Circadian lighting
Evidence-based light for departments with round-the-clock activity.
Circadian lighting recreates the beneficial effects of natural daylight. The light changes automatically and seamlessly through the day, from a gentle sunrise through bright daylight to a blue-free night light that provides biological darkness without disrupting staff work.
Circadian lighting is a base illumination that changes automatically through the day. It mimics the natural progression of daylight: warm and low in the morning, cool and bright at midday, dimmed towards evening and blue-free at night.
The light is controlled automatically and moves in long, gradual transitions. You do not notice it changing, just as you do not notice it outdoors. That is precisely the point: the light should work, not be noticed.
The foundation is a clinically validated light protocol, based in part on research from Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. The programming is adapted to each department's diagnoses, workflows and rhythm.
The beneficial effects of natural light arise from the interplay between intensity, colour spectrum, duration, light history and timing. All five parameters must be right.
Gentle sunrise
The light rises slowly from early morning and signals the start of the day to the body clock. It creates the circadian anchoring that the rest of the day builds on.
Bright daylight
At midday a clear, cool light with high melanopic content is delivered. It gives body and brain energy and strengthens the amplitude of the circadian rhythm.
Blue-free night light
A warm, amber light from broad-spectrum amber diodes. It creates biological darkness without the blue tones that suppress melatonin, while still giving staff enough light to work.
Activity-based settings
Beyond the base illumination there are settings for specific tasks: medication rounds, morning care, evening routine and acute situations. One press switches to the right configuration.
Circadian lighting is a non-pharmacological intervention. The effect has been measured in clinical studies and confirmed in user surveys across Danish departments.
For patients and residents
- ↑ Improved circadian rhythm and deeper sleep
- ↑ More calm at night, less wandering
- ↑ Greater sense of security in their own room
- ↓ Less daytime fatigue
- ↓ Less physical and psychological agitation
- ↓ Reduced depression and anxiety
For staff
- ↑ Better sleep between shifts
- ↑ More energy and better concentration
- ↑ Improved working environment
- ↓ Less fatigue and grogginess after night shifts
- ↓ Fewer instances of headache
- ↓ Reduced sick leave
In circadian lighting the night light is central, and it is the technical crux. The task is to reconcile the patient's need for darkness with the staff's need to be able to work.
The solution is a broad-spectrum amber diode. It delivers a warm, amber light that is virtually free of blue wavelengths in the 440–490 nm range. That specific spectrum activates the melanopsin receptors in the eye and suppresses melatonin production. Without the blue tones the body perceives the light as darkness, while the eye can still see.
The practical consequence: a patient can keep the night light on all night for reassurance without affecting sleep. Staff can orient themselves, read monitors and carry out observations without switching on ceiling lights. And there is no jarring transition when someone enters the room.
We deliver comprehensive circadian lighting where visual, physiological and therapeutic needs are reconciled. The light protocol is adapted to the department's speciality, patient group and daily rhythm.
Hospitals
- Intensive care and recovery
- Rehabilitation and neurorehab
- Geriatrics
- Delivery rooms and neonatal
- Inpatient wards
Care homes
- Dementia units
- Resident apartments
- Corridors and common areas
- Sensory rooms
Psychiatry
- Patient rooms
- Common areas
- Sensory rooms
- Staff and duty rooms
We deliver both for renovation of existing departments and for complete new-build projects.
A lighting system is only as good as its controls. If staff do not understand the system, it gets switched off. That is why we build the interface together with the people who will use it.
Pre-programmed settings
One press switches the entire room to the right configuration. Icons and labels are adapted to the department's own language and workflows.
Central and local control
Operation from a wall panel in the room, from the duty room or centrally for the whole department, depending on what makes sense in practice.
Integration with other systems
Connects to BMS, nurse call, access control and screens, so the light is a natural part of the room's overall controls.
We are involved throughout, from the first needs assessment to fine-tuning after handover and ongoing service.
Needs assessment and advice
We map the department's rhythm, patient group and workflows. We then advise on which light protocol makes sense.
Technical design
We prepare lighting calculations, luminaire selection and control design in collaboration with consultants and contractors.
Integration
We map existing systems and ensure the lighting works with the rest of the technical installation.
Installation and commissioning
Installation, connection, technical review and start-up of the system.
Programming and calibration
Light settings are programmed and measured. We provide documentation that the system performs as designed.
Training and handover
Staff and technical department are trained. Manuals are provided in accessible form.
Follow-up and service
We follow up after handover, fine-tune the light and provide service throughout the system's lifetime.
Shall we talk about your lighting?
We always have a professionally grounded conversation before we recommend anything.
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