Abstract
The current field study investigated the ambiguities regarding the relationship between office lighting and subjective alertness. In laboratory studies, light-induced effects were demonstrated. Field studies are essential to prove the validity of these results and the potential recommendations for lighting in future buildings. Therefore, lighting measurements and subjective health data were gathered in a Dutch office environment. Health data was collected by questionnaires and includes data on functional health, wellbeing and alertness. Multiple general, environmental, and personal variables were identified as confounders for the relationship between light and alertness. For six out of the total 46 participants a statistically significant correlation was found between horizontal illuminance (Ehor) and subjective alertness. Further research needs to incorporate a larger sample size and more potential confounders for the relationship between Ehor and alertness. Further research including these recommendations may explain why certain people respond to light while others do not.
Highlights
Light entering the eyes reaches the rods and cones on the retina which stimulate vision
The benefit of performing a field study is that the results of tests in controlled environments can be validated in a real office environment and this leads to realistic results
This study investigated ambiguities regarding the relationship between explain the relationship between horizontal illuminance (Ehor) and subjective alertness (SA) based on findings from a Dutch field study
Summary
Light entering the eyes reaches the rods and cones on the retina which stimulate vision In addition to these two photoreceptors (i.e., rods and cones), a third photoreceptor was discovered approximately fifteen years ago[1], the so called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGc). These ganglion cells capture light (i.e., effective irradiances) which has entered through the eyes and these cells initiate processes in both the Image-Forming (IF) and Non-Image-Forming (NIF) centres of the brain. A mismatch between light exposure and individuals day/night rhythm can lead to a disrupted circadian system[3] This disruption is associated with poor health and a lower work performance[3]. Demonstrated direct and indirect effects of (office) lighting on health and work performance highlight the importance of the most appropriate light exposure at the right moment of time
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