The Influence of Light: Unseen Effects on Our Well-Being
Created By RISC | 1 year ago
Last modified date : 1 year ago
"Sight" is one of our 5 senses that we utilize the most, as we use our eyes constantly from the time we wake up until we go to bed. We use our eyes virtually every minute that we are conscious, so "light" is required for our vision regardless of the type of light source.
It is said that evolution from apes to humans relied on torches and lights that could be used at night. Lighting is the most important thing in life and has a greater impact on us than we may realize.
"Light" defines 2 primary parameters: color temperature and light intensity. The light color temperature is caused by heating through black body radiation by color, and the color of the light bulb will change according to the heat temperature received at various degrees.
• Light with a color temperature of less than 3000 Kelvin (keV), also known as Warm White light, appears yellow to orange, such as a candle flame. The apex of this light phase can be extremely soothing while also preventing vision strain.
• Light with a color temperature of 3000 - 5000 keV, often known as Cool White light, is a gentle white color with no other colors mixed in. As a result, this light is ideal for enhancing concentration while working. This light does not induce relaxation or other emotions. Furthermore, this light appears to be daytime afternoon light. As a result, it is appropriate for creating motivation to work.
• Light with a color temperature of 5000 keV or above is high color temperature light with a blue color. This light is as brilliant as noon.
The light intensity value is used to calculate the intensity of light on a 1 square meter area, with the unit being Lux, measured with a Lux Meter.
• Dim light of less than 100 lux creates less brightness and vision, such as light from the roadside entering through the window or light from candle flames. It's good for relaxing and is easy on the eyes, but it's not good for working in front of a computer.
• Light with a brightness of 100 - 1,000 lux is utilized in everyday living since it is neither too bright nor too faint. It is appropriate for all forms of tasks.
• Light with a brightness of more than 1,000 lux is exceptionally strong light that can hurt the eyes if looked at directly for an extended period, such as daylight from the sun or light from spotlights that are not commonly viewed.
These 2 light factors can also be combined to fit the function of each space or location, such as:
• Bedroom, lighting that should be low light color temperature, warm light tone in the range of 1700 - 3000 keV, with a brightness less than 100 lux to produce relaxation.
• For working, clear vision, and colors that are not distorted from normal, the light brightness should be in the range of 300 - 1,000 lux mixed with light with a temperature of 4000 keV in the office or kitchen.
• Computer rooms should have illumination with a low, warm color temperature in the range of 1700-3000 Kelvin to minimize vision fatigue from gazing at the computer for too long.
Aside from emotion and practical application, light is among the most intriguing stimuli for the human brain. As a result, the majority of the human brain is dedicated to visual processing, specifically the occipital lobe, which is now being studied about how people respond to light. A practical example is using very bright light (more than 10,000 lux) as an adjuvant in the therapy of depressed patients which is particularly popular in Europe, where nights stay longer than days.
Story by: Nattapat Tanjariyaporn, Senior Researcher, Brain Computer Interface, RISC