Another term used to describe Human Centric lighting is Circadian Rhythm lighting, meaning a lighting solution that considers the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioural changes that follow a daily cycle, this pattern is followed by most things that live on our planet. Most organisms, from plants and animals, all the way down to microbes respond to the presence or absence of light in their environment. However, humans are the only species that try to live in a manner contrary to the natural balance of night and day.
A Human Centric Lighting solution is designed with the ability to control the intensity of the light and also the colour temperature at particular times. On a very basic level, human centric lighting strategically controls blue wavelengths, which are beneficial during daylight hours because they boost attention, reaction times and mood. The ‘blue light’ can be utilised more during daytime hours and transitioning to a more ‘warm light’ as the day time ends, simulating the natural cycle of the day. Being asleep at night and being awake during the day is a simple example of a light-related circadian rhythm.
Designers and specifiers are now considering the circadian rhythm when choosing the lighting for many office lighting applications and increasingly home application due to more and more people working from home.
A number of RICOMAN luminaires feature tunable white light engines, which when connected to controls are able to follow a pre-set pattern of colour temperature change. Other Ricoman luminaires feature a simple RF remote control for simple adjustment of colour temperature and dimming levels. This can help to mimic our natural outdoor environment. As lighting manufacturers, we are passionate about not just well-lit spaces, but the use of the best lighting solution for an environment.