Daylight Lamps as Sun Substitutes
Daylight lamps are light sources that are able to simulate daylight or sunlight. The color and brightness of the light are important factors. When people are exposed to a lack of light, it has a negative impact on their health. The consequences include:
- sleep disorders
- susceptibility to stress
- headaches
- difficulty concentrating
- depression
Why Daylight is Important for Us
We wake up when the sun rises and go to sleep when the sun sets. This has always been the case, and there is a good reason for it. Sunlight is responsible for various processes in the human body. Our body needs UVB radiation to produce the important vitamin D, which is limited in foods. Vitamin D is essential for bones, nerve cells, and muscles. A deficiency can lead to both physical and psychological symptoms. Many people with depression often have very low levels of vitamin D. Sunlight provides vitamin D.
Especially in winter, when the sun is not as visible, we do not get the necessary amount of daylight that our body desperately needs. A daylight lamp can help with that. It is used when the sun cannot fulfill its role anymore.
However, it should be noted that artificial sunlight from a lamp is not a complete replacement for real sunlight! Nevertheless, it can be beneficial for health.
Sunlight Regulates our Circadian Rhythm
Another function of light is to regulate our circadian rhythm. The human eye responds to light color and brightness, which signals the body to produce or inhibit certain hormones.
Sunlight contains the entire color spectrum of the rainbow. However, the day begins in the morning with reddish light, which becomes brighter and whiter as the sun rises. This is because our atmosphere filters out more blue light in sunlight at low sun angles. As the sun sets, the amount of blue light and brightness decreases. This blue light component is responsible for making us feel awake and energetic. Bright white light stimulates various metabolic processes.
Sunlight Affects our Hormonal Balance
Above all, it affects our hormonal balance. It inhibits the production of melatonin and simultaneously stimulates the production of serotonin. Melatonin is the sleep hormone. It makes us feel tired. As the sun sets and the blue light component in the light decreases, it signals the body to produce more melatonin to induce rest. Serotonin, on the other hand, is also known as the happiness hormone. It promotes positive mood and well-being. When the blue light component in the light increases, it signals the body to produce more serotonin.
So light largely determines our internal clock and mood. Brightness and light color play a crucial role in how we feel and whether our rhythm is balanced.
Our tip: Avoid using mobile phone or computer screens and televisions in the evening. They emit bright light with a high blue component and often disrupt sleep.
Showering with Light - The Daylight Lamp as Light Therapy Device
The light from normal lamps is not powerful enough and therefore unsuitable for effectively influencing our hormone balance. In medicine, daylight lamps are now used for light showers. In this form of light therapy, one exposes oneself to the bright light of a daylight lamp for a certain period of time.
A light shower is used for various purposes. It helps restore the rhythm in case of sleep disorders. It provides relief for headaches or migraines and also significantly improves mood in cases of depressive moods. For maximum effect, it should be done daily.
What type of light bulbs are used in daylight lamps?
Various types of lamps are used as light sources. Incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes, or halogen lamps are common. However, there are now also LED lights that are capable of simulating daylight. These are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan. Conventional lamps are often offered with a conversion filter that filters out specific light colors.
How Bright Should a Lamp be for a Light Shower?
Daylight lamps with an illuminance of 2,500 lux or higher are used for light therapy. Most available daylight lamps emit 10,000 lux. For comparison: On a clear sunny day, the illuminance is about 100,000 lux. On an average gray autumn day, it is still 7,000 lux, while in an office it is at most 500 lux. In addition to brightness, the duration of the application is crucial for success. The general rule is: the brighter the lamp, the shorter the duration of illumination.
Lux: This unit measures illuminance, i.e., how much light from a specific source reaches a specific surface. The distance to the light source always plays an important role.
What color temperature should daylight lamps and light alarms have?
The Kelvin value is crucial here. It should be at least 5,300 Kelvin. Lower values indicate warmer light with less blue content. The light loses its stimulating effect and becomes more comfortable. That is why, for example, light with a low Kelvin value is used in bedrooms and living rooms. In workspaces, on the other hand, light with a high Kelvin value should always illuminate the room. In addition, a daylight lamp is recommended as a desk lamp. This way, you can be productive while undergoing treatment.
Kelvin: This term indicates the color of light. A lower Kelvin value means warm, reddish light, while the light becomes colder and whiter as the Kelvin value increases.
When and for how long should the treatment be performed?
A light shower is recommended, for example, in the morning, right after waking up. It helps to wake up faster and increase energy levels. Light therapy is also a suitable method for so-called winter depressions (also known as winter blues) that typically occur in the period between September and February for many people.
The duration of the treatment with a 10,000 lux lamp should be approximately 30 - 40 minutes. It is important to maintain the correct distance to the lamp. Ideally, you should sit about 20 - 25 centimeters in front of the lamp. Increasing the distance will result in a longer treatment duration.
Daylight Lamps as Light Alarms
When we sleep outside at night, we are awakened the next day by the light of the sun and the sounds around us. However, we rarely sleep outside. Usually, we lie blissfully in our warm and soft beds until the alarm clock rudely wakes us up. Whether it's the classic shrill bell or a modern favorite song on the smartphone.
If you want to be awakened naturally, a light alarm clock is a good choice. Also known as a wake-up light, it simulates the sunrise and sunset. It gently accompanies you to sleep, and when you have to get up, you won't feel the urge to "turn it off" with a hammer. Additionally, many light alarm clocks have the ability to play favorite music via MP3.
Brighten up your life with a daylight lamp or a daylight alarm clock from Medicalcorner24®. Now simply and conveniently buy a daylight lamp in our online shop!
