Prototype

This is a basic design for a prototype. The light uses multiple LED bulbs to produce the needed intensity. There is a blue light temperature for daytime to keep you awake and a yellow one for task lighting in the evening. The switch is programmed to bring the different light colors on at different times, but can also be switched manually. There are comparable lights for sale currently, but they are lamps and must be plugged in to an outlet and need a place to sit.

Circadian Rhythm Test

Philips Canada has a test to check your Circadian Rhythm. Check it out!

Circadian Rhythm

As my research progresses, I'm finding that the Circadian Rhythm may govern things like SAD. The Circadian Rhythm is a whole sleep-wake cycle based on a 24-hour internal clock that originally followed the sun. As you get closer to the Earth's poles, Winter and Summer change the duration of day time. For most people, waking hours do not change with the seasons, so people are awake during the dark. Most buildings do not have enough light to simulate day time. This causes chaos with the Circadian Rhythm.

Research Proposal

Brighter Days Ahead

Summary Statement of Proposed Project:

Shorter days during the winter months can make it difficult for some of us to get up in the morning, especially when it's dark out. It may be possible to improve mood and productivity with only a few minor changes to the home lighting system.

Purpose:

Most people will experience trouble waking up in the morning at some point in their life. With a dynamic lighting system they can be alert and ready for the day when their alarm clock sounds. This could result in more alert drivers during the morning commute and better productivity. Improved mood could also be a target of this system reducing Seasonal Affective Disorder and winter blues.

Goals and Objectives of the Project:

This project will prove that a few minor changes made to a lighting system can have a great effect on the quality of life for Canadians. It will also set out the best type of lighting equipment to use for this end.

Methodology and Analytical Approach:

During the winter months, lighting systems will be installed in the bedrooms of Canadians who have trouble getting up in the morning. These systems will simulate dawn. Bright lights will come on gradually, previous to the person's earliest scheduled waking time. The length of time that it takes for the person to become fully alert with the light on will be recorded and compared with the time that it takes without the lighting system turned on. The person's mood will also be recorded and a comparison made. Different bulbs will be used to determine what effects the colour temperature and brightness will have on individuals.

Previous Studies:

Many studies indicate SAD(Seasonal Affective Disorder) and the winter blues can be combated with light therapy. Light therapy usually consists of sitting near a light with a brightness of 10,000 lux for 30 minutes a day. According to Avery(2001), bright lighting in the workplace improved mood, energy, alertness and productivity.

Bright light inhibits the production of melatonin which causes drowsiness. Implementing an artificial dawn would use this to reduce drowsiness before the person has to get up. Modifications to the home's current lighting system would make it very convenient for the subject to make use of the light therapy.

Plans for Dissemination of Work:

The progress of this study will be updated to a blog, including a list of materials, information specific to the subject and any conclusions.

Let There Be Light!

     I have started this blog to share the information derived from my applied research project.  The project involves modifying a residential lighting system to simulate dawn.  The goal of this project is to determine if artificial dawn will reduce winter SAD(Seasonal Affective Disorder) and make getting up in the morning more enjoyable.
     This blog will be updated as the project progresses.