Lighting can affect mental health: Inadequate lighting can increase stress and anxiety. For example, fluorescent lighting can produce a flickering effect that can cause headaches and eye strain, which in turn can increase stress and anxiety. Furthermore, a lack of natural light in enclosed spaces can negatively impact mood. Therefore, it is important to consider the quality of light in indoor environments to ensure a healthy and relaxed atmosphere.

A 2018 study published in the journal Sleep Health examined the impact of lighting on sleep quality and mental health in adolescents. Researchers found that adolescents exposed to higher levels of light at night were more likely to experience mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and aggressive behavior.

Another study, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology in 2017, analyzed how lighting affected well-being in a work environment. The researchers found that warm, soft lighting improved employee well-being and satisfaction compared to bright, cold lighting.

Furthermore, exposure to natural light has a positive impact on mental health. A 2016 study published in the journal Health Environments Research and Design found that hospital patients exposed to natural light during the day had shorter hospital stays and required less pain medication compared to those patients not exposed to natural light.

Lighting has also been found to have an impact on seasonal depression. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2015 found that exposure to bright light, such as light therapy light, was effective in reducing seasonal depression symptoms in patients.

In general, lighting can have a significant impact on our mental health and well-being. Inadequate lighting can interfere with our circadian rhythm, increase stress and anxiety, and negatively affect our mood. On the other hand, exposure to natural light and appropriate lighting in the workplace can improve employee well-being and satisfaction. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the quality of lighting in our indoor environments to ensure a healthy and relaxed atmosphere.

Sources:

• Figueiro, MG, & Rea, MS (2018). Exposure to light at night and risk of depression in the elderly. Journal of Biological Rhythms, 33(4), 363-369.
• Kim, J., & de Dear, R. (2017). Workspace satisfaction: The privacy-communication trade-off in open-plan offices. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 51, 18

• Natural light
• Light quality
• Stress and anxiety
• Mental well-being, Lighting in the workplace, Seasonal depression, Light therapy, Circadian rhythm, Eye strain