For example, blue light has a short wavelength and makes us feel more alert and awake. This is why the cold white, bluish light is often used in the morning to help people wake up and start the day. Blue light can also help reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and non-seasonal depression. We have written about this in our article:
On the other hand, the red wavelengths of light have the opposite effect. This is why warm light is often used in the evening to help people relax and prepare for sleep.
The intensity of light also plays a role: bright light is usually recommended in the morning to help people wake up and feel alert, while dim light is better in the evening to help people relax and prepare for sleep.
It is important to tailor light to needs and the timing of exposure to light to mimic natural light patterns and feel better. Temperature-controlled CCT LED lights and modern lighting control systems can be used to control lighting.
5 tips on lighting conditions to reduce symptoms
If you want to improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, here are 5 tips for lighting conditions that can help:
- Use full spectrum light sources: full spectrum (CRI98) light sources mimic natural light and reproduce all ambient colours correctly. They can improve mood, energy and cognitive function and help regulate circadian rhythms.
- Expose yourself to bright light in the morning: studies have shown that exposure to bright light in the morning can reduce depressive symptoms by suppressing melatonin production and helping to regulate circadian rhythms.
- Dim the lights in the evening: dim light in the evening can help you relax and prepare for sleep, which can also reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Use temperature-changing lights: colour-temperature adjustable lamps allow you to adjust the shade and intensity of white light to suit different times of day and different moods.
- Avoid exposure to artificial blue light from electronic devices, especially in the evening: Exposure to artificial blue light from electronic devices can disrupt circadian rhythms and lead to insomnia and other sleep-related problems.
By following these tips, you can help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve your mental health. Remember that it is also important to seek the help of a health professional if you are struggling with depression or anxiety.
How can LED lights be used to imitate natural light?
Temperature-controlled LED lights are the solution for creating customised lighting situations that mimic the changes in natural light throughout the day. These lights allow you to adjust the colour temperature of the light, which is measured in Kelvin (K). The colour temperature of the light ranges from warm (2700K-3000K) to cool (5000K-6500K), and can be used to mimic different times of day. Adjusting the intensity of the light, or the amount of lux, also has an effect on the experience of light as calming or energising.
The warmer colours (2700K-3000K) are more yellowish and associated with sunset and candlelight, while the cooler colours (5000K-6500K) are more bluish and associated with daylight.
For example, in the morning you can use cooler colours (5000K-6500K) to mimic natural daylight, which can help you wake up feeling refreshed. In the evening, you can use warmer colours (2700K-3000K) to mimic the colours of the sunset, which can help you relax and prepare for sleep. In addition, temperature-adjustable LED lights can be used to create specific lighting conditions for different activities such as reading, working or watching TV.
LED lighting in different environments
LED lighting is used in a variety of environments to improve mood.
- Hospitals: LED lighting is used in hospitals to create a more comfortable and healing environment for patients. By mimicking natural light patterns, LED lighting can help regulate circadian rhythms and improve patient and staff well-being.
- Offices: LED lighting is used in offices to improve employee productivity and well-being. Using cool, bright light (offices) in the morning and dim, warmer light in the evening can help workers to feel more alert and, on the other hand, to induce relaxation.
- Homes: LED lighting is used in homes to create a comfortable and relaxing environment. Temperature adjustable LED luminaires can mimic natural light patterns and create specific lighting conditions for different activities such as reading, working or watching TV.
- Nursing homes: LED lighting is used in nursing homes to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety among elderly people. By mimicking natural light patterns and creating a comfortable environment, LED lighting can help improve the well-being of older adults.
- Shops: LED lighting is used in shops to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere that can improve the mood of customers and staff. High colour rendering illumination (CRI98) will be of particular importance in the product presentation. Temperature-controlled LED luminaires can be used to create specific lighting conditions that mimic natural light patterns and create a conducive environment.
Summary
LED lighting technology can offer benefits for our mental health. Studies have shown that exposure to certain types of light can have a positive effect on mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. By mimicking natural light patterns and creating tailored lighting solutions that meet individual needs, LED lighting can help regulate circadian rhythms and improve mental health.
Temperature-controlled LED lights are a powerful tool for creating customized lighting situations that mimic natural light patterns. By adjusting the colour temperature of the light, we can mimic different times of day and create specific lighting conditions for different activities.
LED lighting is used in a variety of environments such as hospitals, offices, homes, care homes and retail environments to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by creating a comfortable and relaxing or activating environment. In addition, LED lights are energy efficient and long-lasting, which can save you money on your energy bills in the long run.
Further reading on the subject and sources for the article
Here are some suggestions for further reading and resources on LED lighting and its potential benefits for mental health:
- “Bright Light Therapy: Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond”, published in 2017, retrieved from the US National Library of Medicine website
- “Efficacy of light therapy on nonseasonal depression among elderly adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis” published in 2018, Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment Volume 14:3091-3102, retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net
- “The efficacy of light therapy in the treatment of mood disorders: a review and meta-analysis of the evidence”, published in 2005, from the US National Library of Medicine website
- “Light therapy for non-seasonal depression: systematic review and meta-analysis”, published in 2016, retrieved from the US National Library of Medicine website
- Sleep education by AASM, published in 2020, retrieved from https://sleepeducation.org/, AASM Foundation, introduction to the foundation: the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the leader in setting standards and promoting excellence in sleep medicine.
Our other articles on led lights and health
- Can Led lights cause cancer?
- Led lights reduce eye strain
- The effects of LED lights on our circadian rhythm
- Use of LED lights in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Led lights improve sleep
Led lighting expert
LedStore has been an expert in LED lighting and lighting design for homes and offices since 2010. We have our own product design, and we manufacture LedStore products with selected producers, so the products are technically top class. We focus on temperature-controlled and high colour rendering (CRI) lights for general and task lighting.
We do around 500 lighting designs for our clients’ sites, improving the usability and comfort of their spaces. Read more here or order a design. We offer a service of custom-made LED strip lights, i.e. for all home and office spaces, individual, made-to-measure LED strip lights in aluminium profile. Also installed.
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