The Science Behind Human-Centric Lighting Design

Martha’s Vineyard is a lighting designer’s paradise. Simply walk out your door, and you're embraced by the shades of white, soft blue, and sandy beige, creating a soothing palette that reflects the Vineyard’s natural beauty. 

It’s undoubtedly one of the reasons Stan Murphy spent more than 50 years on the island, painting stunning landscapes and portraits of the people who live here.

And yet, even on Martha’s Vineyard, we spend much of our time indoors. Even though we’d rather be strolling along the breathtaking shores, we have work to do, a meal to cook, or a home to prepare for a gathering with friends and family. 

But what if we could bring the beauty of that natural light indoors?  Not only would it elevate our home’s aesthetics, but it would also enhance the well-being of those who live there. 

Let’s explore what this latest lighting design trend offers and why homes across the world are illuminating their home with natural light. 

SEE ALSO: Brilliant Illumination with Architectural Lighting Fixtures

The Effects of an Industrial World

We are currently in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a period marked by digital connectivity and advanced analytics. We’ve become smarter, faster, and more out of touch with the natural world surrounding us. And it's affecting our health. 

Over the past 200 years, we’ve migrated from farms and fields to offices and factories, so insidious the journey, we never realized its toll or how little time we were spending outdoors. Illustrating this fact is a study by YouGov published by USA Today. When 16,000 people were surveyed, most thought they spent about two-thirds of their time indoors. In reality, that figure is closer to 90% or 22 hours.

So, how does this indoor 24/7 lifestyle affect us?

Light regulates our bodies. This connection to the natural world is so important that, without it, our bodies begin to break down.  Several studies have demonstrated a connection between lack of sunlight and an increased incidence of Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, colorectal and breast cancer, depression, diabetes, hypertension, and sleep disorders. And the list goes on. 

The Effects on Our Circadian Rhythm

Light also regulates our circadian rhythm, the 24-hour internal clock that controls our sleep-wake cycle and is set to the rise and fall of the sun. When imbalanced, restless nights and sluggish days may result.

The Benefits & Features of Human-Centric Lighting

In 2009, Lutron’s Ketra started one of the most advanced lighting systems in the world. Their dynamic lighting technology supports our natural circadian rhythms by mimicking the changing light of the sun. 

In the morning, your home’s lighting mirrors the gentle, soft illumination of the sunrise. Slowly, it transforms, and by midday, it’s brightened to a bright white-blue hue, and your home feels bathed in the natural light of the sun. As evening approaches, the lighting warms and dims, simulating the sunset. 

This lighting creates beauty and intrigue and helps realign our circadian rhythm. In the morning, as the light brightens, it stimulates the production of serotonin, a chemical linked to happiness, enhanced energy, and productivity. In the evening, as the lights dim, melatonin kicks in, preparing the body for a restful night’s sleep. 

At Vineyard Sound Integration, we’re excited to bring this advanced lighting system to designers and their clients on Martha’s Vineyard. Stay connected and search our blogs to learn more about the latest smart home trends elevating our everyday lives.