Team of University of Illinois researchers confirms effects of light on mental function, alertness and health of students and office workers

About study

✓ Productivity

Title:	Natural Light and Productivity: Analyzing the Impacts of Daylighting on Students’ and Workers’ Health and Alertness
Author:	N. Shishegar, M. Boubekri Illinois School of Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
Date:	15. April 2016
Source:	http://dx.doi.org/10.15242/IJACEBS.AE0416104
PDF:	Natural Light and Productivity.PDF

Brief summary

The study consolidates evidence from current research on the impact of natural light on the work and academic performance of office workers and students. The conclusions of the study demonstrate significant positive physiological, psychological, and behavioral effects of natural light on the human body, including the regulation of biological clocks and an increase in cognitive abilities. Exposure to natural light is also associated with improved productivity, attention, performance, and better academic results due to the restoration of the proper functioning of visual and circadian systems. Sunlight contains unique spectral properties and beneficial effects for the human body that ordinary artificial lighting cannot fully replace. The study emphasizes the importance of using artificial lighting that mimics natural sunlight in its spectral composition for optimal effects on human health and performance, not only for students and office workers.

Exposure to white light enriched with blue energy in the morning improves cognitive performance and alertness in students

White light enriched with blue wavelengths has a positive effect on information processing in high school students. At the same time, light with a balanced spectral composition improves information processing speed and student concentration compared to standard lighting. The authors of the paper report that one hour of exposure to bright, full white light in the morning accelerates sleep and wake parameters and affects cognitive performance and alertness during the day.

Exposure to more intense light during the day is related to vitality

Field research has confirmed a direct link between exposure to more intense light and feelings of vitality during the day and in everyday situations. The results of this research showed that at least one hour of exposure to natural light during the day was a significant predictor of vitality. Participants who were exposed to more light confirmed that they felt more vital. Further laboratory studies have shown that exposure to higher light intensity at eye level induces subjective alertness and vitality, increases physiological arousal and improves attentional retention.