Lighting and well-being: how can light influence your mood?

November 24, 2024

Lighting and well-being: how can light influence your mood?

Lighting is about more than just lighting up a room: it’s deeply connected to our mood, productivity, and even our physical and mental health. Yet we don’t always realize how crucial it is to our daily lives. In this article, let’s dive into the secrets of lighting to better understand how it can improve our well-being.

1. Light and your biological clock: a natural guide

Your body is programmed to respond to light through the circadian cycle , the internal clock that regulates your sleep, energy levels, and more.

  • Morning : Bright, cool light (close to blue) helps stimulate your brain by increasing the production of cortisol, the wake-up hormone.
  • In the evening : A warm light (yellow or orange tones) sends a signal to your brain to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone, thus promoting faster falling asleep.

AMBIENT Tip: Use dimmer lamps or smart bulbs to adjust the intensity and temperature of the light depending on the time of day.

2. Lighting and mood: your ally against the gloom

As the days get shorter and natural light becomes scarce, many people feel the blues. This phenomenon, called seasonal affective disorder , is often linked to a decrease in exposure to daylight.

Light therapy lamps are specially designed to simulate natural light and restore your energy. With a light intensity of at least 10,000 lux, they are an effective remedy to combat the negative effects of winter. Even moderate exposure, such as 20 minutes a day during breakfast, can significantly improve your mood and vitality.

AMBIENT Tip: Integrate a stylish light therapy lamp into your living room or office to make it both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

3. Suitable lighting to boost your concentration

Whether you're working, studying or doing DIY, lighting plays a fundamental role in your ability to concentrate. Neutral white light (between 4000K and 5000K) is ideal for these activities, as it faithfully reproduces natural light without being too harsh on the eyes.

  • Directional Lights : Opt for adjustable desk lamps that allow you to direct light exactly where you need it.
  • Anti-flicker LED bulbs : They reduce eye fatigue, a common problem with poor quality light sources.

AMBIENT Tip: Make sure your workspace has a good balance of natural and artificial lighting to avoid distracting shadows.

4. A relaxing atmosphere thanks to carefully studied materials and colours

The choice of materials for your lamps has a direct impact on the quality of the light emitted. For example:

  • Wooden or stone lamps diffuse a soft light, ideal for creating a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Frosted glass or fabric lampshades filter the light, making it less harsh and perfect for relaxing evenings.

AMBIENT idea: Combine several light sources, such as table lamps, fairy lights or wall lights, to create an enveloping effect that invites relaxation.

5. Modern technologies: personalize your lighting for your well-being

Smart lighting opens up new possibilities to transform your interior into a space perfectly suited to your needs:

  • Smart bulbs : Change the color temperature or light intensity from your smartphone.
  • Dawn Simulators : Ideal for those rough mornings, these lamps replicate a gradual sunrise, waking you up gently and in harmony with your natural cycle.

AMBIENT Tip: Connect your lights to a voice assistant to change the mood without lifting a finger.

Well-designed lighting for a brighter everyday life

Your lighting does more than illuminate your space: it shapes your emotions, influences your energy, and contributes to your overall well-being. With the right lighting choices and a better understanding of their impact, you can transform your home into a sanctuary for mind and body.

Lighting and well-being

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