Harnessing the knowledge we have about circadian rhythms and adjusting light levels accordingly throughout the day (and night) can pay out huge benefits

摘要

For millions of years natural light has governed the pattern of people's lives. We have become accustomed to sunlight and the natural dayight rhythm throughout, evolution. Daylight changes in intensity, colour temperature and direction, all according to the season and time of day. We now know that our biological circadian rhythm responds to this natural cycle. We all like to feel we are individuals, but in reality we are very predictable. The secretion of our hormones, which determine whether we feel alert or sleepy, able to concentrate, and even our body temperature, are directly influenced by certain wavelengths of light entering through our visual system. However, these stimuli avoid the optic nerve and have a direct pathway through to the pineal gland, keeping our internal time clock in tune with the natural passage of time.