Healthe by Lighting Science recently hosted a symposium featuring renowned circadian lighting experts Dr. Steven Lockley, associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Fred Maxik, founder of Lighting Science and CTO of Healthe, and Healthe CEO Khim Lee. Guests gained insights into the use of light in design and the circadian and technological benefits of biological lighting. Healthe recently expanded its circadian lighting product line to include specification-grade architectural lighting systems with enhanced biological benefits.
Fred Maxik (left) founder of Lighting Science and CTO of Healthe, at the panel event
Lockley, who is also an advisor to Lighting Science, highlighted several recent studies showing that light has a direct effect on one’s alertness, performance, and sleep. He explained the scientific advances made over the last decade in the understanding of how light affects the brain and the benefits of better lighting on health and wellbeing. Lockley shared his findings on the role that light spectrum plays on the benefits of light and the need to ensure that other environmental design elements, such as paint color and furnishings, complement the lighting choice whether in the home, office, or classroom.
“We are standing at the precipice of a unique time in the history of solid-state lighting technology,” Maxik noted. “No longer does light merely represent the absence of darkness. With the advances of modern LED technology, we now have the power to control the inherent properties of light to influence not only our environment, but also our physical biology.”
Lee concluded the symposium, stating, “We’re making progress on working with and informing the design industry on the importance of light and how to implement its benefits, but we still have some ways to go. Many designers retain preconceived notions about blue-enriched white light and its overall impact and aesthetic. Healthe light products dismantle those outdated beliefs, as you can see for yourself.”
Lockley is advancing this research in a pilot study at Harvard University’s Lowell House, an undergraduate residence. The study utilizes Healthe’s circadian lighting products and measures how circadian lighting affects students.
Healthe by Lighting Science plays a highly influential role in the design industry regarding light and its effect on health. Developed alongside NASA scientists, Healthe’s products are designed to sync with the body’s circadian clock to help improve the overall quality of life for individuals. Healthe products are intended to ensure exposure to the right light at the right time. The company’s GoodDay lights enhance the “right type of blue light” to help increase alertness and productivity, as in natural sunlight. Conversely, Healthe’s GoodNight lights are depleted in the alerting 480nm blue wavelengths, helping to promote the brain’s natural response to sunset and enable a better nights’ sleep.
