Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is an issue which affects a large amount of people, as more and more jobs require us to work indoors rather than outside with natural light.
In the summer, this is not a problem, as the days are longer, the natural light is stronger and longer lasting, and people often start or leave work while it is still light outside. However, when winter comes and the days are shorter, many people start and leave work in darkness, which can have a considerable effect on our body clocks as they struggle to regulate themselves with the lack of light.
Health Implications
While it may seem strange to think that something as simple as daylight can have an effect on our moods, the effects can be quite widespread, affecting things such as appetite, sleep quality, and even food digestion. There are a number of ways that SAD can be prevented, one of the most effective ones being energy efficient lighting.
Legal Requirement for Workplaces
If your workplace is properly lit, it can yield a number of benefits in a range of areas, from the happiness and stress levels of your employees to their productivity. Since the passing of the Health and Safety at Work Act in 1974, the provision of appropriate lighting conditions in the workplace became more tied-in to the overall standard of working conditions, but it was often left to the discretion of employers.
Combatting SAD
There are specific lighting systems that emulate natural light as much as possible, in order to alleviate the symptoms of SAD and create a healthy working environment. SAD lighting systems are all medically certified, and their effectiveness is measured in lux. A SAD system must emit a minimum of 10,000 lux, which help with the light therapy process for those who suffer from SAD.
LEDs
Efficient LED lighting is another fantastic solution to any lighting issues. LED lights last for a long time, meaning that you don’t have to worry about constantly replacing them, and they are also energy efficient, which means that you save money on your energy bills as well as making your workplace a healthier place to be, increasing employee morale and productivity.
There are many different variations on LED lighting to suit any workplace, regardless of whether it is a warehouse, an office, a school or a college. By upgrading your lighting system, you can have a huge positive impact on those in your building in more ways than one.
VHL are specialists in a range of home services, from electrical work to central heating work, so for more information, please get in touch with us today.