Why LED Lights Should Be Used in Medical Buildings

Updated on September 10, 2020
Why LED Lights Should Be Used in Medical Buildings

LED lights boast many advantages for home living, office buildings, and retail stores, but what about hospitals? LED lights have characteristics that make them the best choice of lighting for all these markets, such as a longer lifespan, money-saving, and eco-friendly; however, there are a few benefits specifically for the healthcare field. Here are a few reasons why LED lights should be used in medical buildings.   

Regulate Circadian Rhythms   

Patients and workers need to keep their body’s natural circadian rhythm intact. Our circadian rhythm controls our body’s ability to sleep at night and be active and alert during the day. LED lights mimic natural light with bright and cool light. Yellow tinted incandescent lights can make nurses and doctors feel drowsy and sleepy while at work, while the natural lighting of LEDs can improve their alertness and overall mood. Using LEDs can also help improve patient’s recovery time by keeping their natural circadian rhythm and sleep schedule intact, especially for patients who must stay overnight.  

A Decrease in Health Risks  

Fluorescents and other light forms are often made with mercury and emit UV radiation. Mercury can be toxic if touched or consumed, which is made possible if a fluorescent light were to break. UV radiation can be extremely harmful to the eyes and skin, sometimes even causing cancer. LED lights do not use any traces of mercury and have a reduced level of UV radiation to negate these problems. LED lights also negate color spikes and flickering that can increase the likelihood or severity of headaches and dizziness. Using LED lights in medical settings can increase the overall health of all patrons and staff.   

Increased Color Rendering for Improved Diagnosis  

LED lights with a high color rendering index (CRI) can help healthcare professionals diagnose patients more accurately. A CRI is a measure at which a light source can show light in comparison to natural light. CRI is measured on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the best CRI. LED lights can range from 70 to 98, making them a great option for mimicking natural lights. This means diagnosis and assessing and identifying reactions can be done easily and accurately with the proper light.    

Regulating circadian rhythms, decreasing health risks, and improved diagnosis are just a few of the reasons why LED lights should be used in medical buildings.   

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