Hospital Research Project Integrates Circadian Lighting with Functional Lighting, Noise Masking and More

September 24, 2018

A unique solution at a neuro intensive care unit of a hospital in Aarhus, Denmark integrates circadian lighting and functional lighting, noise masking, music intervention, individual info monitors and camera observation. The staff are thrilled with the new initiative.

”We have to develop and document the new knowledge about the stimulating patient environment, and ensure that this knowledge becomes implemented and used to optimize the patient environments of the future,” say Leanne Langhorn and Lone Moeslund. Both work at the neuro intensive care unit as a clinical nursing specialist/ RN, MScn, PhD and intensive care nurse/ coordinator of patient care, respectively.

Light, sound and images

As a start-up for the groundbreaking research project, it was defined that optimally, a stimulating patient environment should

  • reduce commotion and noise
  • optimize the patient’s personal space
  • provide individual stimuli
  • create calm and a sense of security for the patient and next of kin
  • ensure functional light and circadian lighting
  • optimize communication

As part of the project, Chromaviso is developing ergonomic circadian lighting further, while scientists form clinical documentation for ergonomic circadian lighting and the integrated patient environment with light, sound, visual information and monitoring. Chromaviso is a firm with expertise in health promoting lighting solutions.

”We cannot say anything definitive about the documented effect at this time, but we are seeing indications that the patients benefit from the stimulating environment,” says Leanne. ”What is unique about the project is that we an integrated concept with light, sound, visual information and monitoring. This means that we deal with all aspects around the patient. The more the patients understand their surroundings, the more actively they can participate in the early rehabilitation.”

Natural circadian rhythm and improved sleep

The lighting component fulfils the wish for focused light, functional night light, and available daylight. Ergonomic circadian lighting contributes to a natural circadian rhythm for patients as well as staff. The functional night light makes it possible for the staff to disturb the patient as little as possible when doing their work at night. Ergonomic circadian lighting follows the natural rhythm of the sun. It rises in the morning, is the most intensive in the middle of the day, and at night, a specially designed night light with built-in monitoring is turned on.

Ergonomic Circadian Lighting has an immediately noticeable effect on patients as well as staff, and affects the patient’s sleep pattern positively. A patient who gets a good night’s sleep is better rested and thus less confused and consequently ready for early rehabilitation.

Noise reduction and music stimulation

In intensive care rooms, patients are exposed to undesirable sound influence from interior fittings and machines, the other patients, and the staff. The purpose of the sound component of the project is to control the noise impact occurring in connection with emergency situations. This happens through directional sound. Furthermore, music intervention can be used to stimulate the patient. In an emergency situation, it is possible to mask the noise, resulting in less impact on the other patients and their next of kin from what is taking place in the room.

Individual systematic information

An information board is installed on a flexible arm at each bed. The monitor shows who the patient is, where the patient is and what time it is. This makes quick and systematic information possible. Furthermore, you can see the schedule for the day and a general plan for the patient.

It is possible to use the visual component to stimulate the patient, for example with mood pictures and seasonal pictures.

Monitoring as part of an integrated environment

The monitoring provides the most sense of security for patient and next of kin at night. In this way, the staff can observe the patient without disturbing his or her sleep, which is a significant advantage. In emergency situations, when emergency lighting is turned on, the monitoring and the masking noise are automatically activated.

The project is subsidized by The Market Development Fund and has a total budget of DKK 9,6 million. It is a collaboration between Chromaviso, Glostrup Hospital and Aarhus University Hospital. The research related part of the project takes place at the neurosurgical unit at Aarhus University Hospital and the neurological unit at Glostrup Hospital. Both places research the effect of circadian lighting on patients as well as staff.

This article was first published online by Chromaviso, https://chromaviso.com/en/circadian-lighting/cases/intensive-care-unit-aarhus-university-hospital/.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Aug 28, 2025 - JDRF Autonomy Lighting Suite Has Been Recognized in the IES 2025 Progress Report 1

    JDRF Autonomy Lighting Suite Has Been Recognized in the IES 2025 Progress Report

    JDRF is proud to share that the JDRF Autonomy Lighting Suite has been recognized in the IES 2025 Progress Report. The Autonomy Suite represents a major breakthrough in luminaire-level lighting control (LLLC) technology. It’s the first—and only—LLLC on the market today that uses AI to self-commission a system entirely without human involvement. The Autonomy Sensor eliminates the traditional trade-off… Read More…

  • Aug 27, 2025 - SLS Group Industries Announces Diana Nguyen as New Specification Sales Representative 1

    SLS Group Industries Announces Diana Nguyen as New Specification Sales Representative

    Please join SLS Group in welcoming Diana Nguyen to the team as their new Specification Sales representative! Diana has an educational background in Marketing with a focus on Sales. She began her career in the electrical industry in 2019 and have been specializing in lighting since early 2022. Diana is most passionate about lighting design… Read More…


Design

  • Say Goodbye to HID Lamps: Current’s LED Solution Is Ready

    Say Goodbye to HID Lamps: Current’s LED Solution Is Ready

    Did you know that starting in 2029, installing HID lamps will no longer be allowed? This regulatory transition is fast approaching — yet many buildings still rely on these outdated, energy-hungry technologies. Fortunately, Current is ahead of the curve. Its line of LED HID replacement lamps offers a simple, cost-effective, and sustainable solution to modernize lighting systems… Read More…

  • Light Bulb Base Types: Choose the Right One for Commercial Fixtures

    Light Bulb Base Types: Choose the Right One for Commercial Fixtures

    The light bulb base type may seem like an insignificant small component, but it plays a crucial role in connecting the power supply and the light source. Choosing the right bulb base types not only ensures the normal operation of the bulb but also directly affects the lighting cost, compatibility and maintenance. Whether it is… Read More…


New Products

  • Artika: Fitch Smart Foldable RGB LED Floor Lamp

    Artika: Fitch Smart Foldable RGB LED Floor Lamp

    With four adjustable, multicolour modules, the Fitch Smart LED floor lamp adapts to any setting. Use the base to stand it upright in the living room or mount it on the wall in a game room for a dynamic light bar effect. Control everything through the Artika Smart app. Choose the colour of each module… Read More…

  • Arani: SL4-VAR-R-BN-V4 – LED Slim Panel 4″ Brushed Nickel

    Arani: SL4-VAR-R-BN-V4 – LED Slim Panel 4″ Brushed Nickel

    The SL4-VAR-R-BN-V4 is a 4″ LED slim panel with a clean brushed nickel trim, built for recessed ceiling applications in residential and commercial settings. It offers 5 selectable color temperatures (2700K to 5000K), smooth Triac dimming, and now delivers up to 725 lumens at 4000K, providing improved brightness without added energy use. This IC-rated fixture… Read More…