How To: Get the Most Out of Your Lights

Having a space full of light seems easy enough. Most people think that their work and home spaces are well lit but in reality the space is full of artificial and potentially damaging light.

There is no denying that natural light is the best light for your health and allows for a seemingly true representation of what a space looks like. Natural light has a more benefits than just this though! Natural light helps us stay more alert, focused and productive. Using natural light in the day and low lit areas in the evening also helps to maintain a regular and healthy sleeping pattern.

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When you fill your office and home with artificial light you will become less productive, less tired and even sensitive to natural light. Artificial lights include downlights, ceiling lights, UV lights and lamps. Laptops, mobile phones and televisions are also sources of artificial light. These devices, while the light can be turned down, make your mind feel as if it daytime even when it is not, encouraging you to feel more awake and alert. While this may not sound negative, surrounding yourself with artificial light, especially in the night, can lead to insomnia, sleep deprivation and stress surrounding a lack of sleep.

However, light is an essential part of our lives, especially at night time when it gets dark. To most effectively use lighting at night only have the lights on a high setting when it is absolutely necessary and then opt for low level lighting options. This can be achieved through candles, lamps and having the ceiling lights on a low setting. While there is nothing inherently wrong with having a well lit space at night, in fact most of us are used to it, it does encourage us to stay awake longer and prohibits us from winding down from the day.

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The most effective way to light your space in the day time is through opening all curtains, blinds and doors. Having your space as open as possible is a great way to ensure all areas of the space are well lit with natural light. This is essential when working from home, in an office and generally spending time at home.