How Natural Daylight Spectrums Improve Your Well-Being 

There’s a problem with the way we’ve been illuminating our homes. When you buy a light bulb at the store, you’re stuck with one shade of light all day. But everyone knows certain color temperatures don’t work for all times of day. In the morning, lights should shine bright and cool, like a sunrise. And at night, lights should appear warm and dim, like a cozy candlelight or campfire. 

It’s not just for aesthetic purposes. Lighting is proven to influence our circadian rhythms, the internal clock that regulates our energy levels and metabolism. So, if your home’s lighting is off-balance, you could be disrupting your mood, sleep, and productivity. 

Smart LED light fixtures are changing this. These intelligent bulbs and lighting products allow you to change their color and brightness instantly. Premium smart LEDs from brands like Ketra by Lutron offer millions of color possibilities, and Lutron control systems allow you to schedule lights to activate and adjust automatically. 

If you’re wondering if smart LED lights are really worth it for your Minnetonka, MN, home, let’s explore the importance of lighting for our well-being and the science behind it. 

‍SEE ALSO: Explore Our Smart Home Control & Lighting Solutions in Minnesota 

The Science Behind Natural Daylight Spectrums

Natural daylight consists of a wide range of colors, also known as the visible light spectrum. This spectrum includes different wavelengths, each with its own unique properties. 

Research has shown that exposure to natural daylight, particularly the blue light spectrum, can stimulate serotonin production in our brains. Serotonin, often referred to as the "happiness hormone," is responsible for increasing energy levels. 

For this reason, you don’t want to see blue light waves at night. Blue light can suppress melatonin production, which makes it difficult to fall asleep, disrupting your entire cycle. LED light fixtures programmed for circadian rhythms will adjust lights to a warm, amber hue, helping you wind down and fall asleep sooner. 

Studies on Smart LEDs & Well-Being 

Intuitively, color-changing LED lights sound like a good idea, but there’s research to back it up, too. Healthcare facilities have found that exposure to natural light shortens patient stays, helping them recover faster. LEDs that replicate natural light can help people sleep better and improve their appetite and mood, leading to a speedier recovery. 

Furthermore, a study from the University of Innsbruck demonstrated the benefits of dynamic bedroom lighting for patients with depression. The research found that people slept better, slept more soundly through the night, and were more active during the day. 

If smart lighting can help people in medical facilities, you can imagine how it will influence daily life when it’s installed throughout the house. 

Types of LED Light Fixtures from Ketra 

Ketra, a premium lighting manufacturer, offers various types of LED light fixtures that can be automated to follow daylight patterns. These LED fixtures include: 

• Recessed lights in both square and rectangular designs 
• Linear lights for striking accent lighting 
• Lamp bulbs that can be installed into lamps, pendants, and other fixtures 
• Track lights that can be directed to any angle, shining a light on a specific focal point 

Here in the Twin Cities and Minnetonka area, winters are long, and days can be short. LED light fixtures offer a practical solution by providing the ability to mimic the natural daylight spectrums, thus enhancing our well-being even in the darkest of days.

Curious about smart LED lighting? Contact our team at Innovative Control Systems to install a whole-home lighting control system!