WORKING AND LIGHT
IMPACT OF LIGHT
When we speak of light, we normally mean daylight. Natural sunlight is always present in varying colours and intensities, behind thunderclouds, in fog, in the stimulating morning light and in the soothing, warm colours of sunsets. Although we may not realise it, light has a significant influence on many processes inside our bodies. The reason is that it regulates the production of various hormones including the sleep hormone melatonin, which ensures that we relax in the evening and encourages us to fall into a refreshing sleep.
But what about those among us who, due to their occupation for example, spend little time outdoors and aren’t exposed to natural daylight. For these people, and of course those who appreciate good working light, ZENTEM has revolutionised lighting.
NIGHT OWL OR MORNING LARK?
Everyone has a personal daily rhythm which is “circadian”, meaning that it is roughly synchronised with day and night. We all know people who are already full of energy early in the morning, while others need a pick-me-up to start their day. And we are all familiar with the consequences of a disrupted circadian rhythm.
FOLLOW YOUR RHYTHM
The effect of a disrupted circadian rhythm becomes particularly obvious in the case of jet lag, when our body is forced to switch abruptly to a different day-and-night rhythm. Insomnia, irritability and lack of concentration are some of the immediate consequences.
More serious, however, is the effect of social jet lag, which is caused by continuously living against our internal clock. The long-term consequences may be severe to the extent of leading to depression or diabetes.
THE TOTAL EFFECT OF LIGHT IN ONE LAMP
Modern LED lighting almost completely covers the colour spectrum of sunlight. That means that such light sources can have a stabilising effect on our biological rhythm, providing the body with light signals which set its internal clock even in an indoor environment.
BRIGHTNESS ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH
Illumination and light quality are vital for workers, especially in an office environment. A survey revealed that more than 60 per cent prefer light intensities in excess of 800 lux. Employees are more content and see themselves as having a higher level of wellbeing when they are able to individually adjust the lighting.
This includes the light intensity as well as the variable colour temperature – the alternation between neutral (cold white) and warmer (warm white) light. All lamps in the ZENTEM range deliver light intensities of 1,000 lux and a colour spectrum between 2,700 and 6,500 Kelvin. The ZENTEM electronics and the ZENTEM APP make it very easy to use and control these functions.