Research & Readings
Light Diet App
LYS Technology
LYS Technology developed a mobile app and a device to monitor light intake, helping users regulate their circadian rhythm and sleep quality. LYS Light Diet App is an application that records and collects light intake data, and monitors and calculates users’ daily light intake and circadian rhythm. LYS Button is a device for seamless and simple tracking of light exposure. The wearable light-sensing device also tracks movement with the built-in accelerometer. Users connect their LYS Button to their own LYS Light Diet app to get further insight into the participant's light intake, chronotype, age, gender, as well as perceived sleep and energy levels.
Reference Link
Research Insight:
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Monitor light intake through an external device.
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A platform that can be tailored to the user.
Stump
Peter Bysted and Icono
Stump is a lighting design by designer Peter Bysted and the Danish lighting company Icono. This lighting fixture is robustly crafted to illuminate the outdoor spaces of the Island of Møn, with a specific focus on combating and minimizing light pollution. Resembling a bollard, the design showcases an oxidized cast iron body paired with a transparent cap. The cap houses a warm-toned, energy-efficient lighting fixture, emitting a gentle and radiant glow when in use. The Stump is a purposeful solution marrying aesthetics with functionality.
Research Insight:
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Shapes and materials can alter the impact of artificial light
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Colour theme and product design can be shaped to fit into the environment
The effect of morning light is that it advances the clock, while evening and night light delays the clock.
Christine Blume, Corrado Garbazza, and Manuel Spitschan
This research by Christine Blume, Corrado Garbazza, and Manuel Spitschan reviews the effect of light on human circadian rhythm, sleep, and mood. In this project, I will investigate a part of the research on the effects on human circadian rhythm. To maintain a healthier lifestyle and regulate a good schedule through the light environment, studying the effects of light on our circadian rhythm would deepen our understanding of the matter.
The paper explained how our central master-clock, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) works. To put it short, the amount of ambient light input through our eyes will be communicated through our SCN to the whole body, signalling the time of the day. This helps the human body maintain wakefulness during the day and sleep during the night.
However, the paper further explains that different light provides different information to our central master-clock. The effects of light on circadian rhythm and sleep are mediated by the retina, where the retina interrogates the information regarding the light environment of its wavelength and light levels. Although there has been research on how we process information about the light environment, the different aspect of the effects of light on circadian rhythm has yet to be explored.
There are two main effects of light on the circadian rhythm being researched heavily: the acute suppression of melatonin in response to light exposure and the ability of light exposure to shift the circadian phase. It is important to note that the effect of light on circadian rhythm depends on the timing of light exposure. The paper states this “Roughly speaking, the effect of morning light is that it advances the clock, while evening and night light delays the clock.” Extensive research has also concluded that the human circadian system integrates across multiple light exposures, and under certain circumstances, a train of very brief flashes light flashes on the millisecond scale can cause circadian phase shifts which are larger than those caused by continuous light.
Another finding from the paper is that exposure to artificial light before bed will affect sleep quality and may induce sleeping problems. Studies have shown that exposure to short-wave light, namely screen lights and artificial lights, before bed will cause a shallower sleep and a higher chance of decreased sleep efficiency, longer sleep onset latency, poor sleep quality, and delayed sleep thereby also shortening sleep duration.
Research Insight:
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Human eyes are the main organs for light input to our central master-clock
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Different light at different times of the day has different effects on the circadian rhythm
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Artificial light input during the night will affect sleep quality and drowsiness at night
What is light trespass and why should you avoid it?
Light trespass is a negative effect of light pollution caused by artificial light when unintentional light enters nearby households or buildings. When undesired light enters households during nighttime, residents might experience decreased sleep quality and sleep duration. Light trespass may also invade individuals’ private space with bright light, creating an uncomfortable space for private users.
Light trespass is common in areas where consecutive bright lights, such as street lights and light-based artefacts. It could also occur when reflective materials, such as mirrors, are used on buildings, creating an environment where light bounces off of buildings and into other households. For example, in Hong Kong, residents in commercial areas usually find bright billboards shining into their homes during nighttime, creating an undesired sleeping environment.
Research Insight:
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Regulating the light environment involves governing policies and other safety concerns such as road safety at night.
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Artificial lights are hard to avoid in modern society
Chronotype
Sleep
Chronotype refers to the body's inherent tendency to sleep at specific times, commonly known as being an early bird or a night owl. Beyond governing sleep patterns, chronotype also impacts appetite, exercise preferences, and core body temperature. It dictates periods of heightened alertness and increased sleepiness throughout the day. Chronotype is subject to individual variations influenced by genetics, age, and various factors. Certain researchers suggest that geographical location may also play a role, influenced by fluctuations in daylight hours. To identify chronotype, consider sleep preferences, energy levels throughout the day, meal timing, and other aspects of circadian rhythm.
The sleep chronotype is intricately linked to the circadian rhythm, governing the daily sleep-wake cycle. Notably, the chronotype does not impact the overall duration of sleep. While the circadian rhythm can be influenced by adhering to a consistent schedule, the underlying chronotype is inherently more fixed and enduring.
Research Insight:
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Understanding chronotypes can help regulate one’s circadian rhythm
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Chronotypes are unique to each individual
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Design to regulate sleep schedule requires customisation and tailoring to the user’s need