FAQ/Glossary

Procognitive window 6 – Lighting should be an essential element of any building. What to look out for when planning?

As much natural light as possible. Make the most of the daylight in the space: make sufficient use of windows, skylights or other sources of light.

Supplement the light coming from outside with artificial lightingthat mimics natural light as closely as possible.

Involve an experiencedlighting designer in your lighting project. They will draw up a detailed plan of the optimal lighting solution.

The detailed design must include

• Types of luminaires and their location (we will talk about how to choose them another time)

• Lighting control: Consider controlling the light intensity during the day.

• Power: Want to control the light intensity? Then you need five-wire wiring.

• Wiring: the number of outlets must correspond to the total number of luminaires. Do you expect increased moisture or dust formation in the space? Use special types of cables and luminaires.

• Building structure: Consider that the building structure must respect the chosen lighting – both in terms of load capacity and preparation for installation (e.g. cut-outs in the ceilings)

To sum up: Don’t leave lighting to the last minute. Dedicate enough attention and time to planning your lighting. Do not forget the role of light for the body of the users, do not prioritise the design of the space and luminaires over sound distribution and characteristics of the emitted light in the areas where you engage in activities during the day. It’s about your health, vitality and well-being!

Procognitive window 11 – Can’t get a good night’s sleep?
Maybe it’s because you don’t get enough light during the day.

Research confirms that time spent during the day under natural sunlight or indoors under full-spectrum lighting is significantly related to subjectively perceived sleep quality. Staying outdoors or in a room with good quality full-spectrum lighting for 1-2 hours a day improves the quality of sleep at night and reduces the likelihood of sleep disturbances.

Procognitive window 10 – Blue light, friend or foe?

There is no clear answer to this question, blue light can be our ally or our enemy. However, it depends on when we expose ourselves to blue light, or white light containing a blue spectral component, what the spectral pattern of such light looks like, and also what range of specific wavelengths of blue light we are talking about.

In any case, blue light has become a much discussed topic in recent years. And most often in connection with its harmfulness in the evening before going to bed and at night, and also for our eyesight. But blue light is also very important to us.

Procognitive window 7 – How to not only choose suitable indoor luminaires based on design, but also based on its effects and user comfort

If you are reading this, there is no need to convince you of the importance of light for the human body.

Summary:Sometimes compromise is worthwhile, but this is not the case with lighting quality.
The impact on health, vitality and well-being takes precedence over design or price.

Procognitive window 5 – Like in the open air.

• Even lighting: The light is diffused throughout the room, eliminating harsh shadows and creating a pleasant, soft lighting.
• Less eye strain: The eyes are not exposed to direct light, which reduces eye fatigue and improves visual comfort. The unified glare rating (UGR) of indirect luminaires is equal to zero.
• A more pleasant ambiance: The soft, diffused light gives a natural impression and creates a pleasant atmosphere in the room.
• Mimics natural light: Light reflected from the ceiling resembles natural light coming from the sky.
• Versatile use: This type of lighting is suitable for all types of daytime activity rooms with a bright, optimally white ceiling.
• Better impression of the space: If the ceiling is light, light is best reflected from it and the room looks bigger and airier.

What effects does direct illumination produce?

• …creates unpleasant, harsh shadows that tire the eyes.
• …is uneven and can be blinding.
• … can create a cold and unnatural atmosphere.

To sum up: Fill your rooms with reflected light: your eyes will be less tired, and you will feel much more comfortable in the room.

Procognitive window 4 – Serotonin and melatonin: balance is key

Serotonin and melatonin are important hormones that play a key role in regulating sleep, mood and other bodily functions. Serotonin, often referred to as the happiness hormone, affects our mood, motivation and activity. Melatonin (the sleep hormone), on the other hand, helps us fall asleep and maintain a good quality sleep, or the regenerative processes that occur while we sleep.

Both hormones interact with each other: serotonin is the so-called precursor of melatonin, the body uses it to produce melatonin. Getting enough serotonin during the day is therefore important for getting a good night’s sleep. Low levels of serotonin caused by lack of light can also affect melatonin production, causing sleep problems.

Consequences of imbalance

Prolonged imbalances in serotonin and melatonin levels can lead to various health problems:

• Sleep disorders: Insomnia, trouble falling asleep, restless sleep.
• Mood disorders: Depression, anxiety, irritability.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Lack of daylight in winter can cause levels of both hormones to drop. The result can be depression and fatigue.

Solution: biodynamic light

Spectrasol biodynamic light faithfully mimics the spectrum of natural sunlight and thus…

• …increases serotonin production. The use of light during the day stimulates serotonin production and improves the mood.
• …adjusts the circadian rhythm. Better synchronisation of the internal clock contributes to better sleep quality.
• …reduces the symptoms of SAD: Regular use of Spectrasol light can significantly relieve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
• …improves overall well-being. Good sleep, plenty of energy, better performance… Who wouldn’t want that? Physical health goes hand in hand with mental health.

How does Spectrasol work? (I recommend removing this paragraph; the ‘windows’ should remain informative, not sales-oriented)

Spectrasol light contains the full-spectrum mimicking the sun, which activates the photoreceptors through the eye’s non-image forming (NIF) system. These receptors send signals to the brain that affect the production of hormones, including serotonin and melatonin.

In conclusion: If you suffer from sleep problems, mood or seasonal depression, Spectrasol light can help you significantly. Its ability to regulate serotonin and melatonin levels leads to better sleep, higher energy and better mood. The solution is, of course, to stay outdoors in the sun as often as possible during the day.

COGNITIVE WINDOW 2: Why are light and darkness important for rest and regeneration?

Light plays a key role in our lives, affecting our moods, alertness and the quality of our sleep. It may surprise you, but it is the light during the day, the loss of light in the evening and the absence of light at night, that has a major impact on how well we sleep.

Why are light and dark important for sleep?

• Melatonin: Darkness stimulates the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Melatonin calms us down, lowers body temperature and prepares the body for sleep and night-time recovery. Its level is significantly influenced by the sufficiency of the hormone serotonin.
• Circadian rhythms and serotonin: Light and darkness help us to maintain our internal cycle of about 24 hours – the circadian rhythm. This rhythm regulates our bodily functions, including sleep and wakefulness. The production of the night-time hormone melatonin is conditional upon us indulging in plenty of quality light during the day and the resulting production of the hormone serotonin.
• Darkness and relaxation: Darkness eliminates visual sensations, which calms the brain and creates an environment for relaxation and unwinding.

What light and when does it harm us, and when does it help us?

• Blue is not good. In particular, blue light emitted from electronic devices (mobile phones, computers, tablets, TV monitors) before bedtime suppresses melatonin production and disrupts our sleep cycle. In general, exposure to any light containing blue, cyan and green spectral components in the hours before bedtime can make it more difficult to fall asleep and reduce the quality of the body’s repair processes during sleep.
• On the other hand, the cyan component during the day (preferably from natural sunlight or light that is as close to sunlight as possible) creates the conditions for a good night’s sleep. Cyan stimulates the production of serotonin, from which melatonin is formed during sleep, which, in turn, creates serotonin once again… If this cyclical process is disturbed in the long term, a so-called social jet-leg is created, which can cause a number of diseases of civilization.

How to improve sleep quality with light?

• Dark bedrooms: Invest in high-quality blackout curtains or eye masks.
• Avoid the blue, cyan and green light in the evening and at night: Avoid using electronic devices at least 90 min before bedtime. If this is not possible, use night light filters or safety glasses.
• Daylight: Expose yourself to the most natural light. This will help synchronise your internal clock and improve the quality of your night’s sleep.
• Choosing the best artificial lighting. If you have to spend more time indoors, use the best quality artificial lighting that is close to sunlight in spectrum.

How circadian biodynamic artificial lighting helps

A smart control system in the interior ensures illumination with LED light simulating the natural alternation of light and dark. The daily routine soundly stimulates the body’s activity like the sun on a clear day; the evening, warm white light induces relaxation like the setting sun. Night lighting reminiscent of an orange-coloured fire provides illumination for basic orientation, but does not wake the body into a mode of activity.

COGNITIVE WINDOW 1: We often write here about the importance of getting enough good quality light for our health. Let’s take a little deeper look today at LIGHT AND HOPE.

How does light affect our mood?

• Circadian rhythm: Light ‘adjusts’ our internal clock, the so-called circadian rhythm. The rhythm regulates our sleep, activity, alertness and vitality. Getting plenty of good light during the day helps keep the rhythm in balance, and we feel good.
• Production of hormones/neurotransmitters: Exposure to daylight affects the production of hormones, especially serotonin, often referred to as the happiness or motivation hormone. Serotonin is a natural stimulant and plays an important role in mood regulation. A lack of it can lead to depression. Light also affects the levels of other neurotransmitters (= excitatory transmitters) such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which are associated with feelings of reward and alertness.

How does the lack of light affect our mood?

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): In the winter months, a period of natural light falloff, some people feel tired, sad, disinterested and unmotivated. Phototherapy (= exposure to bright light containing circadian azure energy) is one of the most effective treatments for this disorder.
• Depression: Even in other types of depression, lack of light can be a contributing factor. Here too, increased light (solar or biodynamic) will help.
• Sleep disorders: Light plays a key role in regulating sleep. For a good night’s sleep we not only need enough darkness at night, but also enough good quality light during the day. We will deal with this mechanism in one of our upcoming windows.
• Total comfort: I’m sure you know this yourself – plenty of light improves our mood, boosts our energy and motivation, and generally helps us feel better.

How can we use light to improve our mood?

• Spend time outdoors: Try to spend as much time as possible outdoors in daylight. At least 20 minutes of light in one go should be the daily minimum.
• Use light therapy: Phototherapy devices such as light boxes, lamps, chambers, etc., can be particularly useful in the winter months.
• Increase the amount of daylight indoors: Let the light into your home and office! Open the curtains, pull the blinds, move your desk as close to the window as possible.
• Indoors, use artificial light as close to natural light as possible – in spectral composition, colour, intensity and angle of distribution.

Need more information? Check out www.spectrasol.eu!

Phototherapy, or light therapy, has in recent years become a recognised and effective treatment method for a range of mental disorders. Its works by acting on circadian rhythms and neurotransmitters through light, leading to improved mood and other symptoms.

The most common diagnoses effectively treated with phototherapy include:

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): SAD is most often treated with phototherapy. Winter depression caused by lack of natural light is significantly improved by phototherapy.
• Non-seasonal depression: Phototherapy can also bring relief for depressive episodes that do not only occur in winter, especially in combination with other treatment methods.
• Sleep disorders: Phototherapy can help adjust the internal clock and improve sleep quality in people with insomnia or other sleep disorders related to circadian rhythm disturbances.
• Bipolar affective disorder: Phototherapy may be useful in treating the depressive phases occurring with this disorder.
• Seasonal affective disorder with atypical features: Increased appetite, weight gain and sleepiness may occur in this variant of SAD. Phototherapy can help relieve these symptoms.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Some studies suggest that phototherapy may help relieve the symptoms of this disorder, which manifests itself in significant mood changes before menstruation.

Other potential uses:

• Parkinson’s disease: Phototherapy can help improve mood and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
• Alzheimer’s disease: Some studies suggest that phototherapy may slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.
• Jet lag: Phototherapy can help you more quickly adapt to the time zone change and reduce the symptoms of jet lag.

How does phototherapy work?

• Synchronisation of the internal clock: The light resets the internal clock in the brain and helps synchronise it with the approximately 24-hour cycle.
• Influence of neurotransmitters: Light increases levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood.
• Decrease in melatonin production: Melatonin is a sleep hormone. Its reduced production during the day promotes alertness.

Retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) play a key role in the transmission of non-visual information from the eye to the brain. They are the only neurons in the retina that ensure the biological or circadian functions and effects of light for the body.

There are many types of ganglion cells, each with specific properties and functions. Some ganglion cells are highly sensitive to light and activate even in low light, while others are more active in bright light.

Retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) play a key role in regulating circadian rhythm, the body’s internal timing system that controls the sleep-wake cycle, night time recovery and daytime activity.

The quality of light cannot be measured by a single universal parameter as it consists of several factors that have different effects on the human body and perception. For a comprehensive assessment of the quality of the light, the following aspects should be considered:

(1) Spectral power distribution (SPD):

• Describes the intensity of light at each wavelength.
• A balanced spectrum that mimics natural sunlight is ideal.
• It is measured using specialised radio spectrometers.

(2) Light intensity (lux):

• Indicates the amount of light falling on a given area.
• The recommended values vary according to the type of activity and environment.
• It is measured using a luxmeter or a radio spectrometer.

(3) Correlated colour temperature (K):

• Expresses the colour of the light – warm, neutral or cold.
• It affects the atmosphere and perception of space.
• It is measured using a colorimeter or a radio spectrometer.

(4) Colour rendering index (CRI):

• Expresses how faithfully the light reproduces colours compared to natural light.
• The higher the CRI, the truer the colour rendering.
• It is measured using a colorimeter or a radio spectrometer.

(5) Unified glare rating (UGR):

• Expresses the degree of glare caused by the light source.
• Lower UGR means less glare and greater visual comfort.
• It is calculated based on various lighting and environmental parameters.

(6) Flicker effect:

• Flicker effect refers to a rapid fluctuation in light intensity that can cause headaches and eye strain.
• State-of-the-art LED lights should have minimal or no flicker effect.
• It is measured using specialised flicker effect meters.

(7) Circadian efficiency:

• Expresses how light affects the body through circadian rhythms.
• Higher circadian (melanopic) efficiency means greater stimulation of the body during the day and better preparation for sleep in the evening.
• It is measured using specialised circadian efficiency meters – radiospectrometers.

For layman’s measurements:

If you don’t have specialised measuring instruments, you can judge the quality of light subjectively:

• Visual comfort: Do you feel comfortable and not subdued under the light? Does it, or does it not dazzle you?
• Colour rendering: Do the colours look natural and true to life?
• Eye strain: Do you feel eye strain after spending a prolonged period of time under the light?
• Sleep: Do you have problems falling asleep or do you experience issues with the quality of your sleep after being under the light in the evening?

If you have any doubts about the quality of light in your environment, we recommend consulting a lighting expert who will take professional measurements and propose an optimal solution.

In addition to the spectral composition, biodynamic lighting systems also change the correlated colour temperature (CCT) during the day, evening and night to mimic the natural variations of daylight in nature. The aim is to maintain and support the natural circadian rhythm of the human body.

From morning to early evening, Spectrasol biodynamic lighting has a higher CCT (around 5000 K), which corresponds to natural sunlight on a nice day. This light stimulates alertness, attention, good mood and productivity.

In the early evening and during the evening the CCT gradually decreases, the light becomes warmer and more yellow at around 2700 K). This light promotes relaxation of the body and its preparation for sleep and night recovery.

At night, the biodynamic system distributes an orange light with a CCT of around 1700 K, which, mimicking the light produced by fire, provides sufficient comfort for orientation and engaging in basic activities, such as visiting the toilet at night, etc.; at the same time, it does not interfere with the quality of sleep and maintains circadian rhythms in the night recovery mode.

Spectrasol biodynamic lighting therefore simulates the natural day, evening and night light cycle to which the human body is evolutionarily accustomed with the help of smart autonomous control. This helps to synchronise a person’s biological clock and significantly promotes their overall health and well-being.

The melanopic region is the cyan part of the light spectrum, which plays a key role in the non-visual biological effects of light during the day in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm. It influences, among other things, the production of the daytime hormone serotonin and creates the conditions for the production of the night time hormone melatonin. It is found in the cyan part of the spectrum between 460 and 500 nanometres with a peak at 480 nm.

The melanopic region is important during the day for maintaining overall health, vitality and cognitive function, mood and sleep quality. In the evening and at night, on the other hand, it should be avoided in order not to disturb melatonin production and to preserve the natural functions of the nocturnal regenerative processes.

Spectrasol is designed to secure a balanced representation of all wavelengths, including those of the melanopic region, mimicking sunlight, which promotes a healthy circadian rhythm during the day and the overall physical and mental health and vitality of the user’s body.

The main difference between Spectrasol and other full-spectrum LED light sources consists in the targeted focus of conventional full-spectrum LEDs only on the cyan melanopic or circadian energy, which, among other things, benefits the cognitive functions and overall vitality of the user. However, the spectral composition of those luminaires tends to be incomplete overall, or they suffer from divergences from natural sunlight that can be harmful to the organism. Since much is still unknown about the non-visual effects of light, artificial lighting should mimic, as much as possible, natural sunlight, which has always been and will always be the best source of light to which organisms have adapted during evolution. This is the only way to ensure all the positive effects while avoiding the undesirable ones.

The cyan region of the spectrum, sometimes incorrectly referred to as the blue region of the spectrum, includes wavelengths of light between 460 and 500 nanometres. This is the part of visible light that appears blue with a hint of green.

It should be noted that an excess of the blue spectral component of light below 455 nm can have negative effects, especially on the retina of the eye, to which it causes oxidative stress and, with frequent use of such light, premature macular degeneration of the retina may occur.

COGNITIVE WINDOW 3: Procognitive and biodynamic lighting

Both procognitive and biodynamic lighting are inspired by natural light in nature and aim to improve our health, performance and well-being. There is, however, a difference between them.

Procognitive lighting – during the day

• Effect: The main goal of procognitive lighting is to support circadian rhythms and cognitive functions such as concentration, memory and reaction speed. It also boosts overall vitality and mood.
• Spectral composition: The light shows a continuous and balanced spectrum that mimics sunlight on a clear day and stimulates the body to activity.
• Distribution: preferably indirect, by reflection from the ceiling or direct from large areas to minimise glare and mimic the natural distribution of light from the sky.
• Use: in interiors where daily mental or physical activity takes place, e.g., offices, schools, laboratories, maids, surgeries, etc.

Biodynamic lighting – for 24 hours

• Effect: Biodynamic lighting mimics the natural changes in light throughout the 24-hour period, thus supporting the maintenance of a healthy circadian rhythm. It improves overall health, increases vitality. In day mode, it includes full-spectrum procognitive lighting.
• Spectral power distribution and intensity: Light changes its intensity and colour, the so-called correlated colour temperature, over time. Standard switches or a smart indoor control system will provide illumination with LED lighting suitable for daytime (stimulating procognitive full-spectrum light mimicking the sun on a clear day), evening (relaxing dim warm white light mimicking the sun at sunset) and night time (orientation orange lighting mimicking a fire to provide illumination for basic orientation, but will not switch the organism into activity mode).
• Distribution: day mode preferably indirectly reflected from the ceiling, evening mode at eye level, night mode low below eye level / near the ground.
• Use: Suitable for all interiors occupied by people on a 24-hour basis, such as homes, hospitals, retirement homes, etc.

Differences

When to choose which?

• Procognitive lighting: If you need to increase your productivity, improve concentration or learn better.
• Biodynamic lighting: If you want to improve your health, sleep, mood and overall well-being.

It is important to remember that neither procognitive nor biodynamic lighting can replace sufficient exercise, a healthy diet and adequate rest. But they are a powerful tool for improving our vitality, health and well-being.

Yes, the Spectrasol phototherapy case is a great tool for home treatment as well, but a consultation with a doctor is always necessary.

The doctor will help you:

• Make an accurate diagnosis: You will be reassured that phototherapy would be a fitting part of your treatment.
• Set up an individual treatment plan: Each person is different and requires an individual approach. The doctor will recommend the appropriate type of device, light intensity, length of exposure and total treatment time.
• Exclude any contraindications: Certain medical conditions may be a contraindication to phototherapy.

Why is it important to follow the doctor’s recommendations?

• Maximum effect: A properly adjusted treatment will bring the fastest and most effective results.
• Safe to use: Avoid possible side effects.

Benefits of home phototherapy with the Spectrasol case:

• Convenience: You can do the treatment in the comfort of your own home, whenever it suits you. It is possible to do other activities, such as eating breakfast, or using a mobile phone or computer.
• Flexibility: You can choose the time and place of the therapy.
• Discretion: You can do the treatment in private.
• Saving time: You don’t have to drive to the doctor’s office.

Summary:

The Spectrasol phototherapy case is a great help in the treatment of mood and sleep disorders related to lack of light. However, it is always necessary to consult a physician who will draw up an individual treatment plan to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety of the therapy.

Spectrasol phototherapy devices are primarily intended for use in hospitals and offices of the following professionals:

• Psychiatrists: Phototherapy is often used as part of comprehensive treatment for depressive disorders, especially seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and other mood disorders.
• Neurologists: Neurologists can use phototherapy in the treatment of sleep disorders, some neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson’s disease) or in rehabilitation after strokes.
• Internists: Phototherapy can be part of the treatment of some chronic diseases that are related to sleep or mood disorders.
• Eye doctors: In some cases, phototherapy devices can be used to treat certain eye diseases, but this use is rather rare.
• Rehabilitation centre physicians: Phototherapy can be part of complex rehabilitation for patients with various diseases.

Why are these devices suitable for doctors?

• Professional use: The equipment is designed to meet the demands of a professional environment.
• Setting options: They offer a wide range of options of setting the light intensity, exposure duration and other parameters, allowing treatment to be tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
• Safety: The equipment meets strict safety standards.
• Supplement to other treatment methods: Phototherapy can be effectively used as a means of an adjunct therapy to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.

How do doctors use phototherapy devices?

• Diagnosis and treatment: Phototherapy can be part of the diagnostic process and subsequently used to treat various disorders.
• Research: Doctors can use phototherapy devices in scientific research in the field of chronobiology and neuroscience.

If you are a physician and are interested in phototherapy, we recommend that you directly contact Spectrasol. We will be happy to provide you with more detailed information about the individual facilities and their use.

Spectrasol lighting supports regenerative processes in the retina of the eye thanks to a specific spectral power distribution with a reduced content of the harmful short blue wavelengths, the so-called harmful blue light, which at the same time contains red photobiomodulating energy in long wavelengths, which compensates for the negative effects, especially oxidative stress and the formation of free radicals, in the interior of harmful blue light.

Spectrasol light contains red light with a wavelength of 670 nm, which has photobiomodulating effects. This means that the light stimulates cellular regeneration processes in the retina, mainly through the production of antioxidants, and promotes its regeneration.

The mechanism of photobiomodulation is not yet widely established. Ongoing studies confirm that it also includes these processes:

• Increase energy production in cells: Red light stimulates the production of ATP, the main source of energy for cells. This leads to improved cell function and recovery.
• Reduction of inflammation: Red light has anti-inflammatory effects that can help protect the retina from damage.
• Increase blood flow: Red light can stimulate blood flow in the retina, which provides a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

It is important to note that photobiomodulation is not omnipotent. It cannot reverse pre-existing retinal damage. However, it can slow the progression of retinal degenerative diseases and promote regenerative processes in healthy cells.

In addition to photobiomodulation, Spectrasol LED lighting has other properties that can benefit eye health:

• Low blue light content: Blue light can damage the retina, so it is important to minimise exposure to it indoors. Spectrasol does not have concentrated energy in the blue part of the spectrum, thus protecting the retina from damage.
• Balanced spectral composition: Spectrasol mimics the spectral composition of natural sunlight that is most suitable for the eyes.
• Comfortable white light: Spectrasol produces a pleasant and bright light that is gentle on the eyes.

If you’re interested in improving your eye health, consider purchasing Spectrasol lighting. It can help slow the progression of retinal degenerative diseases and promote regenerative processes.

Spectrasol lighting increases alertness by properly regulating circadian rhythms and stimulating hormone production. The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal timing system that controls the sleep-wake cycle in every cell and organ. It is influenced by the spectral composition of light through the non-image forming system of the eye, or the so-called intrinsically photosensitive melanopsin ganglion cells. For it to function properly, we should expose ourselves to bright daylight during the day, while at night we should stay in the dark.

Spectrasol simulates natural sunlight during the day, thereby promoting the production of daily hormones, especially serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that helps regulate alertness and concentration while contributing to mood and motivation. Its levels are highest in the morning and lowest at night.

Spectrasol also has a balanced spectral compositionthat also contains cyan energy. It stimulates the production of melanopsin, a protein in the eye that plays a key role in regulating circadian rhythms. Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is suppressed by blue, cyan and green spectral energy. This can help people feel more alert and energised during the day.

In addition to the above, Spectrasol lighting also contributes with the following effects in organisations:

• Mood improvement: Spectrasol can help improve mood; it leads to improved alertness, communication and motivation.
• Reduction of eye strain: Spectrasol has a suppressed flicker effect, a subliminal flickering of light that can cause eye strain, headaches and reduce alertness.
• Increased comfort: Spectrasol creates a pleasant and bright light that improves the visual and general comfort of users.

Studies have shown that people who work in offices with Spectrasol lighting are more vigilant, focused and vital than those who work in offices with conventional lighting.

The human organism is evolutionarily fully adapted to the light conditions in nature, i.e., to the regular alternation of light and twilight of the sun and darkness. But given that today we spend most of our time indoors, it is essential that these natural conditions are reflected in interiors as much as possible. During the day it is important to be in an environment with plenty of good quality light, and natural light is not an option, artificial sources as producing light as close to the sun as possible should be applied. Existing fluorescent lamps or standard LEDs do not have the biological non-visual effects of natural light. The solution is Spectrasol procognitive lighting, which mimics sunlight in its spectral composition and other properties to create conditions identical to those outdoors. Then there is a natural effect on the circadian rhythms of the body and the resulting positive effects on cognitive function, alertness and concentration, emotional mood and overall health.

Spectrasol’s balanced spectral composition supports the user’s vitality in several ways:

1. Cognitive support:
   Cyan light (460-500 nm), which is represented in the Spectrasol spectrum in optimal proportions, stimulates cognitive functions such as concentration, memory and learning.
2. Strengthening physical health:
   Light in the red region of the spectrum (620-780 nm) stimulates the production of ATP – a molecule that is the main source of cell energy. That leads to increased physical vitality and reduced fatigue…

We apply the colour of our light or the correlated colour temperature (CTI) of around 4600-4800 K. This gives off a pleasant white light indoors, like a sunny day in the open air in which we enjoy a walk. At the same time, the value corresponds to the standard of the world’s highest authority for lighting, i.e, The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) and its daytime standard illuminant D50

The Spectrasol lighting technology contains a balanced representation of all wavelengths in the 450-670 nm range, including full emission in the circadian or melanopic region (the cyan wavelength region in the 460-500 nm range) thereby mimicking the sunlight spectrum at 97%. The circadian rhythm depends on the regular alternation of light, dusk and darkness. Circadian rhythms are naturally occurring processes on a physical and mental level that follow a 24-hour cycle. The most well-known example of circadian rhythm is the alternation of sleeping at night and being awake during the day.

The overall balance of the spectral composition is related to the right biological effects on the body after the sun sample. The sun is the natural and best source of daylight and this should be taken into account for interior lighting. In contrast to competitor solutions, which often only focus on certain parts of the spectral composition in an attempt to achieve certain specific effects, Spectrasol focuses precisely on the overall balance and complexity of the spectral composition to ensure all effects and contexts as from the sun. Many of them have not yet been explored and therefore need to be handled responsibly.

Spectrasol lighting supports cognitive function by emitting light in the cyan region in the wavelength range of approximately 460-500 nm. These wavelengths signal activity and alertness to the body. In addition, it does not contain subliminal flicker, which can cause headaches for more sensitive individuals. The high colour rendering index (CRI), Ra > 95, enhances visual comfort and the URG glare factor of less than 19 is suitable for office and school environments.

Spectrasol lighting has a balanced energy in the so-called melanopic region (460-500 nm), which is very important for the proper functioning of the circadian rhythm. This feature of the spectral composition of the electric light source is protected by our first patent. In terms of the physiology of the eye, the so-called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) play a role, containing the photopigment melanopsin that exclusively absorbs cyan energy with a peak at 480 nm. These cells are basically a signal transducer between the external environment and the suprachiasmatic nuclei in the brain, which control and regulate biological processes in the body according to the time of day (day/night). These wavelengths are essentialfor alertness, cognitive performance, daytime activity and sleep quality..

Spectrasol has a balanced light energy intensity in the red photobiomodulation region, including at 670 nm, which according to current research acts as a compensatory factor against the risks of harmful blue light with preventive and therapeutic effects. This unique feature is protected by our second patent. Photobiomodulation is currently a highly explored process, according to studies carried out on animal models (e.g., C. Sivapathasuntharam et al., 2019; J. Nie et al., 2022) and on cells (e.g., C. Núñez-Álvarez et al., 2019; J. Kim et al., 2022), it promotes the function of the cell’s energy factories, the mitochondria.

Spectrasol technology has been developed and has long been based on studies, research and knowledge about light from around the world, which we continuously monitor and frequently participate in. We are continuously adding to the information. The efficacy of the Spectrasol technology has been specifically verified by experimental research at the Czech Technical University of Technology (CTU UCEEB) in Prague, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the European Biomedical and Biotechnology Centre BIOCEV and other independent scientific institutions. See the studies.

Spectrasol lighting is suitable for any interior in which people engage in daily intellectual or physical activities or any daily activity as, for example, it improves work or study productivity and performance, promotes alertness, speed of thought and recall ability, improves concentration and reduces errors. In addition, thanks to the appropriate influence on circadian rhythms, it strengthens health and vitality, emotional mood, subjective satisfaction and team atmosphere. These can be work environments (office and production facilities, laboratories, development centres, etc.), educational facilities (school environments, training and education centres), service and surveillance centres, health and social care facilities or service establishments, etc. Examples of several reference projects.

Spectrasol lighting, with its balanced spectrum ranging from 450-670 nm, its sun-like effect, or the stimulation of natural energy, improves cognitive performance in individuals in a positive way, improves their productivity and reduces errors at work, thus reducing the costs of the organisation. The effect of light on the subjective sense of satisfaction, vitality and emotional mood promotes good workplace relationships and reduces perceived stress. Moreover, according to the latest research, wavelengths in the deep red range of around 670 nm not only have photobiomodulatory effects on the retina of the eye, but also act as a compensatory factor against the effects of the harmful blue light and the effects of ageing.

Traditional lights such as fluorescent lamps or conventional LED sources have a discontinuous spectrum and usually a lower colour rendering index (CRI). A conventional LED light has a high energy content in the range of the aforementioned harmful blue light (415-455 nm). In contrast, Spectrasol lights have a balanced spectrum within the 450-670 nm range and mimic natural daylight at 97%. Compared to the conventional technology, Spectrasol lighting has a CRI of over 95 and is a significantly more efficient source (lower consumption and longer lasting).

Thanks to the specific patented technology of our light source, by stacking several standard LED chips in different colours and intensities, we can achieve the aforementioned properties and competitive advantages (overall balance and complexity of our spectral composition, reduction of the effect of harmful blue light, unique photobiomodulation effects of the red part of the spectrum, comfortable and subjectively very pleasant white light imitating a sunny day).

This depends on the scope of the project, but in-stock standard products are delivered and installed within a few days, custom products generally take 6 weeks to deliver. For large-scale projects, we will communicate the deadline as part of the prepared offer.

The prices of our products can be consulted here; for larger projects, we will be happy to prepare an offer tailored to your needs.

We provide a warranty period of 3-5 years depending on the type of product and project.

You can contact us via our contact page here.
Or via our distributors.

We will be happy to show you our lights at our headquarters or at one of our customers who will provide information about their experience.