How the Temperature of Lighting Can Affect Your Mood

Most of our day-to-day lives are spent indoors under lights, especially after the last couple of years. Have you ever gone to another house and noticed their house’s lighting was much different than your own? Aside from the light fixtures themselves, there is a difference in the temperature of lights people use, from cool to warm. 

 

You may have heard that warm, yellowish light is more relaxing and inviting. This is true and is many people’s reason for using warm light in their homes. On the other hand, you’ll see bright and cool lights inside businesses, schools, and hospitals. But why does it matter, and just how much can lighting temperature affect our moods? Axiom Power is here to explain. 

The Science of Lighting 

 

Just how exactly could the tone of light affect the way you feel? To explain this, we’ll need to be familiar with two terms: serotonin and melatonin. These are both naturally produced hormones in our body that have differing functions. 

 

Serotonin & Melatonin 

 

Melatonin is important in controlling your sleep patterns; it is what makes us feel tired and heavily controls our sleep schedule. Although this is good, too much melatonin can decrease the levels of serotonin, our body's happiness hormone. Since these interact directly with each other's values, too much melatonin can cause drowsiness and depression. 

 

A healthy amount of serotonin helps regulate your mood and increases happiness, but an excess can increase anxiety.  

 

Serotonin and melatonin have a sort of yin yang relationship; you need proper levels of both to experience a positive mood and a healthy amount of sleep. 

 

So, How Do Lights Affect This? 

 

The lighting in a room can greatly affect each of these hormones’ production. As we mentioned, warm light is more relaxing, as it helps the body produce melatonin. This is why warm lights are often used in the home, or at fancy restaurants. 

 

Cool lights, however, are proven to increase your energy and alertness. You’ll find bright, cool lighting in nearly every business, especially places like hospitals. By increasing serotonin, cool lights can increase a person's mood and energy levels, perfect for someone looking to feel more refreshed at their home office. 

 

Different Types of Lightbulbs 

 

With the growth in popularity of LED bulbs, there are more options than ever for lighting. The temperature of lighting is rated in “K” or Kelvin. The higher the number, the more cool and blue the light is, while the lower numbers show warm and yellow light. 

 

Here are some common types of bulbs: 

 

  • 5000K - Daylight 

  • 4000k - Bright White 

  • 2700-3000K - Soft White 

 

Read More > The Best Places For LED Lighting In Your Home 

 

The Rise of Smart LEDs 

 

The technology of LED bulbs and internet-connected devices have brought us some of the coolest (or warmest) technology for the home. By installing smart LEDs, you’re able to control the temperature of the lights, starting your morning with bright, energizing lights, and then ending your evening with a warm, relaxing feel. 

 

Smart LEDs can do more than just adjust the temperature, many have RGB abilities, allowing you to turn the light to any color you want! Using smart home devices like an Amazon Echo, you’re able to set up schedules for the lights or just simply ask Alexa to change the temperature or brightness. 

 

Read More > Advantages of Smart Home Wiring 

Elevate Your Mood & Your Home with Axiom Power! 

 

After all this info, we’re sure you want to test out some new bulbs for yourself. Whether you’re looking to swap out all your lightbulbs to smart LEDs, or looking for more advanced electrical repairs, Axiom Power is here for you.  

 

Contact Axiom Power today for all your commercial and residential needs! 

Gregory Bennett