Lighting is critical in all aspects of life because it makes it easier and convenient to see and perform certain activities better. Lighting affects humans both physiologically and psychologically, and without it, some fall into depression, feel fatigued, and even become aggressive, among many other conditions.  However, not all lighting systems have positive effects on humans.

One of the institutions that benefit most from an effective LED lighting system is the healthcare industry. Studies and research show that adequate levels of smart LED lighting in hospitals and healthcare facilities benefits the patients, the staff working there, and even the visitors going to see their loved ones.

Benefits of LED Lighting In Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals and healthcare facilities will always need lighting, whether it is during the day or at night. Different healthcare facilities have varying reasons for incorporating high quality LED lighting systems over the traditional lighting from incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.

However, the main reasons are for the patients’ comfort and well-being and make it easier for the staff to go about their regular duties without any hindrances. The benefits derived from an effective hospital lighting system are as follows.

• Improves the circadian rhythm and sleep

According to several studies, exposure to LED artificial lighting helps to improve a patient’s sleep and circadian rhythms.  A lighting system with cool white LED lights that mimic natural sunlight and the correct color temperatures play one of the most significant roles in regulating the circadian rhythm, responsible for directing the body on when to sleep, rest, and be alert.

Light is also one of the properties that affect melatonin production, an essential hormone in promoting sleep. Incorporating cool white light in operating rooms, nurse’s stations, and hallways also help the staff to stay energetic and alert.

• Fewer risks

Incandescent and fluorescent bulbs can damage the eyes, cause cumulative skin damage and even cause discoloring or damage to hospital materials with their low emission of UV radiation. UV radiation can also cause cancer and premature aging. Besides that, if a fluorescent light breaks, it releases mercury, which is harmful and toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Cleaning broken fluorescent bulbs is not cheap, so health facilities and hospitals choose LED lighting instead. LED lights have minimal or no UV emission and they do not contain any mercury.

1. Consistency

Fluorescent bulbs are not very dependable lighting in hospitals and healthcare facilities as they develop color fluctuations and flicker at some point during their life cycle. The flickering and color fluctuations can cause adverse effects to both patients and the staff, such as dizziness and headaches.

LED bulbs provide consistent lighting without any color fluctuations or flickers, which helps to improve the overall health of everyone. They also help to minimise the risks caused by traditional lighting systems.

• Controlling features

LED lighting systems feature dimmable abilities that make them ideal for the patients, staff needs and satisfaction and the healthcare facility setting. The lights have color and temperature changing features that one can set to suit the environment. The lights create a relaxing atmosphere for patients, especially those getting ready for surgery, MRI or a CT scan.

• Longer lifespan and cost-efficient

Running a hospital or a health facility is costly, and investing in a cost-efficient and long-lasting product is a top priority. Traditional lighting systems such as fluorescent and incandescent bulbs are high-energy consumers, and they do not last long.

LED lighting systems last 20-45 times longer than incandescent bulbs and about five times longer than fluorescent lights. Using the LEDs saves the hospitals downtimes caused by burned out bulbs, thus increasing productivity by the staff and confidence by the patients.

Conclusion

LED lighting in hospitals and healthcare facilities has a dramatic and beneficial impact on the patients, the staff, and the environment. They improve the patient’s sleep and circadian rhythms, reduce stress and fatigue, and make them feel calm and at peace.

On the other hand, the staff works under better lighting conditions that also help to reduce their fatigue, increase productivity, and leave them more relaxed. LEDs are environmentally friendly as they do not come with any toxic properties, and they are cost-efficient.