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.
Great idea. I definitely find it harder to get out of bed during the winter months. Can't wait to hear more about this!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic. I am sure there are many people affected by this disorder and doing some research on it from the building perspective is a good idea!
ReplyDeleteliving in a basement suite has definelty affected my sleep patterns and i feel that this is mostly due to the lack of light entering my living space. the study of light into a living space is an interesting area of study that is often overlooked. i know of a few people that would take vitamin d pills to counter the onset of depression while working on night shifts, look forward to learning more.
ReplyDeleteHeres a page that shows you how to convert your iphone into a light meter.thought it might be useful. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jamesflynn/luxi-incident-light-meter-adapter-for-iphone
ReplyDeleteInteresting topic Lorne. looking forward to see what changes in light can change your mood when waking up in the morning. Also something else to look into is the different stages of REM sleep there are and maybe which specific light would be most beneficial when waking up.
ReplyDeleteYou could look into using Solar Tubes in a design. They're pretty easy to install, and they provide a decent amount of light without the loss in insulation value that you'd find with a typical window, for example. I am a person who has ridiculous amounts of trouble getting up in the morning, so I am very excited to hear more from you!
ReplyDelete