From the moment you are born, you see light in every moment of life. Whether it is natural light or artificial, it has a great impact on the mind and body, not just when you are awake but even while sleeping. Light is essential in every aspect of life, and you must know that it can positively and negatively impact your well-being and mood. At Wakefit, they are aware of this and have many possible lighting solutions. When you buy lights and lamps online, they must be in context with the specific environment to help the mind and the body. Take a look at what different lights do for your overall well-being.
Relationship between Mood and Lighting
Mood and light are two diverse concepts, but they have a powerful relationship with each other. Did you know that every ray of light, from the first morning ray of the sun to the glow of your alarm, has lightwaves that the body reacts to? No one can deny the need for and importance of the presence of light. Similarly, there can be no argument for the fact that light has a great impact on the mind and body, with disruptive light being harmful. To know why light has an impact on the mood, you should learn about its impact on the body. The human body functions due to many biological systems, and one of them is the circadian system. In this process, the body uses light as a cue to regulate and influence processes like the production of chemicals. Natural light helps regulate the internal biological clocks. Humans are also exposed to various artificial lights, and that affects their circadian rhythms.
People use artificial lights, with the intensity decreasing or increasing based on the light sources as the sun sets or rises. Brighter lights are used when you are active, and dim lights are used when you are relaxing. But unfortunately, these can have a negative effect. For instance, if you use bright light in the dining room, it can lead to a loss of appetite, and dim light leads to overeating. Most importantly, the kind of light you use in the bedroom has an impact on sleep quality.
For the circadian rhythm to function properly, there is a need for a period of darkness. So when night happens and the lights go off, the biological systems and circadian rhythm do their functions. But exposure to light at this time can disrupt the functions of artificial light, which includes the use of an alarm clock in one or another form. When the circadian rhythm gets upset, sleep gets disrupted, and over time, health (physical and mental health) suffers.
So why does sleep suffer from something as common as light? For thousands of years, the human body has relied on natural light, and artificial light is deemed unnatural by the body and can disrupt the circadian cycle. When the internal clock is harmed, there is an impact at the cellular level, which leads to health complications and affects the mood. So how do you reduce the impact on mood with proper lighting?
Different Types of Lighting for a Better Mood
While people indulge in home lighting for aesthetic purposes, not many spare a thought that it can affect emotional well-being. The term mood lighting was created for a reason. Studies show that it has a big impact on physiological and psychological well-being. While natural lighting is the best choice when it comes to lighting, it is not available all day and is limited in some homes. So artificial lighting design is needed. It also helps in creating focal points, showcasing architectural details, and demarcating different zones in a space. Here are some lighting choices that can have a better impact on the mind.
Ambient Lighting
This is the most common and popular lighting type. When you enter a room and turn on the switch, that is what you typically turn on. It is the main lighting in a home and usually comes from a height like a ceiling light. It provides the overall lighting that is needed for daily activities. Some examples are chandeliers, recessed lights, flush-mount fixtures, etc. Add dimmers to it, and they can control the illumination and also create a warm environment.
Task Lighting
It is used to highlight a specific area or help achieve a specific task. For instance, you can add task lighting to a desk where you read a book or write on it. A study lamp online is also a great example, as it can help work surfaces. It can also be used in kitchen prep areas. Any light where you need direct and focused light that helps in visibility and gets things done easily falls under task lighting. Floor lamps, table lamps, and under-cabinet lights are some examples of task lighting.
Accent Lighting
It is more decorative than task and ambient lighting and draws attention to a specific area. If you want to showcase something inside or outside the home, use this type of lighting. It adds visual interest and depth to the space by illuminating your architectural features, plants, artwork, etc. Hanging lights for your home, spotlights, track lights, and wall scones are a few examples.
Decorative Lighting
They are both aesthetic and functional. It adds an extra layer of lighting to accessorise the room. It can be an option for lights for the bedroom or living room, as it can enhance the overall aesthetic. Integrate statement chandeliers with decorative pendant lights to create a beautiful and mood-enhancing space.
Layer Lighting
Creating a perfect mood-enhancing atmosphere at home involves a combination of different lights. That makes the space both attractive and functional, and the process is called layer lighting. Start with ambient lighting like a living room lamp, which ensures there is enough light to do daily activities. Then add task lighting to brighten your specific areas, like the reading nook, accent lighting to highlight your statement piece, and decorative lights for the living room to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
When you buy lights and lamps online, choose warm lights with a bulb or a lampshade of a warm colour to create a relaxed ambience. A gentle and soft light is better to set the mood than one with harsh brightness. Use a dimmable light source so that you can adjust the light.
