The advantages of LED hospital lighting
Since we have memory, hospitals and health facilities have been using incandescent and fluorescent lamps to illuminate patients' rooms, offices, hallways, bathrooms, etc. These lights have been the target due to their performance, cost and availability.
What hospital facility managers don't realize is that incandescent and fluorescent lights are unreliable and can have many negative effects on patients. When it comes to hospital lighting, LED light bulbs and accessories are the best alternatives for many reasons.
Color temperatures and circadian rhythm
LED lights are available in various shades of white. These tones are called a light bulb correlated color temperature (CCT). TCC is measured in Kelvin (K), which is similar to degrees in degrees Celsius.
The different temperatures on the Kelvin scale represent different colors. For example, the light in 2000K-3500K looks more orange/yellow and is called ultra warm or warm white, and when the temperature increases in Kelvins, the color changes to more than one "white paper" known as natural or neutral white (between 3500K and 5000K) and finally in a blanc or bluish known as cold white.
Throughout the day, the light changes from a warm white at dawn to a natural white and then to a cold white in the afternoon, back to a natural white and finally to an ultra-warm white color at sunset. Our bodies are used to this cycle of light. Artificial lights that deviate from the natural lighting cycle can get rid of our circadian rhythms.
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences states that, "circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a cycle of approximately 24 hours, responding mainly to light and darkness in the environment of an organism" .
Different types of light trigger different physiological effects. Blue/white light, similar to a bright midday light, suppresses melatonin and increases Serotonin, this light is ideal for activity. Conversely, red/orange light activates melatonin in preparation for bedtime. If everything is in balance, the body will generate dopamine, serotonin, cortisol and melatonin in the right amounts at the right time of day."
Several researchers found that when circadian rhythms are deactivated, anything from sleep disorders to irritability and disease can occur. .
In hospitals and health care facilities, it is important that patients and staff have access to daylight-like cold white light. Several studies have documented the importance of light to reduce depression, decrease fatigue, improve alertness, modulate circadian rhythms and treat conditions such as hyperbilirubinemia in infants.
In addition, the presence of windows in the workplace and access to daylight have been linked to greater satisfaction with the working environment. "Windows are the best method to access daylight, but cold white LED lights along with the correct color temperatures at the right times. It can have the same effect on the body.
Warmer color temperatures lead to the release of melatonin, which causes drowsiness. This is appropriate during bedtime, but it causes problems for people who need to stay awake, such as night nurses and doctors. Introducing natural or cold white light into hallways, operating rooms and nurses can help hospital staff, especially night workers, feel more alert and energetic.
No health risks
Fluorescent lights contain mercury that can be released if a light bulb breaks. Mercury is toxic and can be harmful if absorbed through the skin or inhaled. To reduce the risk of damage, the EPA has a list of cleaning procedures, such as getting everyone out of the room, opening doors or windows, turning off heating and air conditioning systems, and other specific instructions.
Controllability
Many LED lights are dimmable, making them excellent for hospital setup and individual patient needs. RGB LED lights that change color are also available, as well as variable color temperature LED products.
These types of lights can be useful in MRI or CT rooms to calm patients by creating a relaxing atmosphere or giving them something to focus on. As mentioned above, color temperatures have some control over how our bodies work.
By controlling the circadian system, light, both natural and artificial, affects many health outcomes among patients and hospital staff, such as depression, sleep, circadian rhythms of rest activity, as well as the duration of stay in the hospital. Hospital.
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