Science

The science behind light, sleep and circadian rhythms

A vast amount of scientific research shows the health benefits of getting the right light at the right time. Better sleep. More energy. Stronger immune system. Just to mention a few.

It all starts with a good night's sleep

Most people can relate to waking up after a good nights sleep. However, many people overlook the importance of the changes to our body when we sleep. When we sleep, our body is able to reset and recharge. Lack of quality sleep can have severe consequences on our health and well-being.

What are the consequences of poor sleep?

Research has demonstrated a link between poor sleep and a wide range of chronic health related consequences like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, mental health issues, weakened immune systems just to name a few.

There is more to light than what meets the eye

Light enters though our eyes where it interacts with specialized cells on the retina called rods and cones. These cells send a signal to our brain used in image forming.

There are also cells called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) that send a different signal to a tiny region of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). This part of the brain regulates our body's inner clock.

Light sets your body's internal clock

Light isn't only something that allows us to see what's in front of us. Light is also the main influencing factor to our sleep-wake cycle. This is also known as our circadian rhythm and research on this topic won the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to Jeffrey C.Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young.

How does light impact our sleep?

Decades of scientific research indicate that blue daylight is the primary signal our brains use to determine when we should be awake. This biological cue gives us energy. Warm and dim light, on the other hand, tells our body that it's evening and starts the process of winding down for sleep. It does that by releasing the “sleep hormone“ melatonin. From the daily rising and setting of the sun, our body has learned to depend on the presence and absence of light as a way to determine our activity schedule over thousands of years. Electric light at night disrupts this ancient process and is major factor affecting modern sleep quality.

Are you feeling out of sync with your inner clock?

There can be many reasons why you are feeling out of sync with your circadian rhythm. One common reason is related to your chronotype. Simply put, your chronotoype reflects the biological "time zone" of your internal clock. At LYS we ensure your light diet is set for your chronotype to ensure you always feel your best.

Smart lighting for better sleep. Based on science.

LYS Connect is built based on decades of scientific research the physiological and psychological effects of light. LYS Connect helps you restore your circadian rhythm for improved sleep and health without overly saturated colors.

Everything we do at LYS is based on science, powered by people, and enabled by technology.

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