The Light and Health program at the LRC bridges the gap between science and applications by striving to better understand how the visual and circadian systems work and what lighting characteristics affect them, and by developing the means of applying and measuring light that is effective to both visual and circadian systems.
Biological rhythms that repeat approximately every 24 hours are called circadian rhythms. Light is the main stimulus that helps the circadian clock, and thus circadian rhythms, keep a synchronized rhythm with the solar day. Humans need to be exposed to a sufficient amount of light of the right spectrum, for a sufficient amount of time, and at the right time, for our biological clocks to remain synchronized with the solar day. Otherwise, we may experience decrements in physiological functions, neurobehavioral performance, and sleep.
Lighting characteristics that are effective to the circadian system are different than those effective to the visual system. In order to apply light to mitigate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), jet lag, and sleep deprivation, we need a better understanding of the quantity, spectrum, timing, duration, and distribution of light that is effective for the circadian system.
Life Sciences in Lighting - The LRC is seeking undergraduate candidates for its new and exciting internship program. Advance your science skills with this unique opportunity.
Learn more about circadian research findings.
Light and Health News
Press Releases and Announcements
Light and Health Research - LRC researchers are currently investigating how exposure to light, specifically blue light, affects daytime and nighttime alertness, and translating that understanding into practical applications, such as improved nighttime driving and enhanced submariner performance. View a list of publications, journal articles, and conference papers on light and health issues by LRC scientists, as well as an overview of automotive and street lighting.
- July 16, 2008 - New Approach Sheds Light on Ways Circadian Disruption Affects Human Health
- June 6, 2008 - Circadian Math: One Plus One Doesn’t Always Equal Two
- September 5, 2007 - Researchers Developing Device To Predict Proper Light Exposure for Human Health
- February 26, 2007 - LRC Researcher Awarded Funding to Explore Effect of Light on Human Phototransduction
- November 5, 2006 - Lighting Research Center forming collaborative group of circadian researchers worldwide
- April 19, 2006 - New Research May Decode Data from Rodent Cancer Studies for Use in Human Comparisons
- April 18, 2006 - Leading Scientists Examine the Impact of Architectural Lighting on Breast Cancer
- September 23, 2002 - LRC Probing Key to Good Night's Sleep for Persons with Alzheimer's
- July 1, 2002 - LRC Develops Retinal Flux Density Meter
- May 15, 2001 - Lighting the Way to Independence
- May 15, 2001 - LRC Teams up with AARP Andrus Foundation to Help Older Adults Light up Their Lives
- May 9, 2000 - LRC Wins Grant to Develop Course on Lighting and Health
Newsletter Articles
- April 2007 - Daysimeter User Group expanding circadian light research
- January 2007 - Lighting for neonatal intensive care units
- October 2006 - Gathering and sharing circadian research data
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- April 2005 - LRC researchers use blue light to treat sleep disturbances in the elderly
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Events
- April 17, 2006 - Does architectural lighting impact breast cancer? A special symposium at the LRC examined the evidence.
