How melanopic workplace lighting influences our biological rhythm
In a productive work environment, having enough light for visibility and task performance isn’t the full story. Great lighting not only helps employees see better but also supports their natural biological rhythm. The melanopic effect plays a crucial role in this. When the right melanopic lighting is used in offices and meeting spaces, employees experience improved visual comfort, greater overall well-being, and enhanced alertness, creativity, and productivity.
Photopic vs. melanopic lux
Light is measured in lumens and lux. Lumens refer to the total light output of a source, while lux measures the amount of light that actually reaches a workspace, like a desk. Different types of lux serve different purposes. Traditionally, lux refers to photopic lux, which measures the amount of light needed for good visibility and task execution. Melanopic lux, on the other hand, refers to the biological effect of light on our body.
Supporting your biological rhythm
Our eyes are equipped with three types of light-sensitive receptors: rods, cones, and photosensitive group of nerve cell bodies. While rods and cones handle visual perception, photosensitive cells regulate our biological clock. The amount and type of light we’re exposed to significantly impact our body’s rhythm. Cool white light, with its blue tones, simulates a bright morning sky, promoting the production of cortisol. a hormone that wakes us up and increases energy, alertness, and productivity. In contrast, warmer yellow light encourages relaxation and calm.
By gradually transitioning from cool white light (6000 Kelvin) in the morning to warm white light (2700 Kelvin) later in the day, employees start their workday more energized and finish it feeling relaxed. This light shift supports better sleep, so they wake up refreshed and ready to take on the next day.
Lighting that boosts productivity
Our bodies thrive on routine, and lighting that follows the right melanopic intensity supports this rhythm, making it especially effective in spaces where people spend long periods of time and need to stay productive, like offices and meeting rooms. Melanopic lighting enhances biological alignment much like Human-Centric Lighting, but goes a step further by factoring in the radiation angle. An ideal viewing angle of up to 90° helps prevent glare and discomfort, ensuring optimal focus.
To meet these needs, Tronix Lighting has developed tuneable panels with a Unified Glare Rating (UGR) of less than 19, offering a perfect balance of comfort and productivity.
Curious about how these products could fit into a melanopic lighting plan? Visit our showroom in Uden or reach out to our lighting specialists at sales@tronixlighting.com or +31 413 330 380 for more information.
Overview
