Light and Health

The biological effect the sun has on the human body is extraordinary. Humans function on a circadian rhythm which can be explained as a daily cycle in which the rise and setting of the sun prompts sleeping and awakening. From reading New York Times article, I found it fascinating that when day light savings occur, whether we lose an hour or gain an hour, our "...body's internal clock...does not adjust." SAD, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a condition that is prompted by inadequate or insufficient amounts of light. The majority of cases of SAD occur during the winter season as the days are shorter with less exposure to daylight. Symptoms of this disorder include depression, increased appetite, increased daytime sleepiness, and lethargic movement. One of the treatments for this disorder is light therapy, which utilizes a fluorescent light to mimic the sun. I was already familiar with light treatment because my mom came across a family selling one of these lamps at a garage sell and inquired what it was for. The family selling it had moved from Alaska where they experienced prolonged periods of time where there would be limited, to no exposure to the sun. All the family testified to feeling some of the affects of SAD, and found the light treatment very beneficial.

Although SAD is a common disorder attributed to lack of sunlight exposure, it is not the only health related concern. From reading the article from Informe Design, I learned that people who work night shifts have a greater percentage of cancer cases. Hearing reports like these makes me think about what other health effects there are that are undiscovered. As designers, I find that it is of great importance to understand both the psychological and biological effects the sun and lighting has on the body and the built environment. It is an intriguing thought that as designers we can prevent some of these negative health effects. With further understanding and awareness perhaps further efforts will be made to create designs that will facilitate the appropriate amount of life that will promote and maintain good health.