As humans, we are surrounded by light. Unfortunately, over time, certain types of light waves can be damaging to our eyes!

With the naked eye, we can only detect lightwaves on the visible light spectrum, so it’s important to educate yourself on how to keep your eyes protected. As you might know from experience, ultraviolet light from the sun has the ability to burn your eyes. Neighboring ultraviolet light on the visible light spectrum is blue light, which is emitted from the electronic devices we use every day.

The good news is you can improve your eyesight by learning what forms of light cause long-term damage and let your future self thank you!

Visible Light Shouldn’t be Taken Lightly

The visible light spectrum contains all the colors of the rainbow. Our eyes are constantly exposed to different wavelengths of light, varying in length and strength. For example, at one end of the spectrum is ultraviolet (UV) light having one of the shortest wavelengths but carrying the most energy and infrared light is on the opposite side of the spectrum, with the longest wavelength and the least amount of energy.

The crazy part is that objects don’t actually have color. We only perceive an object’s color based off of the lightwaves a particular surface is reflecting and absorbing.

Objects aren’t the only thing that absorbs light– the human eye and brain work hand in hand to convert the energy from visible light into an image. Cones in our eyes are the ultimate receivers for visible light waves. Because of this, it is beneficial to be aware of the strongest visible light waves in order to preserve and improve your eyesight.

UV Light

UV light, short for ultraviolet radiation. This is the light we mentioned earlier as having the shortest wavelength but the most amount of energy. In other words, it is the strongest and has the ability to be the most damaging to not only your skin but your eyesight too.

Ultraviolet light is the light your mom probably warned you about, nagging you to wear sunscreen and sunglasses all summer long. As usual, your mom was right. Other sources of UV light include tanning booths, black lights, fluorescent and incandescent light sources. Although, you shouldn’t let UV light keep you from doing what you love or from being outside!

Just take this as a friendly reminder to use proper eye protection because no one is immune to UV light. The longer your eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of experiencing vision damage or developing cataracts later in life.

Pro-Tip #1: Take time to protect your eyes and improve your eyesight with 100% UV blocking sunglasses while outdoors and never look into the sun or a fluorescent light bulb directly. Also, make sure the lighting in your home is safe for you and your family!

Blue Light

It’s been a long day of staring at your computer screen. You come home and your eyes are feeling heavy and strained. Having trouble staying asleep? You may be exposing your eyes to too much blue light. Blue light is one step down from ultraviolet light on the visible light spectrum, producing high amounts of energy!

Studies show that too much blue light can disrupt the sleep cycle and cause Digital Eye Strain, also known as, “Computer Vision Syndrome.” The most common sources of blue light are our electronic devices including phones, tablets, and computers.

Too much exposure to blue light has been known to cause macular degeneration, indicating serious damage to the retina. In the digital age, this is becoming more and more common. Blue light is not something to be taken lightly.

Pro Tip #2: You can protect your eyes from electronic devices by purchasing blue light blocking glasses or turning on Night Shift mode. Night Shift mode automatically shifts the colors in your display to the warmer end of the spectrum, cutting out some of the blue light. Also, we suggest installing the proper lighting into your home to reduce visual strain!

Improve Your Eyesight

Improve your eyesight by protecting your eyesight! Simply being aware of the harmful forms of visible light is the first step. Taking the necessary precautions and purchasing protective eyewear will prevent common vision problems and save your eyes in the long run.

Be kind to your eyes, after all, they work so hard for you.

About Us

At Hobrecht Lighting, we take pride in creating lighting systems that improve the safety and wellness of your home. Hobrecht Lighting is engineered to reduce visual strain while enhancing visibility.

Light makes a house a home. At Hobrecht Lighting we know, light has the ability to set the mood and the overall feeling in a home. Introduce a healthier form of light into your home. Protect you and your family today by choosing Hobrecht Lighting.

Start Your Healthy Lighting Journey Today!

Lighting affects life on Earth and in space.

Come aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and see how lighting affects human performance. Earth applications and improvements can be drawn from this innovative advancement.

The ISS orbits Earth approximately every 90 minutes; therefore, everyone onboard experiences sixteen sunrise and sunsets.The fast changes in days are consumed with demanding work schedules, night shifts, and irregular sleep cycles.

Here are some insights about the lighting research history and how it has advanced lighting technology on Earth:

International Space Station Project Overview

Modern advances in lighting technology have been issued onboard the ISS by George C. Brainard. George C. Brainard, director of Jefferson’s Light Research Program for over 30 years advanced innovative lighting solutions within the spacecraft. Brainard is an expert in the effects of light on neuroendocrine physiology and studies circadian regulation in humans.

Focusing on the lack of sleep and how it affects the overall performance of astronauts, Brainard and his team wanted to improve the lighting on the ISS as it greatly affects astronauts. With hope of giving astronauts regularity, minimizing sleep deprivation, and improving alertness during working hours, the light used aboard the ISS was expertly studied and revised.

Light Cycles on the International Space Station

Human beings operate on a 24-hour circadian rhythm here on Earth, meaning light helps create alertness and productivity when it is time to get up in the morning and darkness signals it is time to sleep. However, in space, this rhythm is altered because a day transpires more rapidly.

Astronauts need to be awake and alert in case of an emergency or the need to dock abruptly. Sometimes this can happen in the middle of a sleep cycle and because the days are irregular, astronauts and crew members are unable to get recovery sleep.

The bottom line is that astronauts do not get enough sleep, no matter how hard they try. Most schedules allot for 8.5 hours of sleep, but it is common for most to get less than 6 hours. Experiencing insomnia, astronauts often turn to supplements and sleeping pills to aid.

How Light Affects Human Performance

Evidence supports the fact that lighting influences sleep, alertness, and overall productivity.

Without the proper amount of light, the human body fails to function properly. This extends to artificial light and the impact it has on the circadian rhythm. Not receiving enough sunlight can be damaging to overall health, impact the amount of sleep, and lead to serious health concerns including: diabetes, anxiety, depression, and even some cases of autism.

In space, the differences in sleep-wake cycles and demanding schedules make it difficult to maintain healthy habits and hormonal regulation, which ultimately impact performance. Using pharmaceuticals while on a space mission can impact the safety of those on board and on the space mission.

The Solution

Brainard was on a mission to see which light type would provide the best light therapy for astronauts.

Through studying different light tones and the effects within tight quarters and with countless volunteers, Brainard found blue light suppresses melatonin levels and could draw insights into which solution would be the most useful on board the spacecraft. His research concluded all lights need to fall under white spectrum with variation in tones, but include a specific blue light in space as it has significant health advantages.

The lighting in space, specifically on the ISS, was updated to allow astronauts and crew members to adjust the lighting brightness and intensity according to the time of day. Being mindful of the tasks to be completed aboard the spacecraft, task lighting was also evaluated.

Switching out the lamps on the ISS required tailored measurements and unique designs, as it is not done often and the lamp has to be an exact fit.

With three different color temperatures, astronauts can ease into the different times throughout their routine – the light is brighter with slight blue tones in the morning and turns warmer with red intensities in the evenings. Improving the environment on the spacecraft for sleep and productivity, the ISS is working to restore the circadian rhythm of all astronauts and increase lighting options for Earth life.

Earth Applications

Brainard’s research and expert knowledge in lighting and how it affects human health has gleaned insight into how to change lighting here on Earth. Through the advances in technology and lighting specifics, different lighting options are available.

All living organisms have an internal clock, circadian rhythm, which help them become alert and accomplish specific tasks. The body recognizes darkness and specific hormones are released to help prepare the body to sleep. A similar process is completed when the sun rises and it is time to get up.

When humans are exposed to artificial lights and spend significant time indoors, they do not get the required amount of light from the sun, just like in space. With a lack of sunlight and vitamin D, the internal clock is altered. When the rhythm is irregular, it makes it difficult to sleep and perform well.

Some researchers and studies refer to a “constant twilight” state, which is when humans experience neither day or night but are stuck somewhere between. This can happen frequently as artificial light allows humans to have some type of light around the clock, regardless if the sun is up or down. Not allowing the body to follow the pattern of the sun and naturally arise or go to sleep has led to decreased sleep, mood, mental performance, and increased health concerns.

Installing different lighting tones, fixtures, and solutions throughout your home to mimic the sun can help you receive more sleep, increase alertness and productivity, and improve overall wellness.

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Do you or a loved one feel especially gloomy in winter? Perhaps
you’ve been excessively tired, had little energy, or found yourself overeating
consistently. If so, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD),
a mood disorder that causes depression-like symptoms during winter months.
Common SAD
risk factors include:

• Living far from the equator
• Having clinical depression
• Family history of depression or mood disorders
• Younger age
• Being female (They’re 4 times more likely to experience
  SAD than males.)

There are plenty of reasons that SAD has become increasingly
common. Electronic light is convenient, but can lead to altered circadian
rhythms (our internal body clock), which controls sleep-wake behavior and
hormone secretion. Increased globalization, technology dependence, and
shift-work can further disrupt the natural 24-hour cycle that best facilitates
emotional wellness.

Even those with strong mental health can experience SAD, but here are some suggestions that can help. 

1. Boost Your Vitamin D

SAD often correlates with vitamin D deficiency, and addressing this need can help alleviate depressive symptoms. There are a variety of ways to supplement your vitamin D, most of which center on your diet. Some options include fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms, or a medical supplement. Additionally, simply spending time outside triggers your body to produce more vitamin D.

2. Get Some Exercise

Conveniently, exercise is a great reason to get outside for
that extra vitamin D. In addition, SAD correlates with lower levels of
serotonin, and exercise helps increase it. Any kind of exercise can help,
whether it’s home-based, outdoor, or at the gym. There are plenty of ways
to start exercising, so find a way that works for you and don’t give up!

3. Engage Your Brain

Keeping an active mind is another way to avoid negativity during
the winter months. Doing sudoku, solving crossword puzzles, or reading good
books can keep depressive thoughts at bay. In addition, gratitude exercises
such as journaling can rewire your brain to think more positively.

Mindfulness is another mental tactic that discourages SAD.
Though its definitions vary, the essence of mindfulness is focusing all
thoughts on the present with an open mind and accepting heart. Recognizing
thoughts, feelings, and reactions to your environment can shed light on
emotional darkness. 

4. Use Warm Lighting

Lighting your home with bright, warm lights can provide research-based
light therapy that combats SAD. Creating a sort of false summer inside your
home gives your brain a refuge from the gloomy winter months. Working at Lit
Living, we get these benefits by default, but your home can be just as bright
as our showroom! It’s doable and cost-effective—browse our catalog to see just how many
options are out there.

To get the full emotional boost from your home lighting,
you’ll need a certain quantity of warm light. In the bedroom, plan 35-45 lumens
per square foot. The living room needs 20-30 lumens/sq. foot and the kitchen
70-80 lumens/sq. foot. Just multiply the length and width of the room, count up
the total lumens of your fixtures (lamps included), then divide lumens by
square footage.

Example: Your living room is 12’
x 14’, which totals 168 sq. ft. You have one ceiling fan with 4 bulbs, and each
bulb has 1100 lumens. That’s a total of 4400 lumens, so divide it by 168 sq. ft
to determine that your room is lit at 26 lumens/ sq. ft. Looking great!

Keep in mind that high kelvin ratings are less effective for improving mood, so aim for 3500-5000k. Full spectrum bulbs are a good way to achieve this, along with any other bulb that mimics natural light.

You Can Combat SAD

Though you may not be able to avoid all the winter blues,
there are plenty of things you can control. Simple things like your home’s
lighting, some daily exercise, and a few minutes outside can help boost your
mood. Best of luck from Hobrecht Lighting— may winter be a beautiful season.

Everyone wants their kids to get better sleep because if your kids are sleeping better, you are too.

But sometimes, we may be doing things like scrolling through our phones or using a sleeping light, that are keeping us from sleeping better and we don’t even realize it.

Turn Your Sleeping Light Off and Your Reading Light On

Check out these bedtime habits and see if you do any of them yourself. If so, it might be time to change things up a bit to give yourself a better night’s sleep.

No More Screen Time (Blue Light Exposure) Before Bedtime

Did you know?

Our phone and tablet screens emit a large amount of blue light which makes it more difficult to fall asleep.

According to the National Institute for General Medical Sciences, our bodies have a circadian rhythm, which is our “physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle. They respond primarily to light and darkness in an organism’s environment.” Light is made of a wide spectrum of different colors, and science has found that each color in the spectrum actually creates a physiological response in our body. Artificial lighting has the same effect, but being exposed to the wrong artificial lighting at the wrong time of day can have a dramatic impact on how we feel and function.

For example, blue light is most prevalent in the sun’s natural spectrum from morning to mid-day, when our bodies are expected to be most productive. This means that when we stare at the blue light on our phones just before bed,  the light is actually telling our bodies to wake up! The opposite of what we want for a healthy and regular sleep schedule.

The effects of blue light on sleep are pretty huge. If you or you kids are in the habit of scrolling right before bed, it might be time to change that routine.

Another study explains that a great way to help yourself get better sleep even when you are exposed to blue light is to “block the (blue) light from technology that suppresses melatonin.”

Melatonin is a hormone in our bodies that helps regulate sleep and if blue light is keeping our bodies from creating and using it, then we’re going to have a harder time falling asleep.

So ditch the phone scrolling before and try these ideas instead:

• Plugin your phone across the room so you’re not tempted to continuously scroll at bedtime
• Set a reminder on your phone when it’s time to go to put down your phone and go to bed
• Try using a blue light filter if you do have to use a screen before bed or blue light blocking glass right before bed
• Change the light bulbs in your bedroom fixtures to be sure they are not emitting high amounts of blue light (look for 2700K or less)

To reduce the amount of blue light you’re exposed to, be sure to upgrade the bulbs in your bedrooms to utilize the best lights for sleeping.

Use these warmer LED light bulbs instead!

Use Low Level Lighting

Once you have the right bulbs with low blue light, before going to bed, consider dimming the lights in your bedroom. It is best if this is done with an eye level lamp or wall sconce. Using this pattern does more to mimic the natural light changes of the sun.

Doing this will help communicate to your body that it’s time to get ready for bed and help you wind down for the evening. Using a bright overhead light, signal to our body that its time to be productive. Cutting it off suddenly does little to help our body understand it’s now time to begin making the chemicals required for good sleep.

If nothing else, try adding a simple dimmer switch to your main light and dim the lamps to about 30% as you wind down at night before bed.

Night Lights Matter

Many children (an adults) go to bed with a sleeping light on, but keeping the lights off at night can actually help you stay asleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed.If a night light is needed, Instead of using a normal light bulb, again try switching to low-level, warm-toned lights (2700K or lower) with a low blue light rating and see what a difference it makes in how well you sleep.

Be More Aware of the Lights in Your Home

You might think a light bulb is a light bulb, but it’s far from the truth. As you know now, the type of bulb makes a big difference in how we feel. Do you know what kind of light bulbs you have in your home?

SeniorLed claims that “Low blue light bulbs are notably better than typical LED bulbs in terms of circadian cycle regulation and human health.”

If your lightbulbs are out of date, they could be affecting your sleep. Things like harsh fluorescent lighting, that flicker a lot, and has high blue light emissions can be unsettling to your eyes making it harder to fall asleep after being exposed to them all day.

Instead of fluorescent lights, try these LED bulbs for home lighting instead. Need somewhere to start? Begin changing out the lighting in your bedrooms for a better night’s sleep.

About Us

For all your home lighting needs, visit Hobrecht Lighting. Our lighting experts can help you optimize any room with the best lighting for a healthier, happier home.

Though we love the dimension and beauty that stairs can add to any home, they’re a common area for falls and injuries. Luckily, a little extra lighting can prevent some of those stumbles by increasing visibility and security.  Every home is different, so we’ve broken it down into categories that apply to everyone.

1. Material

Are your steps made of wood, carpet, tile, or something else?  Carpeted stairs are comfortable, but they absorb a lot of light. Use fixtures with a high light output to achieve maximum results. 

Wood tends to be more reflective, so prepare yourself for a little reflected shine on the steps. The good news is that you can use fewer lights or lower lumens to light wooden stairs. 

Tile and similar materials, like marble, are the most reflective flooring materials out there. They reflect even more light than wood, so consider that as you plan the quantity and type of lights to install.  

2. General Lighting

It’s important to note that step lighting is secondary to overhead, general lighting.  The general lighting should be bright enough to light your stairs even without step lighting. Step lighting enhances the look of the stairs and adds an extra safety measure when other lights are off, but they’re not meant to provide the primary light for your stairs.  

With that in mind, if your stairs are lacking light, start by switching your overhead or wall bulbs. Choose one with a high lumen count, or choose a new fixture with multiple bulbs. The options are endless!

3. Location

The above tips apply especially to indoor lighting, but there are extra considerations for your porch, deck, or other outdoor stairs. Exterior stairs are often made of concrete, Kool decking or wood, so it’s best not to rely on reflective light for outside. 

Look for fixtures with high light output and weatherproof materials. For example, a brass cased fixture will hold up well in weather and withstand soccer balls, kicks, or other outside messes. You can also skip glass fixtures and use an all metal (typically die-cast aluminum) fixture to minimize damage to the fixture in this high-traffic area.

4. Installation

There are several different ways to install stair lighting. Some consumers prefer to have all fixtures on one side of the wall, while others enjoy a slim LED tape light underneath the lip of the riser, (you know, the vertical back of each step). In commercial settings, it’s common to place lights from the middle of the riser.

Step lights come in many different shapes and sizes, so the placement will vary based on your unique needs and the style of the fixture. If you want down light, use a louvered fixture.  Solid panel lights shine out, which makes them very functional, but be careful—they aren’t as soft on your eyes. 

As for placement, there isn’t a right or wrong distance for spacing your step lights.  It’s typical to place a fixture on alternating steps, but lighting every step or every third step can be equally functional and fashionable. When using LED tape, however, it’s best practice to light the under side of each step.

With a little extra stair lighting, your staircase can be a pillar of style and class in your home, not to mention a safer place to walk. Add some architectural appeal by highlighting your stairs, and you’ll be stepping happily through your home. It’s an investment in your home and your safety, so feel free to contact Hobrecht Lighting with any questions about how to get started on stair lighting!

Whatever the reason you’re looking for ways to improve your mood naturally, we get it. Winter is hard and takes a toll on our body and mind. We live in an age where we are finally recognizing the many factors that affect our moods positively and negatively, every day. For most of us, even during the best times of our lives, we get down in the dumps every once in a while. If you’re having a blue day, week, or year, here are some tips to improve your mood naturally, to get you back to feeling like your best and brightest self.

#1: Boost Your Vitamin C & D Intake

Food has the ability to bring us such pleasure, comfort, and joy. Generally, healthy foods do the best job of consistently improving our mood naturally because they keep us feeling energized, light, and not feeling guilty. However, focusing on foods with certain vitamins can make a real difference. Studies have found that increased consumption of Vitamin C and Vitamin D increase moods naturally and decrease psychological distress .

Foods that are high in Vitamin C include lemons, papaya, strawberries, yellow bell peppers, guava, thyme, oranges, parsley, kale, kiwi, broccoli, brussel sprouts and more!

Foods high in Vitamin D are fatty fish like tuna, mackerel & salmon, egg yolks, cheese, oysters, mushrooms. shrimp, orange juice, and others!

#2: Bask In the Sunshine

Now that spring is starting, this one is becoming a bit easier. Days are longer and brighter and we should all be spending more time outside. Getting plenty of sunshine on your skin is a really simple and wonderful way to boost your mood naturally. Remember that the earlier in the day that you can take advantage of sunlight, the better. Bright light first thing in the morning helps set your circadian rhythm on track to keep you awake and alert all day. Open your blinds wide and wake up naturally with the sun. Sunlight is said to increase serotonin levels and also helps your skin produce vitamin D, which most people are deficient in, an issue that has been correlated with depression.

If you really can’t swing 15 min of sunlight a day, consider supplementing with alternatives. Vitamin D supplements will help you reach your daily dose, along with compact fluorescent lightbulbs to literally brighten your day. These lights mimic sunlight more effectively than incandescents and work well in high traffic areas of your home like the kitchen and living spaces.

#3: Find a Furry Friend

We’re not suggesting you should buy a pet just to lift your mood every now and again. However, as little as 25 minutes of petting a dog or cat can release more of that stuff we love to talk about… serotonin. But unlike other natural remedies, it produces many mood-boosting hormones like prolactin and oxytocin which helps to lower the stress hormone cortisol!

If you aren’t keen on the responsibilities of having a pet, consider visiting with a friend who is. Take their dog for a walk, or sit inside and have a drink cozied up next to their fur baby. Or take a trip to the local animal shelter where you can volunteer or just visit with the animals.

#4: Take a Walk (Run, Lift, Climb, or Skip)

You’ve probably heard it before, but exercise can improve symptoms of depression over time as well as improve your mood in the short term. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to improve your mood naturally because it’s positive effects can last up to 12 hours! Plus, it’s great for your physical health as well! If you haven’t experienced those famous feel-good endorphins from a killer workout, you will love this quick fix mood booster. It’s just a matter of making yourself do it.

If running isn’t your thing, try a different form of exercise. Even a brisk walk is great for your mental health (especially if you go outside). But maybe try branching out to something new. Ever tried rock climbing? Kickboxing? Barre, aerial yoga, Krav Maga… the options are endless. Anything that you can do for 30 minutes straight and helps you break a sweat during at least one section of vigorous activity will do the trick.

#5: Improve Your Day-to-Day Lighting

We talked earlier about your circadian rhythm. Lighting affects your alertness throughout the day as it tells your body when it should be tired and when it should work at full speed. Because of this, it’s important that the lights you encounter daily are optimized to keep your circadian rhythm from becoming confused. Lighting is an easy way to improve your mood naturally, as well as improve other areas of your life like efficiency at work, relaxation at the end of the day, productivity around the house, etc.

Use bright lights and light colored paint to brighten up areas that you spend a lot of time in. Add dimmers to your lighting so that at the end of the day you can still wind down. Set your lights on a timer that allow you to keep a consistent schedule or change it up when necessary. This will keep your body from becoming confused and allow you to make the most out of the lights around your home.

There is also a lot of discussion on what type of lighting should be used in offices as a way to create the most positive and productive work environment. Optimizing your work lighting minimizes the risk of migraines from strained eyes and increases employee satisfaction. Try maximizing healthy blue lighting during the day to improve efficiency, but minimize it at night so it doesn’t keep you from sleeping.

Surprisingly to many people, lighting has been found to contribute to cases of depression when insufficient. On the contrary, effective lighting can improve moods and energy levels naturally. High-quality flexible lighting can allow you to work with your changing schedule to improve your mood in different areas of your life.

The more we look into the effects of lighting on our everyday activities, the more we are realizing its deep impact on our lives. Biological, mental, and emotional effects are felt from the lighting or lack thereof that we surround ourselves with regularly. For this reason, it’s crucial that we take time to optimize the healthy lighting in our lives when looking to improve our mood naturally. Look to a professional to help you find the lighting solutions that are right for you and your family. At Hobrecht Lighting, we are excited to show you how lighting can genuinely improve your mood, mental and physical health, and daily efficiency.

About Us:

We operate under the Danish Hygge philosophy of maximizing coziness and joy in our lives, by improving home lighting. With simple lighting solutions that many people would never think of, we can bring positive energy into every corner of your home, simplify your daily activities, and improve the health and happiness of your family.

Lighting is just as important as the time and effort you put into the rest of your home. At Hobrecht Lighting, we take the time to help you optimize your lighting for your specific needs.

Start Your Healthy Lighting Journey Today!