scholarly journals Towards a wearable sensor for spectrally-resolved personal light monitoring

2021 ◽  
Vol 2042 (1) ◽  
pp. 012120
Author(s):  
Forrest Simon Webler ◽  
Giorgia Chinazzo ◽  
Marilyne Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Light Exposure ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Lighting Conditions ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Spectrally Resolved ◽  
Spectral Sensing ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Potential Use

Abstract Given the large impact that the spectrum and intensity of light can have on people's health and well-being, it is of fundamental importance to understand the properties of light received under normal living conditions. Historically, as research into the biological responses of light has traditionally focused on laboratory studies with controlled lighting conditions, little is known about people's light exposure outside of experimental environments. Spectrace is the first wearable compressive spectrometer designed for continuous spectral light tracking in everyday environments. This paper presents the sensor and its evaluation based on wearability considerations and three performance criteria: 1) its accuracy (in terms of spectral sensing capability), 2) its reliability (notably as far as directional response is concerned), and 3) its adaptability to the large dynamics of ambient conditions. Results show the potential use of the newly developed sensor for chronobiological studies and beyond.

scholarly journals Seasonal Differences in Light Exposure and the Associations With Health and Well-Being in Older Adults: An Exploratory Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 64-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Nioi ◽  
Jenny Roe ◽  
Alan Gow ◽  
David McNair ◽  
Peter Aspinall
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Older People ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Health And Well Being

Objective: This article reports summer verses winter seasonal variations across a suite of blue light, illuminance levels and health and well-being indicators. Background: The quality of lighting in care homes has been assessed previously, yet seasonal comparisons and the associations with sleep quality are limited. This exploratory study investigates light exposure in two seasons to determine the changes over time and the associations with health and well-being. Methods: In a repeated measures design, 16 older people (aged 72–99 years) living in a care home had their personal light exposure and sleep/wake patterns monitored for 4 days. Cognitive ability, mental well-being, daytime physical activity, and visual function were assessed. Mean light levels at preset times across the day, duration in light exposure over 1,000 lux, and sleep parameters were computed. Statistical investigations included correlations exploring associations and paired means tests to detect the changes between seasons. Results: The mean morning illuminance level in summer was 466 lux and 65 lux in winter. Duration in bright light over 1,000 lux was 46 min in summer and 3 min in winter. Light measures were significantly higher in summer. There was no statistical difference in sleep quality parameters between seasons, but there were significant difference in daytime physical activity level (i.e., this was higher in summer). Conclusion: The findings indicate low level of light exposures experienced in both seasons, with exposure levels being particularly low in winter. This provides new insights into the limited amount of light older people receive independent of season and the possible impacts on sleep and daytime physical activity level.

scholarly journals The phantom chorus: birdsong boosts human well-being in protected areas

2020 ◽  
Vol 287 (1941) ◽  
pp. 20201811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle M. Ferraro ◽  
Zachary D. Miller ◽  
Lauren A. Ferguson ◽  
B. Derrick Taff ◽  
Jesse R. Barber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Other ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Sensory Modalities ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Avian Biodiversity ◽  
Health And Well Being

Spending time in nature is known to benefit human health and well-being, but evidence is mixed as to whether biodiversity or perceptions of biodiversity contribute to these benefits. Perhaps more importantly, little is known about the sensory modalities by which humans perceive biodiversity and obtain benefits from their interactions with nature. Here, we used a ‘phantom birdsong chorus' consisting of hidden speakers to experimentally increase audible birdsong biodiversity during ‘on' and ‘off' (i.e. ambient conditions) blocks on two trails to study the role of audition in biodiversity perception and self-reported well-being among hikers. Hikers exposed to the phantom chorus reported higher levels of restorative effects compared to those that experienced ambient conditions on both trails; however, increased restorative effects were directly linked to the phantom chorus on one trail and indirectly linked to the phantom chorus on the other trail through perceptions of avian biodiversity. Our findings add to a growing body of evidence linking mental health to nature experiences and suggest that audition is an important modality by which natural environments confer restorative effects. Finally, our results suggest that maintaining or improving natural soundscapes within protected areas may be an important component to maximizing human experiences.

scholarly journals Light in the Senior Home: Effects of Dynamic and Individual Light Exposure on Sleep, Cognition, and Well-Being

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 557-576
Author(s):  
Myriam Juda ◽  
Teresa Liu-Ambrose ◽  
Fabio Feldman ◽  
Cristian Suvagau ◽  
Ralph E. Mistlberger
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Activity Rhythm ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lighting Condition ◽  
Pooled Data ◽  
Lighting Conditions ◽  
Nursing Home Patients ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
Rest Activity

Disrupted sleep is common among nursing home patients and is associated with cognitive decline and reduced well-being. Sleep disruptions may in part be a result of insufficient daytime light exposure. This pilot study examined the effects of dynamic “circadian” lighting and individual light exposure on sleep, cognitive performance, and well-being in a sample of 14 senior home residents. The study was conducted as a within-subject study design over five weeks of circadian lighting and five weeks of conventional lighting, in a counterbalanced order. Participants wore wrist accelerometers to track rest–activity and light profiles and completed cognitive batteries (National Institute of Health (NIH) toolbox) and questionnaires (depression, fatigue, sleep quality, lighting appraisal) in each condition. We found no significant differences in outcome variables between the two lighting conditions. Individual differences in overall (indoors and outdoors) light exposure levels varied greatly between participants but did not differ between lighting conditions, except at night (22:00–6:00), with maximum light exposure being greater in the conventional lighting condition. Pooled data from both conditions showed that participants with higher overall morning light exposure (6:00–12:00) had less fragmented and more stable rest–activity rhythms with higher relative amplitude. Rest–activity rhythm fragmentation and long sleep duration both uniquely predicted lower cognitive performance.

scholarly journals A pragmatic effectiveness randomized controlled trial of duration of psychiatric hospitalization in a trans-diagnostic sample of patients with acute mental illness admitted to a ward with either blue depleted evening lighting or normal lighting conditions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Scott ◽  
Knut Langsrud ◽  
Daniel Vethe ◽  
Kaia Kjørstad ◽  
Cecilie Lund Vestergaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Exposure ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Acute Illness ◽  
Inpatient Unit ◽  
Illness Episode ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Lighting Conditions ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

Abstract Introduction There is increasing recognition of the need to stabilize sleep-wake cycles in individuals with major mental disorders. As such, clinicians and researchers advocate for the use of interventions targeted at sleep and circadian dysrhythmias as an adjunct to the standard treatments offered for acute illness episodes of a broad range of diagnoses. To determine the trans-diagnostic generalizability of chronotherapy, we explore the benefits of admitting individuals with an acute illness episode to a psychiatric inpatient unit where changes in light exposure are integrated into the therapeutic environment. Methods A two-arm pragmatic effectiveness randomized controlled treatment trial, where individuals admitted for acute inpatient psychiatric care will be allocated to a ward with blue depleted evening light or to a ward with the same layout and facilities but lacking the new lighting technology. The trial will test whether the experimental lighting conditions offer any additional benefits beyond those associated with usual treatment in an acute psychiatric inpatient unit. The main objectives are to examine any differences between groups in the mean duration of hospitalization in days. Additional analyses will compare group differences in symptoms, functioning, medication usage, and side-effects and whether length of stay is associated with stability of sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms. Ancillary investigations will determine any benefits according to diagnostic subgroups and potential drawbacks such as any adverse effects on the well-being of professionals working across both wards. Discussion This unit offers a unique opportunity to explore how exposure to different lighting conditions may modify sleep-wake cycles and how any changes in sleep-wake cycle may impact on the clinical and functional outcomes of individuals experiencing an acute episode of a severe mental disorder that requires inpatient care. The findings could influence the future design of hospital units offering care to patients with mental or physical disorders. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03788993, retrospectively registered Dec 28th 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03788993.

scholarly journals A pragmatic effectiveness randomized controlled trial of duration of psychiatric hospitalization in a trans-diagnostic sample of patients with acute mental illness admitted to a ward with either blue depleted evening lighting or normal lighting conditions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Scott ◽  
Knut Langsrud ◽  
Daniel Vethe ◽  
Kaia Kjørstad ◽  
Cecilie Lund Vestergaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Exposure ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Acute Illness ◽  
Inpatient Unit ◽  
Illness Episode ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Lighting Conditions ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

Abstract Introduction There is increasing recognition of the need to stabilize sleep-wake cycles in individuals with major mental disorders. As such, clinicians and researchers advocate for the use of interventions targeted at sleep and circadian dysrhythmias as an adjunct to the standard treatments offered for acute illness episodes of a broad range of diagnoses. To determine the trans-diagnostic generalizability of chronotherapy, we explore the benefits of admitting individuals with an acute illness episode to a psychiatric inpatient unit where changes in light exposure are integrated into the therapeutic environment. Methods A two-arm pragmatic effectiveness randomized controlled treatment trial, where individuals admitted for acute inpatient psychiatric care will be allocated to a ward with blue depleted evening light or to a ward with the same layout and facilities but lacking the new lighting technology. The trial will test whether the experimental lighting conditions offer any additional benefits beyond those associated with usual treatment in an acute psychiatric inpatient unit. The main objectives are to examine any differences between groups in the mean duration of hospitalization in days. Additional analyses will compare group differences in symptoms, functioning, medication usage, and side-effects and whether length of stay is associated with stability of sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms. Ancillary investigations will determine any benefits according to diagnostic subgroups and potential drawbacks such as any adverse effects on the well-being of professionals working across both wards. Discussion This unit offers a unique opportunity to explore how exposure to different lighting conditions may modify sleep-wake cycles and how any changes in sleep-wake cycle may impact on the clinical and functional outcomes of individuals experiencing an acute episode of a severe mental disorder that requires inpatient care. The findings could influence the future design of hospital units offering care to patients with mental or physical disorders. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03788993, retrospectively registered Dec 28th 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03788993.

A field test of a simplified method of estimating circadian stimulus

2021 ◽  
pp. 147715352110446
Author(s):  
S Babilon ◽  
S Beck ◽  
TQ Khanh
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Lighting Conditions ◽  
Simplified Method ◽  
Indoor Lighting ◽  
First Time ◽  
Health And Well Being

Residents of nursing homes often have a very limited access to natural daylight, which is the main environmental cue for circadian entrainment that usually cannot be compensated by standard indoor lighting. For the development of adequate modernization strategies with regard to a more human-centred lighting approach, reliable field measurements of the circadian effectiveness of the prevalent lighting conditions are required. To ease the task for the lighting practitioner, our lab recently developed a simplified method of estimating the biologically meaningful circadian stimulus (CS) metric using standard measurement equipment. In this work, the proposed method is applied for the first time in field measurements to assess the circadian effectiveness of the indoor light conditions including daylight entry of a nursing home in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main area. Reference thresholds for low, moderate and high circadian stimuli derived from the literature were used for subsequent data analysis. Mostly, moderate to rather low CS values were found. It is concluded that the amount of circadian-effective light is insufficient to provoke proper circadian stimulation, which may lead to progressive circadian disruptions manifesting in adverse effects on the residents’ health and well-being. Further evidence is provided that the insufficient-lighting-situation in nursing homes is a serious problem in long-term care and needs urgent consideration in health policy.

scholarly journals Recommendations for Healthy Daytime, Evening, and Night-Time Indoor Light Exposure

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Brown ◽  
George Brainard ◽  
Christian Cajochen ◽  
Charles Czeisler ◽  
John Hanifin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Exposure ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lighting Design ◽  
Measured Quantity ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Night Time ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Design And Practice ◽  
Health And Well Being

Ocular light exposure has important influences on human health and well-being through modulation of circadian rhythms and sleep, as well as neuroendocrine and cognitive functions. Current patterns of light exposure do not optimally engage these actions for many individuals, but advances in our understanding of the underpinning mechanisms and emerging lighting technologies now present opportunities to adjust lighting to promote optimal physical and mental health and performance. A newly developed, SI-compliant standard provides a way of quantifying the influence of light on the intrinsically photosensitive, melanopsin-expressing, retinal neurons that mediate these effects. The present report provides recommendations for lighting, based on an expert-scientific consensus and expressed according to this new measurement standard. These recommendations are supported by a comprehensive analysis of the sensitivity of human ‘non-visual’ responses to ocular light, are centred on an easily measured quantity (melanopic equivalent daylight (D65) illuminance), and provide a straightforward framework to inform lighting design and practice.

Diet Quality, a Term Subject to Change over Time

2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 144-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Elmadfa ◽  
Alexa L. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Diet Quality ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Quality Factors ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Quality Diet ◽  
Important Quality ◽  
Health And Well Being

A high-quality diet is one of the foundations of health and well-being. For a long time in human history, diet was chiefly a source of energy and macronutrients meant to still hunger and give the strength for work and activities that were in general much harder than nowadays. Only few persons could afford to emphasize enjoyment. In the assessment of quality, organoleptic properties were major criteria to detect spoilage and oxidative deterioration of food. Today, food hygiene is a quality aspect that is often taken for granted by consumers, despite its lack being at the origin of most food-borne diseases. The discovery of micronutrients entailed fundamental changes of the concept of diet quality. However, non-essential food components with additional health functions were still barely known or not considered important until recently. With the high burden of obesity and its associated diseases on the rise, affluent, industrialized countries have developed an increased interest in these substances, which has led to the development of functional foods to optimize special body functions, reduce disease risk, or even contribute to therapeutic approaches. Indeed, nowadays, high contents of energy, fat, and sugar are factors associated with a lower quality of food, and products with reduced amounts of these components are valued by many consumers. At the same time, enjoyment and convenience are important quality factors, presenting food manufacturers with the dilemma of reconciling low fat content and applicability with good taste and appealing appearance. Functional foods offer an approach to address this challenge. Deeper insights into nutrient-gene interactions may enable personalized nutrition adapted to the special needs of individuals. However, so far, a varied healthy diet remains the best basis for health and well-being.

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