Acuity: The Role of Lighting in Patient Well-Being & Recovery

Acuity: The Role of Lighting in Patient Well-Being & Recovery

February 4, 2025

Acuity: The Role of Lighting in Patient Well-Being & Recovery

By: Rachael J RichardsPart 1 of a roundtable discussion featuring Tommy Nichols – Business Development Director – Healthcare at Acuity Brands. Originally featured in Healthcare Facilities Today – interview by Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor.

Warden: Lighting can have myriad effects on a patient, including their well-being and recovery. Given this, having lights that can mimic daylighting or have adjustable color temperatures can make a difference for patients. Daylighting and mimicry of it allows for a natural feeling in an otherwise stressful environment. Adjustable color temperatures also can influence a patient’s mood. 

In this manufacturer roundtable, Healthcare Facilities Today speaks with lighting manufacturers about how lighting affects a patient’s well-being and recovery. 

What Role Does Lighting Play in Patient Well-Being and Recovery?

Nichols: Lighting plays a critical role in patient well-being and recovery, particularly in healthcare settings where patients are often under stress or discomfort. One of the key aspects is the quality of lighting, especially luminaires with appropriate glare control, which directly impacts comfort. For example, lighting fixtures with a low Unified Glare Rating (UGR) are valuable for individuals who may spend extended periods lying on their backs, and for caregivers during a prolonged shift. These fixtures reduce eye strain and discomfort, fostering a more soothing environment. 

In addition to comfort, the ability to control lighting in patient rooms is significant. Research shows that providing patients with the option to adjust the lighting according to their preferences can improve their sense of control and overall experience, which may contribute to faster recovery times. This also extends to family members or visitors, who might need different lighting levels for activities such as reading or writing while their loved ones rest. 

Lighting that mimics natural daylight is another factor that influences patient recovery. Patients who have access to windows and daylight experience a stronger connection to nature, which has been shown to reduce the need for pain medication and promote better outcomes. Lighting systems that simulate the natural progression of daylight—brighter, cooler light in the morning and warmer, dimmer light in the evening—can help regulate circadian rhythms, aiding sleep and alertness. 

For long-term care patients, particularly those with limited mobility, lighting becomes even more vital. They may not have the option to go outside and benefit from natural light, making it essential for healthcare facilities to implement lighting solutions that provide the right spectrum and intensity throughout the day. This approach helps in creating a healing environment that supports both physical recovery and emotional well-being.

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    In interior design, lighting is not just about brightening the room. Sensitive lighting layout is the key in the whole aesthetic atmosphere. An outstanding lighting solution will not rely on one type of fixture. Rather, it is through the combination of different types of lighting. Accent, ambient, and task lighting are three basic types of… Read More…

  • Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors, a renowned office design and furnishings company serving Vancouver Island since 1966, embarked on a unique lighting project for their personal office in Saanichton, BC. This project marked the first collaboration between Kelly Inglis of Mac’s II Agencies and Graphic Office Interiors’ in-house registered interior designer, Laura Harlos. Known for their exclusive Steelcase furniture line, modular moveable… Read More…


New Products

  • Eureka Announces New Accessories for Scout Luminaire

    Eureka Announces New Accessories for Scout Luminaire

    Eureka has announced the enhancement of its Scout luminaire family with the introduction of new accessories and a new color palette. Three new diffusers have been introduced. Bell is minimalist, translucent and cloche-shaped. Pebble introduces a soft touch and an ambient glow in a distinct, oval-shaped diffuser. Orb is sleek and dome-shaped, adding a touch… Read More…

  • Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    The Solar Eclipse Series provides a multi-functional luminaire that supports the demands of the hospital environment. The sleek and modern design merges architectural aesthetics with exceptional lighting performance to improve patient comfort while maximizing clinical efficiencies. This architectural patient room fixture offers reading, ambient, and exam functionalities and an optional night light. Multi-functional capabilities provide… Read More…