Light and Older Adults

LRC researchers are studying issues that affect older adults, such as postural control and stability, light therapy for mitigating symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, rest/activity patterns of healthy adults vs. Alzheimer's patients, and lighting design for the aging eye.

Light and Adolescents

From testing the effects of light treatment devices for adolescents with delayed sleep disorder to quantifying the impact of light on adolescents to designing patterns to optimize daylight in schools, studies have demonstrated that we can promote circadian entrainment with the 24-hour solar day through lighting.

Light, Alertness, and Performance

Alertness has been shown to be strongly influenced by exposure to light. LRC research focuses better understanding the effects of light on alertness and performance during the day and at night.

Light at Night

There is growing interest in the role that light plays on human health, particularly nighttime exposure to short-wavelength light, which can affect sleep. The LRC has conducted research to better understand how much and what kind of light may affect biomarkers important for sleep.

The Daysimeter

A unique tool developed by the LRC for measuring personal circadian light exposure and daily rest and activity levels, the Daysimeter (and its smaller counterpart, the Daysimeter-D) has been successfully used to determine light's impact on the circadian system in a number of studies.

Additional Light and Health Research Projects

LRC researchers are taking a "multidisciplinary" approach to light and health research, applying what has been learned from prior research to modeling circadian entrainment, conducting animal studies, evaluating NICU standards, and determining the properties of spectral transmittance through the eyelids.

Light and Health Education

Education on the many ways in which light affects–and can be used to improve–health and wellbeing.

Lighting Patterns for Homes

The Lighting Patterns for Homes website is designed to assist visitors in selecting lighting technologies for residences that provides high quality and energy efficient lighting.

Download Circadian Stimulus Calculator