Human Centric Lighting — A Breakthrough Concept and Technology

Eric Cleveland

2 min readFeb 25, 2019

This is part 2 of a 3-part series: “A Brief Introduction to Human Centric Lighting”.

Part 1: The Role of Natural Light in Human Society

Part 2: Human Centric Lighting — A Breakthrough Concept and Technology

Part 3 — The Science Behind Human Centric Lighting (and recent studies as of 2019)

What is Human Centric Lighting? A Definition

Human Centric Lighting is LED technology that integrates nature’s design into lighting. It simulates the natural daylight cycle — sunrise and sunset — and its impact on our biological circadian rhythm.

This profound effect on our circadian rhythm is achieved through seamless and automated adjustment of color temperature wavelength (2700K to 6500K), intensity dimming (0–10V), and use of sensors and intelligent lighting controls.

Due to its impact on our physiology, Human Centric Lighting is also known as Circadian Lighting or Biodynamic Lighting.

Real-World Benefits and Practical Application of Human Centric Lighting

The purpose of Human Centric Lighting is not only to regulate our biological circadian rhythm, but to take advantage of it, enhancing our performance and productivity while benefitting our health, sleep, and overall mood.

Case studies throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia have demonstrated significant benefits from the technology (see Part 3 for a list of recent accredited studies).

In commercial applications, employees have shown increased productivity, energy, and work satisfaction.

In healthcare applications, patients sleep better and recover quicker, and nurses and doctors have increased energy and visual task performance during shift work.

In education applications, students are more attentive throughout the day, making learning more effective.

In Part 3, we’ll discuss the science and research behind Human Centric Lighting.