New Lighting Design Guideline for Circadian Health

LDS LRC logo 400

Feb 11, 2020

Circadian disruption, leading to a wide range of problems for health and wellbeing, is common today because many of us are not exposed to a regular, 24-hour pattern of bright light during the day and dim light at night. The modern built environment minimizes the luminous contrast between day and night. Daytime light exposures are significantly lower and nighttime light exposures are potentially higher than those under which we evolved, i.e., sunlight during the day and firelight at night.

The overarching goal of the recently published design guideline for promoting circadian entrainment with light for day-active people [DG 24480] is to provide daytime levels of illumination in buildings that help people return to the more natural pattern of bright days and dim nights. Although the focus of the document is on daytime light exposures for people who are normally day-active and night-inactive, advice is also given to keep nighttime light levels low, including those from self-luminous displays.

The document provides empirical evidence from a number of field experiments demonstrating that exposures to bright light during the day improve sleep quality at night and reduce sleepiness during the day. Because circadian-effective light is different than visually-effective light, the document also provides a calculation method for achieving levels of illumination during the day that are bright enough to support circadian entrainment. Since there are a number of ways to calculate circadian-effective light, a procedure to compare calculation methods is also provided in the document. 

The Collaborative Standards Development System (CSDS) was used to develop DG 24480. A balanced task group representing a wide range of stakeholders, from scientists, to manufacturers, to consultants to program managers, volunteered to serve. Two rounds of public comments were conducted and UL published replies to every comment. That public process, providing wide and diverse input, significantly improved the final published document.

The members of the task group include:

  • Chris Brown, Lighting Consultant
  • Lei Deng, GE Current, a Daintree company
  • Mariana Figueiro, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Alan Lewis, Optometry Consultant
  • Adam Lilien, Underwriters Laboratories
  • Terry McGowan, American Lighting Association
  • Satchidananda Panda, Salk Institute
  • Govi Rao, Carbon Group Global
  • Mark Rea, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (chair)
  • Christopher Steele, U.S. Navy
  • Bryan Steverson, U.S. General Services Administration
  • Amy Walker, Underwriters Laboratories
  • Karen Willis, National Electrical Manufacturers Association
  • Edward Yandek, Lighting Consultant

Developed for public benefit, DG 24480 is a significant first step, providing the foundation for lighting innovations and practices that serve the public better than is common today.

Task group chair Dr. Mark Rea will discuss DG 24480 at Strategies in Light on Wednesday, February 12, from 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM. Go HERE for more information on Strategies in Light.

 

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDucation 2024 – Concluded with Record-Breaking Attendance

    The LEDucation Trade Show and Conference, organized by the Designers Lighting Forum New York, wrapped 2024 with record-breaking attendance, welcoming more than 10,000 registrants from all aspects of the lighting industry. LEDucation celebrated its 18th year in New York City March 19–20 at the New York Hilton Midtown, becoming North America’s largest annual lighting industry… Read More…

  • Part 1: How Many Studies Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb?

    March 18, 2024 How studies in vision inform lighting standards at Night By Noah Sabatier Changing a light bulb in our home is perhaps the most simple task in which we can still credit ourselves for performing household maintenance. The amount of thought such an operation receives rarely extends beyond looking for the most efficient… Read More…


Design

  • Case Study: Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) with Salex SW

    Case Study: Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) with Salex SW

    February 6, 2024 Since 1940, WFCU Credit Union is a prominent and forward-thinking financial institution based in Windsor and Essex County. For over 80 years, WFCU has been dedicated to serving Ontario residents, community, organizations, small businesses, commercial entities, and public institutions. Their new headquarters in Kitchener was created as they continue to grow their… Read More…

  • Coaticook Suspended Footbridge: An Ever-Changing Luminous Canvas, Painted by Nature

    Coaticook Suspended Footbridge: An Ever-Changing Luminous Canvas, Painted by Nature

    December 5, 2023 At 170 m (554 ft) long and 50 m (160 ft) high, the Coaticook Canyon Bridge at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is one of the longest suspension footbridges in North America and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Eastern Townships. For several years, the Parc de la… Read More…


New Products

  • Liteline ORBIT 2″ Gimbal Recessed Fixture

    The ORBIT is a 5 watt 2″ gimbal recessed light fixture for retrofit applications, with 360° rotation and 80° tilt. It is a high-performance, easy to install downlight solution that offers good light output, energy-efficiency and streamlined design. Suitable for wet locations and ideal for vaulted ceiling and soffit installations. BodyDurable aluminum body with 360°… Read More…

  • Acclaim Lighting Introduces All-Weather Terra Drum with Multiple Color Options

    Acclaim Lighting introduces the Terra Drum series, rugged, all-weather inground, drive-over ready rated fixtures designed for recessed façade and tree lighting applications.  Available in 15-, 30- and 60-watt versions, Terra Drums have a drive-over rating of up to 6,000 lbs. (2,721kg). They are offered in 2400K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, Dynamic White (2700K-6000K), Quad Spectrum… Read More…