What is Circadian – Human Centric Lighting? ?

Human Centric Lighting is a lighting concept that puts the focus on people and their needs during the design process. In order to provide healthy light, we concentrate both on the user and the way that they put the given space to use. Introducing systems that imitate natural daylight makes it possible for us to ensure the users’ comfort and well-being. 

Circadian lighting refers to lighting that is designed to have a biological impact on the human circadian system. Circadian lighting sends signals to the master clock in the brain, telling our bodies when it is daytime and when it is night and what functions to perform at various times of the day. A healthy circadian rhythm is associated with improved long-term health and helps promote better sleep at night, allowing our brains to repair our bodies as well as our minds.

There’s been quite a bit of talk about human centric or circadian lighting and how LEDs can improve productivity in workplaces or make the residents of nursing homes more comfortable. Essentially, circadian lighting involves changing the colour temperature and brightness of lighting at certain times of day to both optimise alertness and stimulate the sleep response. Circadian simply refers to people’s natural 24-hour sleep/wake cycle.

Natural rhythms

People are sensitive to light levels and produce the hormone associated with sleep, melatonin, as it becomes dark. It’s only recently been confirmed that there are photosensitive cells in the eye that initiate this crucial process. Exposure to blue light or light of high colour temperature interferes with this natural response and keeps people from getting enough sleep. Similarly, people who get very little exposure to natural daylight have their circadian rhythms disturbed. Many sleep experts recommend that you avoid using devices that emit cool light in the hours before bed.

Energised

LEDs have made the changing of colour temperatures and intensities at set times much easier. Several places including nursing homes, schools and hospitals have experimented with changing light levels to match the variations of natural light. Some claim that workers can be energised by strong blue light in office environments, but the most promising application for this emerging trend is in aged care.

All day – everyday! 

Old folk in nursing homes, especially those with Alzheimer’s, are exposed to low levels of illumination. Many spend virtually all day, every day inside and see little sunshine. Several studies have found that the disturbed sleep patterns of residents with dementia can be improved by tailoring the light to replicate the variations of dawn till dusk with soft warm light in the morning giving way to strong blue light at midday and then easing back to warm light in the evening.

Reset Your Body Clock – Enhance Your Mood

As humans, we have always lived in states of ebb and flow, attuned with nature and the changing seasons. Our ancestors rose with the dawn, relying on their ‘internal clock’ and the stretching rays of the sun to wake them at the right time. They utilised the daylight hours and retired in the evening as the sun slipped away.

Our 21st century, urban lives have changed significantly with the invention of electric light. We are much less reliant on natural light and can perform tasks around the clock with the flick of a switch. We live on streets where lamps shine night long, and in cities that ‘never sleep’. We are awoken by alarms and devices, out of tune with the innate knowledge our bodies hold. Studies have shown that our internal clocks, or our circadian rhythms which govern our sleep/ wake cycles are deeply affected by this constant supply of unchanging, artificial light. Conversely, they are regulated by natural daylight.

Why is Human Centric Lighting Needed?

The goal of circadian lighting is to provide sufficient light signals to the brain to help reinforce the natural light/dark signals we would receive from the sun if we spent more of our time outdoors. A simple mantra to help capture the goal of circadian lighting is, “brighter days and darker nights”. Circadian lighting should provide a strong daytime light signal, telling our brain that it is daytime and to perform all the functions it needs to during the day. At night, we want to reduce that daytime light signal to help our bodies wind down, telling our brain to perform nighttime functions.

As technology improves and we deepen our knowledge of the body and mind, we can create homes and spaces with an increased focus on human-centric lighting. Beautiful, functional, lighting that is tailored to the occupants needs, while also improving their health and wellness.

Lighting Tips?

The colour temperature of your light should be chosen based on where and why you need it. This can be determined during the lighting design process. For example, warm light at around 2700 to 3000k is ideal for your home. The almost yellow glow helps to create a warm, cosy, and friendly atmosphere for you and your family to relax in. However, this is not the optimal lighting choice for productivity. Warm light creates a lot of contrast, meaning your eyes must work to adapt, which becomes tiring. Therefore, for an office or other working environments, we recommend using cooler lighting between 3500 and 5500k.

Here’s a breakdown of typical light bulb colour temperatures and their source: 

1800k – Candle Flame, sunset/sunrise
2400k – Standard incandescent lamps
2550k – Soft white incandescent lamps
2700k – Soft white compact fluorescent and LED lamps
3000k – Warm white compact fluorescent and LED lamps
3200k – Studio lamps / photofloods
5000k – Cool white / daylight compact fluorescent lamps 
5500-6500k – Daylight, overcast, electronic flash
6500-9500k – LCD or CRT screen
15,000-27,000k – Clear blue poleward sky

How can i control DALI / Circadian Lighting?

Dali can be controlled via simple wall switches and control panels, as well as by an app on your phone or smart devices. All the major smart lighting control brands can control DALI Lighting.

What is the benefit of Circadian / Human Centric Lighting?

Who can benefit from circadian lighting?

For many, spending enough time outdoors to regulate their circadian rhythms is not possible. While everyone can benefit greatly from circadian lighting, different groups of people or individuals benefit in different ways.

Residential – Homeowners

Aside from work or school, our home is where we spend most of our time. Within the walls is a respite from the busy world outside, and a place where we eat, sleep, relax and create. Getting the lighting right is essential to our wellbeing. Circadian lighting within the home helps us to regulate our rhythm, get better sleep and have more vitality throughout the day. We are seeing the need for this rise exponentially, as more people choose to work or educate from home. Homes that do not receive much natural light can also greatly benefit from the installation of circadian lighting.

How much does Circadian Lighting cost?

Circadian Lighting is scheduled and tailored to each individual application, meaning we can remove excessive energy use and human error from the equation. Internal and external lighting can be programmed to dim or turn off at certain times, for example before going to bed or when the sun starts to rise. Lighting can also be set to dim when turned on, at say 30%, thereby reducing the energy each fitting uses. These functions combined with a great lighting design, can reduce the power consumption of a building, resulting in lower electricity costs and a minimal environmental footprint.

Smart Lighting Systems that work with Circadian Lighting?

Our intelligent lighting control solutions offer energy efficiency, increased safety and security, and the ability to manage other smart technology solutions within the home all with the push of a button. If you can imagine it, then the Technology Designers at GreenStar Technologies can make it a reality for your home. Experience an up-close-and-personal look at the most intuitive and innovative smart lighting solutions on the market when you visit our fully functional Showroom in Glen Huntly.

Learn and experience the most popular smart home brands and solutions all in one space. We’re proud providers of pioneering technology which include brands like Control4, Philips Dynalite, Crestron Home, Clipsal C-Bus, DKNX, Lutron and so much more…

Using keypads, an app, touchscreens, or a remote, you’re able to dim lights or change colours and hues in any (and every) room and set a specific mood. Our Technology Designers will conveniently place your lighting keypads to allow you to turn off every light on your way out the door with one tap. As you arrive home, your garage door can trigger the entryway lights to lead your way into the house. Motion detectors brighten the hallway lights during the evening and throughout the night, making it easier to move about without disturbing the rest of the household.

It all begins with just a conversation…Your dream smart home journey begins at our Home & Lifestyle Experience Centre.

La Lounge – Award-Winning Lighting Architects

Established in 2009 by Glenn and Susan Stokes, LA Lounge specialises in high-end lighting design and DALI lighting control. LA Lounge was formed to combine a passion for the technical and a flair for the creative aspects of architectural lighting. As one of the first Australian companies to introduce DALI lighting control to the residential market, the LA Lounge team’s expertise is sought after by a broad spectrum of design professionals on projects in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Europe.

The team at La Lounge offers clients a sustainable, energy-efficient and personalised lighting solution like no other. Their Australian designed luminaires and lighting range compliment any architectural designed home. With 15+ years of experience, their team of Lighting Professionals have produced bespoke premium design outcomes for homeowners in Australia and Europe. With Cutting edge innovation and solutions which include DALI and Circadian Rhythm Lighting, they’re able to personalise indoor and outdoor living environments through integration of all the services clients rely upon and according to clients lifestyle with total simplicity – all beautifully incorporated into the interior and exterior design.

LA Lounge clients include leading interior designers and architects, award winning builders and automation companies as well as homeowners seeking to create their own stunning dream homes.

LA Lounge is a lighting design & supply company that specialises in high-end lighting design & DALI lighting control in Residential, Multi-Res & Commercial projects. LA Lounge is in the business of creating atmosphere and warmth through the magic of architectural lighting. Offering lighting, automation and electrical design. LA Lounge is passionate about merging the art and science of lighting, transforming a 2-dimensional plan into the 3-dimensional world. Easy to install & compatible with all home automation & dimming systems – making it a go to for trades, designers & architects.

LA Lounge has been established for over 15 years and focuses on technical aspects of creative architectural lighting. They are one of the first Australian companies that introduced DALI lighting (Circadian / Human Centric Lighting) control in residential projects. LA Lounge is based in Sydney, with projects located all across Australia and Europe. LA Lounge has a well-established range of architectural and decorative lighting. Including our Confidential in-set plaster range.

In collaboration with our team at GreenStar Technologies, La Lounge has a team of Lighting Architects that are ready to help design a bespoke lighting system for you and your home. We’ll be here to help you throughout the process and liaise with all relevant parties throughout the build. We have expertise in the electrical contracting and home automation area, while the team at LA Lounge focuses on lighting engineering and design.

1300 331 529
Office: 2/9 Apollo Street, Warriewood NSW 2102
Showroom: 11-12b, 287 Military Road, Cremorne NSW 2090
www.lalounge.com.au / mail@lalounge.com.au

Where do i find Circadian Lighting? How do i get Human Centric Lighting in my home?

When choosing the colour temperature for your space, you need to consider the finishes and colour palette used with your interior design. Reds, oranges and yellows look stunning when illuminated with warm white light (3000k). Whereas blues and greys can look clean and crisp under cool white light (4000k). For kitchen and bathroom areas, practicality is important. This can be achieved with plenty of cool light available to mimic natural daylight. On top of this, kitchens and bathrooms are generally white, and with the use of cool light a clean and sterile fell can be created. Once you’ve decided on the look and feel you’re going to create, our Lighting Design Consultants will help you transform your home.

Controlling your lights in your home is all relatively easy now with smart devices and smart devices / apps. Control your home when you’re in bed or on holidays is all easy with the right home lighting automation system that suits you and your home. GreenStar Technologies and the team at La Lounge are here to help you bring your dream smart home to life.

(03) 9813 8657 / Info@greenstartech.com.au
Home & Lifestyle Experience Centre 1174 Glen Huntly Road,
Glen Huntly Melbourne VIC *Viewing by appointment only

Discover & test out Dali Lighting with a demo!

Your smart lighting journey begins with a consultation at our fully immersive Home & Lifestyle Experience Centre in Glen Huntly VIC. Discover all that Circadian Lighting has to offer in-person with a demo, there you’ll learn and experience our extensive range of lighting products and systems first-hand. To be completed end December 2022 we have installed the largest and diverse range of Circadian Lighting in Melbourne, so come and see how it works and what it could mean for your new home or renovation.

It’s all begins with a chat where we walk you through our Showroom stocked with innovative products and the best lighting systems available on the market. The primary goal of the discovery phase is to fully understand your visions and aspirations for your home, as well as identifying other potential solutions through the use of home automation.

We find that lighting design is being missed or not considered as an integral part of the building process. It is also hard to source and manage the supply and delivery of all the Dali lights for your project. Together with La Lounge we have taken out the complexity of this supply model. Having both technical and practical models both Greenstar and La Lounge have a great understanding of the solutions and technical advice for electricians and architects.

To ensure your lighting project goes as smoothly as possible, we recommend booking a consultation at our Home & Lifestyle Experience Centre (located in Glen Huntly VIC), there we’ll make the introduction to our partners over at La Lounge, who are Award-Winning Lighting Architects. La Lounge have over 15+ years of experience supplying superior lighting design schemes for residential and luxury projects. They understand the science and art behind lighting and can source any fixture require required to enhance the look of your space. With this introduction they’ll design a bespoke lighting system exclusively for you and your home.

Book a complimentary consultation today!
Home & Lifestyle Experience Centre
(03) 9813 8657 / www.greenstartech.com.au
1174 Glen Huntly Road, Glen Huntly Melbourne VIC
*Viewing by appointment only

Your smart home journey begins here…

Every smart home journey begins with a consultation at our fully immersive Home & Lifestyle Experience Centre – Discover, learn & experience the most innovative technologies on the market. Together through collaboration, we’ll discover personalised solutions that are most important to every individuals lifestyle.

We’re here for you, from start to finish and beyond…

For all of our projects, we strive for the ultimate professionalism by sticking to a consistent and transparent process. This way you know exactly what to expect throughout all phases of the project and have a clear understanding of how your technology goals are brought to life. As technology professionals we take great pride in having a standardised design-build process in place to ensure you receive a high-quality, reliable solution that matches your expectations. We take pride in our world-class care of every client and thrive on our award-winning technology, referrals and strong recommendations.

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