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18 Medical Construction & Design | M AY/ J U N E 2017 | MCDM AG.COM NOON 10AM High Alertness 9AM Highest Testosterone Secretion 8:30AM Bowel Movement Likely 7:30AM Melatonin Secretion Stops 6:45AM Sharpest Rise in Blood Pressure 2AM Deepest Sleep 4:30AM Lowest Body Temperature 2:30PM Best Coordination 3:30PM Fastest Reaction Time 5PM Greatest Cardiovascular $EÅBHDMBX and Muscle Strength 6:30PM Highest Blood Pressure 7PM Highest Body Temperature 9PM Melatonin Secretion Starts 10:30PM Bowel Movements Suppressed MIDNIGHT Light has a profound impact on health and well-being. Daylight helps regulate mela- tonin, which keeps our bodies' circadian rhythms in sync across each 24-hour cycle of day and night. The production of melatonin is regulated by the intensity, duration and wave- length of the light received in the retina of the eye and trans- mitted to the hypothalamus. In the late evening, increased melatonin helps the body wind down and prepare for sleep; in the morning, low melatonin results in feelings of alertness and mental stimulation. Just two hours of light each day in the morning or midday can properly anchor the circa- dian rhythm. However, lack of daylight and frequent exposure to certain wavelengths of arti- fi cial light at night can throw our system out of alignment. Disrupted circadian rhythms have been connected to long- term health and behavioral problems including fatigue, cancer, obesity, depression and reduced productivity and mental performance. Lighting tuned to benefi t well-being Given the importance of keeping our circadian rhythm synchronized, how can build- ings better support this natural cycle? When daylight is not always available or suffi ciently dispersed, intelligent, tunable lighting may be the answer. A tunable lighting system allows the color temperature of an electric light source to mimic daylight — from cool blue to neutral white to warm yellow. When programmed for optimal use, a tuned lighting system can combat physical and psychological challenges. In healthcare environments, circadian-aware lighting has tangible benefi ts. For patients, lighting can help anchor healthy circadian rhythms and contrib- ute to general health, physical energy and mental acuity. For staff , increased exposure to blue wavelengths can help rejuvenate the body and increase alertness. The applications for tunable lighting are broad: > Behavioral health: Shifts to warmer temperatures and lower light levels can create more calming spaces, whereas cooler temperature spaces can help with focus and attention. > Aging and Alzheimer's: According to the American Alzheimer's Association, as many as 20 percent of those with Alzheimer's suff er from Sundown Syndrome. Caused in part by a disrupted body clock and limited access to the outdoors, Sundown Syndrome causes confusion and agita- tion that worsen in the late afternoon and evening. This confusion can result in physical outbursts, which can injure and upset other patients and staff . Deploying tunable lighting to support healthcare Spotlight Lighting BY ANDY DRISSELL POWER continued page 21 >> DAWN TO DUSK At Oregon Health & Science University, an LED skylight in a short-stay recovery room mimics the appearance of daylight as it transitions throughout the day. Warm light is used in the evenings and at night to prepare bodies and minds for sleep. NATURAL PATTERNS Natural circadian rhythms are built to take in red/ orange light in the evenings to boost melatonin production and to take in blue spectrum light in the mornings to suppress it. Power of Light Chart: Mahlum