Why Use Full Spectrum Lighting?

No life can exist without natural sunshine. Each spring we feel the joy and energy that longer sun filled days bring. All of nature wakes up to the added benefit of more and more natural light.

When daylight enters our eyes, it reaches the pineal gland (also known as the seat of the soul or the third eye) and activates our endocrine system, which is connected to our immune and nervous systems. The pineal gland reduces the production of the hormone, melatonin from 100% in the night to 10% during the day. The balance of melatonin has been proven to be a crucial element in several health related studies, and has been linked to estrogen production, and many cancer related diseases. Malillumination (not enough sun light) can prohibit proper secretion of melatonin.  Stimulating proper production of melatonin from the pineal glad is vital to good health. So light, of a proper type and intensity, can be considered a nutrient.

At the beginning of the 20th century over 70% of North Americans worked outdoors benefiting from exposure to essential natural sun light.  Our world today finds many of us indoors, spending more and more time under incandescent or fluorescent lights, which are missing that part of the sun’s spectrum, which is critical in triggering proper melatonin secretion.

It is estimated that over 38 million North Americans feel the effects of malillumination which causes poor work conditions that can result in less energy and productivity.

There is convincing research that poor lighting environments can produce increased depression and even result in more severe cases called S.A.D. or “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” This problem increases more and more as the winter months bring shorter and shorter days. Malillmination also affects millions more in the form of the “Winter Blues”.

Since 1978 researchers and scientists throughout the world have documented the successful use of full spectrum light therapy as a significant antidepressant. According to The Journal of the American Medical Association, 12/8/93, full spectrum light therapy should be regarded as the treatment of choice for people with S.A.D. It is also endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association and the National Institute of Mental Health.