When we think of wellness lighting, we often consider its effects on humans—helping us combat seasonal gloom, reducing blue light exposure, and promoting relaxation and better sleep. But what if the right kind of light could do the same for our pets? As it turns out, our four-legged friends also benefit from a soothing glow, just like we do!

One pet owner recently shared her experience with NorbRELIEF LEAF, a soft green-toned wellness bulb, and its surprising effect on her dogs. Every evening, as she settles in at her computer under the glow of the Relief light, her two dogs immediately claim their favorite spots nearby. It’s as if they are drawn to the light like moths to a flame—or, in this case, to a peaceful forest retreat!

A Soothing Glow for Anxious Pups

Meet Chili Dawg, a rescue Dalmatian with a history of obesity, anxiety, and restlessness. Since joining her new home, Chili has struggled to adjust to a structured diet and a new routine. But one unexpected comfort has been NorbRELIEF LEAF. Instead of pacing the house, Chili now spends her evenings lounging in the calming green glow, reclining peacefully on the couch. Her fur sibling, Dancer, a 12-year-old pup, also enjoys the light—falling into a deep, restful sleep during their nightly “forest bathing” sessions.

Why Green Light?

While dogs may not see colors the same way humans do, they do perceive certain wavelengths of light differently. Green light, like that emitted by NorbRELIEF LEAF, seems to have a calming effect—helping pets feel secure and relaxed. For anxious pups and cats, especially those sensitive to thunderstorms or environmental stress, this kind of lighting could be a game-changer.

Wellness Lighting for Rescues and Shelters

Rescue animals, in particular, often arrive in new homes with a history of stress or trauma. Providing a soothing, predictable environment can make all the difference in their adjustment. Soft, calming lighting—paired with patience and care—might help these animals settle into their forever homes with greater ease. Imagine the impact of wellness lighting in animal shelters, where nervous pets await adoption in unfamiliar surroundings!

A Light for Every Member of the Family

The NorbRELIEF LEAF was originally chosen by Chili’s human to help counteract blue light exposure from technology and promote better sleep. But it turns out the benefits extend to every member of the household—both two-legged and four-legged. Whether it’s helping a rescue dog relax, improving sleep quality, or simply creating a cozy atmosphere, this special green glow is making a difference in ways no one expected.

So, if you’re looking for a simple way to add a little more peace and comfort to your home—for you and your pets—consider trying wellness lighting. Your furry friends might just thank you with a contented sigh and a restful snooze under the glow of their own little forest retreat.

93% of our lives are spent indoors, and this percentage continues to rise as we age. For those living in senior housing, getting outside to receive exposure to natural light becomes increasingly difficult—especially during Michigan’s long winter months. This lack of sunlight can disrupt our biological clocks, or sleep-wake cycles, which are essential for maintaining healthy, restful sleep.

Norb Wellness Lighting can help! Light plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep, mood, and energy levels, and Norb Wellness Lighting provides an easy and effective way to restore balance with NorbSLEEP and NorbSMILE bulbs.

Why Light Matters for Sleep

Circadian rhythms control sleep, mood, and energy. As we age and spend more time indoors, these rhythms can be disruptive, making it harder to get quality rest. Light exposure helps regulate this cycle, telling the body when to be alert and when to wind down.

NorbSLEEP: Better Nights

NorbSLEEP bulbs emit a soft, white light with a low-blue spectrum, helping to support natural melatonin production—an essential hormone for achieving restful sleep. Unlike traditional bulbs that can disrupt sleep cycles, NorbSLEEP creates a calming environment that’s ideal for bedrooms, desk lamps, and evening use.

In addition, NorbSLEEP maintains a nearly perfect Color Rendering Index (CRI) score of 97/100, which means that the colors around you stay true and natural, allowing you to enjoy your evening without distortion or eye-strain. Whether you’re reading, knitting, or simply relaxing, this light provides the right brightness to support a peaceful and restful atmosphere.

NorbSMILE: Brighter Days

Good sleep is important, but so is feeling energized during the day. NorbSMILE mimics natural daylight, boosting alertness and mood. Using NorbSMILE in the morning and throughout the day can help seniors stay focused and maintain a steady sleep-wake cycle. For optimal results, NorbSMILE lights are best paired with NorbSLEEP in a space, creating a balanced lighting routine that promotes both restful nights and active, productive days.

Benefits of Norb Wellness Lighting

With Norb Lighting, seniors in Heritage Senior Communities can enjoy:

• Better sleep quality
• Fewer night-time awakenings
• More daytime energy
• Improved mood and well-being
• More regulated circadian rhythm

Beyond sleep support, Norb Wellness Lighting also offers solutions for other wellness needs. NorbRELIEF, for example, provides specialized lighting to help alleviate headaches, migraines and light sensitivity, and pain associated with neuropathy.

By using the right lighting, seniors can achieve more restful nights and brighter days. Wellness Lighting provides a simple way to enhance daily life, ensuring relaxation at night and energy during the day. Learn more at NorbLighting.com

Winter is a challenging time to stay active and motivated, especially when it’s too cold or dreary to head outdoors. Exercise rooms and gyms become an essential space for maintaining physical and mental well-being during these months. But did you know that the type of lighting in these spaces can make a big difference in how you feel and perform?

Energize Your Workout with Wellness Lighting Solutions

At Norb Lighting, we understand the power of light. That’s why we’ve developed our full-spectrum, sunlike light bulbs that mimic light found in nature, NorbSMILE and NorbEVERYDAY-SUN, to bring the benefits of natural sunlight indoors. These lights are perfect for exercise rooms and gyms, helping you stay energized and motivated, even on the gloomiest winter days.

Why Lighting Matters in Your Workout Space

During the winter, cloudy skies and shorter days mean less exposure to natural sunlight. This lack of light can contribute to the “winter blues” or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and makes it harder to stay motivated. In fact, 93% of our lives are spent indoors, and that percentage only increases during winter. Can you believe that?!

NorbSMILE and NorbEVERYDAY-SUN are designed to combat the winter blues by mimicking the benefits of sunlight. Here’s how they can transform your workout experience:

• Boost Energy Levels: These lights stimulate the body and mind, making it easier to find the energy to tackle your fitness goals.
• Enhance Motivation, Improve Mood and Mental Focus: Bright, clear, and nature-like lighting can help energize you and enhance focus. This is especially important if you exercise in the early morning.
• Better Visual Clarity: With a near-perfect CRI score of 96/100, full spectrum lighting provides a more balanced and uniform light that helps reduce eye strain.
• Support Morning Workouts: Struggling to wake up for an early-morning workout? NorbSMILE and NorbEVERYDAY-SUN provide the wake-up call you need to kickstart your day.
• Better Sleep: Pair with NorbSLEEP for evening use to regulate your sleep/wake cycle more naturally. You may also enjoy NorbSMART, an app-controlled light bulb that can be set to automatically change light spectra throughout the day – energize during the day, and calm at night.

Ideal for Exercise Rooms and Gyms

Whether you’re setting up a home gym or managing a commercial fitness space, Norb’s full-spectrum light bulbs are a smart choice. They provide bright, balanced illumination that reduces eye strain and creates an uplifting environment. Say goodbye to dim, uninspiring lighting and hello to a space that keeps you motivated year-round.

Don’t let winter weather hold you back from reaching your fitness goals. With NorbSMILE and NorbEVERYDAY-SUN, you can bring the benefits of natural sunlight into your exercise room or gym, helping you stay energized, focused, and on track.

Ready to upgrade your workout space? Explore our full range of wellness lighting at Norb Lighting and make this winter your healthiest yet.

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing the gift of wellness? Norb Light’s range of specialized wellness light bulbs makes for thoughtful gifts or an easy stocking stuffer that can brighten up anyone’s holiday season. Here’s a fun twist on the classic “12 Days of Christmas, starring 12 Norb Lighting products to inspire your gift-giving this season!

On the 1st Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… One NorbSMILE bulb, bringing joy all the while.

Give the gift of sunshine with NorbSMILE, a full-spectrum LED bulb that replicates natural daylight to boost mood and energy. Perfect for those short winter days!

On the 2nd Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Two NorbSLEEP bulbs for a good night’s sleep.

Help your loved ones unwind and sleep better with NorbSLEEP, a low-blue light bulb designed to promote relaxation and support the body’s natural sleep cycle. How does it work? It mimics the evening sun to help the body produce natural melatonin. Give the gift of sleep, I know we could all use more of it!

On the 3rd Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Three NorbBOTANIC grow lights for happy, healthy indoor plants.

Perfect for plant parents, these grow lights provide the optimal light spectrum to nourish indoor plants, ensuring a vibrant green space all year round. Enjoy happier, healthier plants, even during the cloudy, cold winter months!

On the 4th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Four NorbFOCUS lights for productivity.

Make work or study sessions more effective with NorbFOCUS. This bulb enhances concentration and helps reduce eye strain during long hours at the desk. The perfect stocking stuffer for your study buddy, college kid or WFH partner!

On the 5th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Five NorbSMART bulbs, like a work of art!

Smart lighting meets wellness with NorbSMART. These bulbs can be controlled via an app on your smartphone for the perfect lighting at any time, making life easier and brighter. This light can even be set to flash red and green to the beat of this song! And also comes with our best selling spectra all in one smart light.

On the 6th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Six NorbRELIEF bulbs for migraine haze.

Designed to ease headaches, migraines and light sensitivity, NorbRELIEF provides a soothing, green light that helps create a more comfortable environment. It also makes a great green atmosphere to bring the Christmas cheer!

On the 7th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Seven NorbSTAR lights for dreamy nights.

These gentle, star-infused lights are perfect for creating a calming atmosphere for kids and adults alike. The string lights add the perfect holiday sparkle to any room!

On the 8th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Eight NorbSTRING lights around my rooftop.

Add a festive glow to any space with NorbSTRING lights, perfect for decorating trees, mantles, houses, or patios during the holiday season. Available in solar or plug-in!

On the 9th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Nine NorbBEAUTY bulbs for radiancy.

Gift the perfect vanity lighting with NorbBEAUTY, designed to provide flattering, natural light that’s ideal for makeup application and skincare routines. You’ve never looked better at your Christmas party!

On the 10th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Ten NorbEVERYDAY-SUN bulbs for everyone.

Brighten everyday life with NorbEVERYDAY-SUN, a versatile bulb that provides full-spectrum light for any room in the house. Bring the sunshine indoors, everyday!

On the 11th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Eleven NorbCOZY bulbs, they are like a dream.

Create a warm, inviting atmosphere with NorbCOZY. These bulbs emit a soft, warm glow that’s perfect for relaxing nights at home. Similar to firelight!

On the 12th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Twelve NorbBUG-LITE bulbs for pest-free nights.

Keep the bugs away with NorbBUG-LITE. This unique amber spectrum light is designed to minimize insect attraction while providing pleasant outdoor lighting.

Celebrate the holidays with the gift of light and wellness! The Norb Lighting family are sure to make your loved ones feel appreciated, healthier, and happier in the new year. Visit Norb Lighting to find the perfect bulbs for everyone on your list!

Lights for growing plants date back to the early 20th century when incandescent and metal halide bulbs were used to grow plants indoors, particularly in winter. These early grow lights used a lot of energy, emitted a lot of heat, and provided a light spectrum that was less than ideal. The plants grew, but didn’t always thrive. More recently, the introduction of LEDs allowed for customizable light spectra, low energy use and minimal heat production. But these LED grow lights tended to be purple in color, as the plants were thought to use mostly red and blue wavelengths of light.  Such lights actually grew plants quite well, but were found to be unsuitable for lighting decorative plant-walls in offices, homes and hotel and business lobbies, due to their odd coloration. Because of this, Dave MacKenzie, founder of LiveWall, went on a quest to find a “white, sun-mimicking” grow light, and found that at the time, in 2010, such a light was illusive. But that didn’t mean that it couldn’t be made, and soon MacKenzie found a top notch lighting manufacturer to partner with, test different light spectra, and develop a simple solution.

Now, LiveWall products are almost exclusively illuminated with the NorbBOTANIC PAR38 16W light bulbs, which fit ordinary track fixtures, have a white sun mimicking spectrum, and do a great job of growing plants indoors. The term Norb Lighting was termed by MacKenzie to represent these products, with Norb being short for Nutri-Orb, acknowledging light as key to plant nutrition. Today, Norb Lighting, LLC is a stand alone business, providing grow lights as well as unique lights for human wellness (see NorbLighting.com).

Why Light Matters for Indoor Plants

Plants require light for photosynthesis, the process where light energy is converted to sugar, which powers the growth of plants. Without sufficient light or the right light spectrum, plants struggle to flourish, leading to poor growth, yellowing leaves, or even plant death. While natural sunlight provides the full spectrum plants need, it is often inaccessible indoors. This is where grow lights become essential for plant health. However, many traditional grow lights fall short in offering the precise spectrum that plants require, which is why NorbBOTANIC grow lights, especially the NorbBOTANIC PAR38 16W, offer a distinct advantage when paired with LiveWall.

The Science Behind NorbBOTANIC Grow Lights

NorbBOTANIC grow lights are specifically designed to mimic the natural sunlight spectrum that plants need to thrive. These lights go beyond typical LED grow lights, which often leave out important wavelengths to focus on general brightness rather than plant-specific light needs. The NorbBOTANIC PAR38 emits light wavelengths that support photosynthesis, providing a balanced spectrum that encourages robust growth, healthier leaves, and more vibrant flowers. Whether you’re cultivating herbs in your kitchen, tending to houseplants, or managing a larger indoor green wall installation, Norb offers the energy-efficient, high-quality light that plants need to thrive.

Why Norb Botanic is the Perfect Fit for LiveWall Installations

At LiveWall, we understand that creating beautiful vertical plant walls indoors comes with unique challenges. One of the most common hurdles is ensuring that plants receive consistent, high-quality lighting.

By incorporating NorbBOTANIC grow lights into your LiveWall installations, specifically the NorbBOTANIC PAR38 16W (which comes in a 15 or 30 degree bulb), you ensure that your indoor plants have a consistent light source that accurately replicates natural sunlight. Whether you’re working with living walls in offices, homes, or commercial spaces, these lights help your plants stay vibrant and healthy all year long, even in low-light conditions. The PAR38’s design, which is compatible with track and freestanding fixtures, also makes it ideal for architects and engineers who need visually-appealing, energy-efficient solutions for indoor green walls.

Create Your Ideal Indoor Garden with Norb Botanic Grow Lights

At LiveWall LLC, we believe in using the best products available to bring your indoor green spaces to life, which is why we recommend NorbBOTANIC grow lights as the best choice to complement our plant installations.

For architects and engineers who are tasked with lighting design, it’s important to note that Norb Wellness Lighting isn’t just a brand for plants, but also for human wellness! What began as a journey to develop the best-in-the-industry white LED grow light for the LiveWall line led Norb down a new path—the discovery that light also greatly affects human wellness. And, as biologists who care about people, Norb expanded its light bulb line into wellness lights for human needs as well. Check out the complete family of Norb Lighting at www.norblighting.com.

For more details about LiveWall installations and NorbBOTANIC grow lights, visit www.norblighting.com/botanic and www.livewall.com.

As we age, exposure to sunlight can have both positive and negative impacts on our health. While natural sunlight offers undeniable wellness benefits, it also poses significant risks, particularly for seniors. Understanding the delicate balance between these benefits and dangers is crucial to maintaining optimal health in older adults. Fortunately, with NorbSMILE and NorbEVERYDAY-SUN, Norb Wellness Lighting’s full-spectrum, sunlike wellness lightbulb, seniors can enjoy the advantages of sunlight safely—without exposing themselves to its harmful effects, like UV rays.

The Dangers of Sunlight for Seniors

1. Increased Risk of Skin Damage & Cancer – Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the primary cause of skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. Seniors are particularly vulnerable due to the cumulative effects of sun exposure over their lifetime.
   According to the American Academy of Dermatology, seniors face a higher risk of skin cancer, such as melanoma, making it essential to limit direct sun exposure. Even short bursts of sunlight can lead to long-term damage, especially in those with a history of excessive sun exposure.
2. Overheating & Dehydration – Older adults are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses because their bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature with age. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially during hotter months, can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke.
   Research from the University of Chicago highlights that seniors are at a greater risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly those who are living with chronic health conditions.
3. Excessive Glare & Eye Damage – Bright sunlight can cause discomfort and strain on aging eyes, and prolonged exposure to UV rays can accelerate the development of cataracts and other vision problems such as macular degeneration. Seniors are often more sensitive to sunlight and need extra protection to prevent further vision impairment.
   A study by Johns Hopkins University found that long-term exposure to UV rays increases the likelihood of developing cataracts, further emphasizing the need to avoid direct sunlight whenever possible.

The Benefits of Sunlight—and How NorbSMILE Offers a Safer Alternative

While sunlight does come with risks, its benefits are numerous—especially for seniors. With NorbSMILE, you can capture the positive aspects of natural sunlight indoors without exposing yourself to the harmful effects.

1. Better Sleep Patterns & Circadian Rhythm Support – Sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms, which controls sleep-wake cycles. However, too much light late in the day can disrupt sleep. NorbSMILE provides full-spectrum, sunlike light, helping to regulate circadian rhythms and support better sleep patterns. Seniors who incorporate sunlike lighting into their morning and afternoon routines can improve sleep quality.    Norb Wellness Lighting also provides a well-rounded solution with NorbSLEEP for the evening, which emits a spectrum specifically designed to support your body’s natural circadian rhythm by reducing blue light exposure in the evening. This helps signal to your brain that it’s time to rest, promoting better sleep.                                             Research by Stanford University highlights how consistent and carefully timed light exposure can improve sleep patterns in seniors. Using NorbSMILE during the day and NorbSLEEP in the evening can create a healthy balance, ensuring better-regulated circadian rhythms without the risks of UV exposure or overstimulation before bedtime.
2. Mood & Mental Health Boost – Sunlight naturally boosts serotonin production, which improves mood and reduces the risk of depression—an issue that often affects seniors. But seniors who avoid sunlight due to the risks of UV radiation can still achieve these mental health benefits by using NorbSMILE.
   NorbSMILE mimics the effects of natural sunlight, stimulating serotonin production and enhancing overall mental well-being. A study conducted by Brigham Young University demonstrated that seniors exposed to bright light had improved mood and lower rates of depression, similar to the results achieved through exposure to natural sunlight.
3. Reduced Eye Strain & Glare NorbSMILE bulbs provide superior visibility and color-rendering compared to traditional light sources, reducing glare and eye strain often caused by both natural sunlight and harsh indoor lighting. For seniors, this is especially important, as excessive glare can lead to eye health issues.
   By offering a truly full-spectrum light, NorbSMILE helps seniors maintain their vision health without the risks of excessive brightness or UV exposure.

NorbSMILE: A Brighter, Safer Way to Enjoy the Benefits of Sunlight

While natural sunlight offers numerous health benefits, it’s clear that the associated risks—especially for seniors—can be too dangerous to ignore. The good news is that with NorbSMILE and NorbEVERYDAY-SUN, you don’t have to compromise. Norb’s full-spectrum, sunlike lightbulb offers all the wellness benefits of natural sunlight, from mood enhancement to better sleep, without the dangers of UV radiation, overheating, or eye strain.

Seniors can now safely enjoy the positive effects of sunlight indoors, anytime and anywhere, while reducing the risks of skin damage, dehydration, and eye strain. NorbSMILE brings the sunlight inside, allowing seniors to live brighter, healthier lives without sacrificing safety.

Experience the wellness benefits of NorbSMILE today! Visit NorbLighting.com to learn more about how our full-spectrum lighting solutions can transform your living space and improve your overall well-being. Follow us on social media wellness to keep up with the latest wellness lighting posts at @norblighting.

References:

• American Academy of Dermatology. “Skin Cancer Risks for Older Adults.”
• University of Chicago. “Heat-Related Illnesses in the Elderly.”
• Johns Hopkins University. “UV Light Exposure and Eye Health.”
• University of California San Francisco. “Vitamin D and Bone Health.”
• Stanford University. “Light Exposure and Sleep Quality in Seniors.”
• Brigham Young University. “Sunlight and Mental Health in Seniors.”