Did you know 93% of our lives are spent indoors – in biological darkness, under unhealthy, energy draining lighting? It truly is a startling fact. As our time spent indoors and on technology are on the rise, so is the struggle with mental health. Mental illnesses are considered seemingly commonplace in the United States these days. We all know someone suffering, or are suffering ourselves. “It is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (57.8 million)… ranging from mild to moderate to severe.” This represents 22.8% of all adults in America. These two rising trends, time indoors and the prevalence of mental health disorders, although not a direct cause of one another, do strongly correlate.

With our indoor-centric lifestyles, the quality of lighting within our home and workplace can significantly impact our mental wellbeing. Lighting is a fundamental aspect of our environment that significantly influences our well-being, including our mental health. Artificial indoor lighting, often omitting an inadequate spectrum for human biology, can disrupt our natural sleep/wake rhythms and contribute to mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. However, emerging technologies like Norb Wellness Lighting, also known as wellness lighting or light therapy, offers a solution by replicating light spectra found in nature. Although we can’t promise that proper lighting, like Norb, will cure all such problems, it can most certainly alleviate the negative effects of improper indoor lighting on mental well-being.

The Detrimental Effects of Improper Indoor Lighting on Mental Health: Indoor lighting, when disbalanced in certain wavelengths of light, can disrupt the body’s internal clock and negatively affect mood and cognitive function. “Ideally, our biological rhythms would be in tune with the rhythm of the natural world, of days and nights. But artificial light has changed this. “With the flick of a switch, we can go from darkness to light,” Rahman says. And this has the potential to negatively impact our health because it goes against our evolution” (Rahman).

Prolonged exposure to improper artificial lighting has been linked to sleep disturbances, decreased serotonin levels, and increased risk of mood disorders.

Furthermore, the prevalence of blue light emitted by common LED lights, electronic devices and fluorescent lighting can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles. This blue-light disruption can lead to insomnia, fatigue, and mood instability, contributing to a decline in overall mental wellness.

Norb Wellness Lighting Can Help by Mimicking Nature’s Light: Norb Wellness Lighting represents a breakthrough in indoor lighting technology designed to mimic the natural light spectrum. By incorporating elements of nature in its lighting spectra, such as daytime sunlight, sunset, forest-bathing green light, and fire light, Norb Lighting emulates the lighting conditions found in nature. Therefore, Norb Lighting is human-centric made specifically with health and wellness in mind, by promoting harmony with our circadian rhythms and supporting mental well-being.

A more natural type of light is important for mental health, mood regulation and emotional stability. Norb Wellness Lighting harnesses this knowledge by delivering a full spectrum of lighting products that helps regulate sleep-wake patterns, enhance mood, naturally relieve pain, and improve cognitive function.

The Benefits of Norb Wellness Lighting for Mental Health:

1. Regulated Circadian Rhythms: By replicating the natural progression of light throughout the day, Norb Lighting helps regulate circadian rhythms, promoting healthy sleep-wake cycles and improving overall mood stability. We recommend the NorbSMILE, NorbEVERYDAY-SUN, NorbSLEEP and NorbSMART light for proper Circadian Rhythm regulation.
2. Improved Mood and Productivity: Exposure to NorbSMILE, NorbEVERYDAY-SUN, NorbBEAUTY, and NorbFOCUS can elevate mood, increase energy levels, and enhance cognitive performance, leading to greater productivity and emotional well-being.
3. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The soothing qualities of Norb Lights, reminiscent of lighting found in nature, can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
4. Natural Pain & Migraine Reliever: The soothing qualities of NorbRELIEF, NorbCOZY, NorbRELIEF LEAF, and NorbSMART, can be used to naturally relieve pain, and promote feelings of calm and relaxation.
5. Enhanced Visual Comfort: Norb Wellness Lighting provides optimal visual comfort and reduces eye strain associated with traditional indoor lighting.

Indoor lighting plays a significant role in shaping our mental health and well-being, with artificial lighting often falling short in providing the necessary elements for optimal psychological functioning. However, Norb Wellness Lighting offers a promising solution by simulating the natural light spectrum and supporting our innate connection to the sun.

By harnessing the power of Norb Wellness Lights to regulate circadian rhythms, elevate mood, and reduce stress, individuals can create environments that nurture mental wellness and promote overall health. As our understanding of the link between lighting and mental health continues to evolve, Norb Wellness Lighting stands at the forefront of innovative solutions, offering hope for a brighter, more illuminated future. It’s light changing!

Citations:

“Mental Illness.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP22-07-01-005, NSDUH Series H-57). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-annual-national-report

Contributor Shadab Rahman, PhD, MPH. How Does Indoor Lighting Impact Our Well-Being? | Goop, goop.com/wellness/health/how-lighting-impacts-our-well-being/