How lighting impacts mood and what mental health facilities should do about it.

Lighting plays a vital role in our psychological wellbeing. Quality lighting gives us a sense of depth, emphasis and color. It creates the atmosphere of the spaces we inhabit, which positively contributes to our mood. It helps patients to feel better and aids in the healing process. It also helps productivity for employees.

Because lighting helps to regulate our circadian rhythms, it also plays a crucial role in our physical wellbeing. Some physicians will even prescribe light therapy to alleviate seasonal affective disorder.

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Human Centric

Lighting that is designed from a human centric perspective, optimizes the relationship between people and the environment they inhabit. It takes into consideration how lighting affects mood and the impact it creates on both patients and employees who utilize the space. A top trend in healthcare lighting is to humanize the patient experience through evidence based design. For example, people respond positively to lighting from above.

Daylighting

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Research supports that daylight has the greatest positive affect on our mood. Daylighting is the practice of incorporating natural light into the space while at the same time controlling for glare. It is energy efficient to utilize as much natural lighting as possible during the day because less electrical light sources are needed.

Daylighting will also contribute to the psychological wellbeing of patients. Sundowning is something that happens to Alzheimers patients as the sun goes down in the afternoon and evening. They become more agitated and aggressive at the loss of daylight.

Daylight also improves visual acuity. It is especially important for long term care patients who spend most of their time indoors.

Layered Lighting and Controls

Incorporating a variety of light sources optimizes the usability of the space and provides greater control by its users. Consider general ambient lighting which lights the space overall and establishes the mood. Certain health care facilities will need a greater number of lumens depending on the tasks completed in the space. You can compliment the general lighting with decorative fixtures such as pendants as seen in the photo below.

Also consider providing adjustable task lighting for work surfaces that require high visual ability. Additionally, accent lighting such as wall washers are a great way to highlight artwork or other decorations.

Controls such as dimmers and timers will help provide greater energy efficiency. Giving patients dimming ability adds to a patient’s comfort.

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Skip the Fluorescents

In healthcare facilities, there has been a shift away from fluorescents and towards the use of LED’s. (Light-emitting diodes) LED’s are more energy efficient and generally provide a better ambiance for the space. They also maintain their color rendering quality overtime when compared to traditional fluorescent lighting.

LED’s are available in smaller sizes, which adds greater flexibility and design options.

LED’s are also easier to maintain because of their long life, so healthcare facilities can spend less time and money on maintenance.

When compared to incandescent lighting, LED’s generate less heat which can make a difference to comfort level in patient rooms.

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Natural Aesthetic

Healthcare and mental health facilities of all kinds, not just hospitals, can benefit from the calming affect of incorporating a more natural aesthetic into their lighting design. Rather than lighting a space with lamps that have a shiny chrome exterior, which is very modern, consider lamp fixtures that have a more natural look and feel.

This will increase a patients association with nature during their visit or hospital stay. This will help to create a more peaceful atmosphere.

For example, the Nelson Bubble lamps from Herman Miller provide nice accent lighting without distractions.

Skip the Exposed Bulbs

While exposed bulbs are very trendy right now in restaurants and residential design, they are not the best option for healthcare and mental health facilities.

Exposed bulbs can create a strong glare, making it difficult to see. They also have the affect of higher contrast in light levels for the naked eye, making it difficult for the eye to adjust to the room after looking at a lamp.

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Types of Lighting

The different types of lighting available include recessed lighting, surface-mounted, suspended and track lighting, and structurally integrated fixtures. Again, using a combination of different types of lighting creates a layered lighting plan which is ideal.

Structurally integrated lighting is especially beautiful in mental health facilities. It has a lower profile which emphasizes the architecture of the space and helps to create a peaceful environment. However, it can be more difficult to maintain and highlights imperfections in the walls nearby.

If you have a patterned surface or textures on a wall, consider grazing. Which means to place a light source near the surface or texture to create interest.

Other Design Factors

In general it’s good to note that shiny surfaces will reflect light more than matte finishes, making a room seem brighter.

Consider having enough light output for people with eye conditions so they can see properly. Especially in spaces that cater to elderly patients.

Check for sustainable options before deciding on lighting. This includes checking for high efficacy rating for bulbs and a longer life. Check for low mercury levels, which are toxic for the environment when bulbs break. Also look for flexible disposal options and reduce the use of nonrenewable resources. Lastly, make sure to recycle lamps.

Look for products with the energy star rating.

In spaces where seeing accurate color is important, you’ll want high color rendering of 90 or above.

We hope you enjoyed our design ideas for lighting your space. Are you ready to book your consultation? We can’t wait to start dreaming up design ideas for your healthcare or mental health facility.

Does your space create a warm and welcoming environment through lighting?

Book your free discovery call now and let’s discuss how we can design a mood enhancing space together.

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