RESEARCH ON CIRCADIAN LIGHTING IN SCHOOLS

Light is the most powerful synchroniser of the human circadian clock. The timing of light exposure affects how circadian rhythms align with the environment, impacting sleep, wakefulness, and overall well-being.

Effects of light exposure:

• Late evening light delays circadian rhythms, leading to later sleep and wake times.
• Early morning light advances rhythms, causing earlier sleep and wake times.

Role of blue light:

• Blue light, which is prevalent in sunlight, regulates mood and emotional responses.
• A study from Thomas Jefferson University found blue light strengthens brain connections linked to emotion and language, helping people better handle emotional challenges and regulate moods.

Seasonal effects and indoor lighting:

• As natural blue light is absorbed more in summer and less in winter, researchers suggest adding blue light to indoor environments can boost mood and productivity year-round.

Artificial lighting's short history:

• Humans have only recently been exposed to artificial light, and much of it has failed to replicate the natural light experience our bodies are programmed for.
• Research shows that circadian lighting can significantly improve student performance compared to traditional lighting setups in schools.

Long-term health benefits:

• Professor Mariana Figueiro emphasises that aligning our light exposure with natural cycles can improve sleep, mood, and overall well-being. Circadian lighting boosts immediate performance and offers students lasting health benefits by syncing their biological clocks with natural light patterns.

Light's immediate effects:

• Figueiro also points out that light has an acute alerting effect, similar to a cup of coffee, helping with morning energy levels and combating the post-lunch dip.

Daylight and learning:

• A 2003 study by the Heschong Mahone Group found that classrooms with abundant daylight improved learning rates by 21%, proving daylight's critical role in student performance.

Tailored lighting for optimal performance:

• Research from the Netherlands (2011) demonstrated that increasing illuminance levels and adjusting colour temperatures positively influenced pupils' concentration and cognitive performance. These findings underline the importance of adaptable lighting that can be tailored to different activities throughout the day.

Dynamic lighting in classrooms:

• A study from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology found that students in classrooms with 6500K (cool bluish-white) lighting performed better on tests compared to those under standard fluorescent lighting.
• Warm lighting (3500K) provided a relaxing environment for breaks, while cool lighting (6500K) supported focus and concentration during academic tasks.

Visual and performance improvements:

• A 2015 study by Kazan State University found a 20% improvement in task speed and reduced errors when students were exposed to cooler lighting (5800K). Warmer lighting (2800K) had a relaxing effect, demonstrating how different lighting types impact mood and performance.

Circadian lighting as an investment:

• Adopting circadian lighting is an enhancement and a necessary upgrade for schools looking to future-proof their learning environments. It aligns with modern sustainability goals, enhances student performance, and contributes to better long-term health outcomes, making it a wise investment for educational institutions.

Philips SchoolVision study:

• A Philips study in Germany applied controllable lighting systems in schools, allowing teachers to choose different light settings based on the time of day:
  • Normal: Standard brightness for regular lessons.
  • Focus: Cool, intense light for concentration during tests.
  • Energy: Very cool, high-intensity light to keep students alert.
  • Calm: Warm light to help calm hyperactive classes.

Proven results:

• The study showed dramatic improvements in student performance:
  • 35% increase in reading speed.
  • 45% reduction in errors.
  • 76% decrease in hyperactive behaviour.

Further validation from City University London:

• City University London's study using D2 Test Trials showed that students in SchoolVision classrooms improved their scores by up to 40 points, while the control group saw no improvement. These results reinforce the effectiveness of dynamic lighting systems in boosting concentration and cognitive function.

Expert opinion on tailored learning:

• Dr Efrosyni Konstantinou from City University London highlights that tailored lighting environments are ideal for addressing diverse learning needs. Adjustable systems can enhance concentration, mood, and overall classroom performance, demonstrating that flexible lighting solutions will play a key role in the future of education.

Alex Russell, Epsom, and Ewell High School's Head said: "Our aim is to offer our pupils and parents the best teachers, the best content, and the best environment. The new lighting has changed the environment in two of our classrooms quickly and dramatically. The results from the study speak for themselves, and the feedback from pupils and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. This is the kind of lighting solution that is needed in all schools across the country." 

Dr. Efrosyni Konstantinou from City University London's Centre for Performance at Work highlights that, more than anything, different students have different learning needs. "An adjustable, flexible lighting system that can be modified to facilitate the diverse preferences of the students is ideal for improved learning in the classroom. Overall, in qualitative interviews, both students and teachers noted how the lighting changes positively impacted the mood in the classroom. The benefits associated with the different SchoolVision lighting settings included better concentration, increased alertness, enhanced efficiency, and a calmer mood, which indicate that the SchoolVision can be the beginning of a new way of teaching and learning for future student generations," concludes Dr Konstantinou. 

Conclusion: Multiple studies have shown that circadian lighting principles significantly benefit schools. By improving concentration, alertness, and student behaviour while promoting better health and well-being, these adaptable lighting systems have the potential to revolutionise classroom environments across the country.

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