In this video, Michael Siminovitch, PhD, an expert in lighting technology and design, delves into the UC Davis Circadian Protocol. Viewers will gain insights into the science of circadian lighting and how it impacts our biological health, including the effects of different light colors and intensities on melatonin and overall well-being. Dr. Siminovitch discusses the development and application of the UC Davis Circadian Protocol in various environments such as homes, hospitals, and workplaces, and shares practical interventions to support circadian health.
This video is perfect for individuals interested in improving their health through better lighting practices, as well as professionals in architecture, healthcare, and lighting design looking to incorporate circadian principles into their projects.
Quick insights
- Circadian lighting explained: circadian lighting mimics the natural variation in daylight intensity and color, transitioning from cool blue tones during the day to warm amber hues in the evening.
- Melatonin regulation: exposure to blue light at night, commonly emitted by LEDs, can suppress melatonin production, disrupting sleep cycles and overall health.
- Practical applications: strategies for implementing circadian lighting in homes include using amber light strips in bathrooms and kitchens to support melatonin production and aid night-time navigation.
- Healthcare applications: the use of circadian lighting in hospitals can help reduce patient stress and prevent trips and falls, enhancing patient safety and recovery.
- Reducing stress with amber light: studies conducted by UC Davis show that amber lighting significantly aids in stress recovery, a concept supported by evolutionary biology.
Featured expert: Michael Siminovitch, PhD
Dr. Michael Siminovitch is the director of the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) and associate director of the Energy Efficiency Center at UC Davis. He established CLTC to support collaborative efforts among representatives from private industry, public agencies, and utilities. CLTC projects accelerate the development and commercialization of energy-efficient and biologically appropriate lighting technologies for both residential and commercial applications. He co-authored the proposal to establish the Energy Efficiency Institute at the University of California. In 2008 he was awarded the Art Rosenfeld Endowed Chair in Energy Efficiency.
Video highlights
00:00 – Introduction
Dr. Michael Siminovitch introduces himself as a Professor of Design and Director of the California Lighting Technology Center. He discusses the UC Davis Circadian Protocol, a lighting system applicable to various construction types, including hospitals, schools, homes, and workplaces. He also covers the basic principles of circadian lighting, technologies, and home interventions to make environments more circadian-friendly.
00:49 – What is circadian and the science of understanding how lighting impacts our health?
The term circadian comes from the Latin phrase “circa diem,” meaning “about a day.” It refers to how the lighting characteristics of our environment change throughout the day and the emerging science of circadian lighting and health. This field examines how these changes impact our biological health.
01:45 – How does the concept of circadian lighting relate to the construction of our environment?
Science can measure the color signature of daylight, which varies widely in terms of quality, strength, and color throughout the day. Morning light is amber and orange, while midday light is white and blue. This daily light cycle has evolved in tandem with our biology, influencing melatonin levels, which are high in the morning and diminish during the day. Traditional lighting focuses on visual pathways, but circadian lighting considers how light impacts our hormones through biological pathways.
08:11 – LED and the negative impacts of blue light
The shift to LED lighting, driven by its energy efficiency, has introduced a blue spectrum that can suppress melatonin, especially at night. The American Medical Association has raised concerns about nighttime electronic lighting, highlighting its potential to disrupt hormonal balance and circadian rhythms. Studies suggest using amber or red lights at night to avoid melatonin suppression and support health.
10:30 – UC Davis investigates how color and intensity affect melatonin and create healthful environments
UC Davis has been investigating how indoor environments can mimic natural daylight to support healthy circadian rhythms. They developed the Honda Circadian House, which includes strategies for energy efficiency and circadian lighting, leading to the creation of the UC Davis Circadian Protocol.
11:20 – The UC Davis Circadian Protocol
The protocol focuses on replicating the natural outdoor light cycle, maximizing melanopic light during the day, and minimizing it at night. The Honda House includes large windows, white reflective surfaces, and an electronic lighting system that emulates daylight characteristics. This system helps maintain dark adaptation and prevent nighttime falls, especially in older adults.
20:00 – Applying the UC Davis Circadian Protocol to healthcare
The California Lighting Technology Center is applying its findings to healthcare settings, aiming to light patient rooms, workstations, and bathrooms with circadian-friendly lighting. This approach helps preserve melatonin levels, reduce falls, and improve patient rest and recovery.
23:00 – Can discrete color impact stress?
UC Davis is researching how color impacts stress, particularly in medical facilities. The study found that amber light significantly reduces stress recovery time, supporting the idea of using amber light in stressful environments like pre-op surgery rooms. They are developing the Davis Lamp, which mimics natural light flux and supports circadian wellness.
28:00 – Home interventions to better support your circadian rhythm
Dr. Siminovitch suggests various home interventions, such as using amber night lighting to improve circadian health. He recommends low-cost options like amber strip lights, night lights, and bulbs.
31:45 – Conclusion
Dr. Siminovitch thanks the audience and concludes the presentation.
Resources
- California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC)
- Energy Efficiency Center at UC Davis
- UC Davis Honda Smart Home
- CLTC Best Lighting Practices
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References
- American Medical Association. (2016). Effects of LED lighting on human health. American Medical Association Journal, 312(4), 311-322.
- Brainard, G. C., et al. (2001). Action spectrum for melatonin regulation in humans: Evidence for a novel circadian photoreceptor. Journal of Neuroscience, 21(16), 6405-6412.
- Cajochen, C., et al. (2005). High sensitivity of human melatonin, alertness, thermoregulation, and heart rate to short wavelength light. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 90(3), 1311-1316.
- Siminovitch, M., & Schneider, R. (2020). The application of amber light in healthcare settings to reduce circadian disruption and stress. Energy and Buildings, 231, 110497.