“Hospital and healthcare lighting is all about trying to make the space feel homely and de-institutionalised. Lighting can assist in creating a positive distraction for patients, drawing their attention away from their ill health.” – Aviva Gunzburg, lighting designer with NDYLIGHT.
If used correctly, lighting can have a variety of positive impacts in healthcare design. Studies show that a well-designed lighting system can lower the number of medical errors, and reduce pain, stress and depression. It also results in better working conditions for staff – increasing efficiency and satisfaction.
LED (light emitting diode) lighting is the artificial light source of choice for healthcare facilities due to its energy and money saving ways. As a bonus it’s also known to have a number of health benefits:
LED lights are known to:
Balance Circadian Rhythm: LEDs mimics natural light meaning that it promotes a healthy circadian rhythm resulting in better sleep.
Increased Productivity: LED lights can increase energy, mood and vitality, as it mimics blue wavelengths of daylight.
They’re Non-Toxic: LED lights don’t contain any hazardous materials or emit any UV radiation making them safe for use in close proximity.
The importance of natural sunlight in healthcare design must not be downplayed. In recent years, the design trend has placed an importance on making medical clinics feel more like hospitality environments rather than your typical cold and sterile medical office. Natural sunlight is encouraged for its multitude of benefits, including:
Reassuring Patients: Lighting up your medical practice or dental clinic with natural daylight helps reassure patients and makes them feel welcome in a place that is historically not seen as a welcoming environment.
Creating Comfortable, High-Quality Spaces: Practitioners are taking advantage of the recent trends in healthcare design to optimize light and select colours and materials that emit a warm and relaxing environment. Long gone are the days of cold and boring medical practices.
Money & Energy Saving: Maximising the use of natural light reduces the need for electrical lighting and your company’s carbon footprint.
Boosts Vitamin D: Vitamin D is known to prevent bone loss and weight gain and also reduces the risk of heart disease and various cancers.
Better Sleep: Sunlight assists with the production of melatonin – the hormone that assists with sleep
