The benefits of LED technology have let schools to transition from traditional fluorescent lighting. This transition is significant because of its impact on students and teachers, as effective lighting can improve the learning experience through enhanced health and wellbeing, and poor lighting may result in negative educational outcomes. Research highlights the non-visual outcomes of light, specifically its impact on circadian rhythms and cognitive performance in the learning environments. The non-visual system is mediated by melanopsin-containing ipRGC cells and reacts differently to light wavelengths compared to the visual system. Therefore, it’s necessary to evaluate them using advanced measurements like melanopic EDI (mEDI) which is a key metric in circadian lighting design. The aim of this study is to evaluate LED lighting’s role in availability and distribution of appropriate melanopic stimulation. In-field measurements focused on Spectral Power Distribution (SPD) and melanopic illuminance at eye level from both students’ and teacher’s perspectives under short-wavelength-enriched LED light. Lighting scenarios included daytime and evening variations, integration of daylight from different orientations, and light from the projection machine to account for most common classroom environments. Calculations reveal that, mEDI fell below the 250 lx threshold in three circumstances: 1. Evening lessons when blinds were closed (157–245 lx), 2. North-facing classroom during midday projector use (218 lx at desk center), and 3. Teacher position in south room during evening blinds-closed sessions (224 lx). These sub-threshold lighting conditions during the day could lead to reduced alertness and cognitive function. While reduced mEDI levels in the evening support melatonin production and circadian rhythm alignment, mEDI in some evening scenarios remained above 250 lx, potentially conflicting with international circadian lighting guidelines. These findings highlight the importance of balancing visual comfort, daylight control, and non-visual lighting needs in educational environments.

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Evaluating the Melanopsin Stimulus Potential of Classrooms Under Short-Wavelength-Enriched LED Light

  • Meric Celik,
  • Altug Didikoglu,
  • Tugce Kazanasmaz

摘要

The benefits of LED technology have let schools to transition from traditional fluorescent lighting. This transition is significant because of its impact on students and teachers, as effective lighting can improve the learning experience through enhanced health and wellbeing, and poor lighting may result in negative educational outcomes. Research highlights the non-visual outcomes of light, specifically its impact on circadian rhythms and cognitive performance in the learning environments. The non-visual system is mediated by melanopsin-containing ipRGC cells and reacts differently to light wavelengths compared to the visual system. Therefore, it’s necessary to evaluate them using advanced measurements like melanopic EDI (mEDI) which is a key metric in circadian lighting design. The aim of this study is to evaluate LED lighting’s role in availability and distribution of appropriate melanopic stimulation. In-field measurements focused on Spectral Power Distribution (SPD) and melanopic illuminance at eye level from both students’ and teacher’s perspectives under short-wavelength-enriched LED light. Lighting scenarios included daytime and evening variations, integration of daylight from different orientations, and light from the projection machine to account for most common classroom environments. Calculations reveal that, mEDI fell below the 250 lx threshold in three circumstances: 1. Evening lessons when blinds were closed (157–245 lx), 2. North-facing classroom during midday projector use (218 lx at desk center), and 3. Teacher position in south room during evening blinds-closed sessions (224 lx). These sub-threshold lighting conditions during the day could lead to reduced alertness and cognitive function. While reduced mEDI levels in the evening support melatonin production and circadian rhythm alignment, mEDI in some evening scenarios remained above 250 lx, potentially conflicting with international circadian lighting guidelines. These findings highlight the importance of balancing visual comfort, daylight control, and non-visual lighting needs in educational environments.