SEE ALSO: Is Home Lighting Control Right for You?

THE PROBLEM WITH LIGHTING

Your lighting system is probably the most-used technology in your home. When you wake up in the morning, you likely turn on a fixture. If you want to read at night, you do it by the light of the nearest lamp. And when it’s time to fix a midnight snack, you do it in a well-lit kitchen.

Artificial light makes our lives better, and recent advances in types of light have enhanced our experiences. Where fluorescent systems contributed to the sick building syndrome of the 1970s, and incandescent bulbs increase your carbon footprint, LEDs have revolutionized both the quality and environmental impact of residential lighting.

But too much exposure to artificial light -- no matter what kind -- can throw off your internal clock. Your body naturally reacts to the subtle changes of sunlight throughout the day. As the sun rises, the light is brighter, and you're ready to move. As it sets, you begin to relax and prepare for sleep. However, the consistent glow of a bulb or fixture can negatively impact these natural circadian rhythms, causing you to lose sleep and become sluggish during the day.

HOW TUNABLE LIGHTING HELPS

A tunable lighting control system works by automatically mimicking the changes in natural sunlight. By adjusting the color temperature of each fixture gradually throughout the day, your body experiences a more natural response to artificial light.

Color temperature refers to the way the amount of heat will change the color of the light. Think about fire: a blazing-hot welding flame will burn bluish, while a comfortable log fire will look orange. Your lighting system works under a similar principle. By controlling the color temperature, your system evokes different responses.

Of course, you don't have to worry about the color temperature affecting the look of your interior decor. Popular systems are often called "tunable white," meaning the changes in color temperature are so subtle that you probably won't even see them. However, you'll most likely feel the effects.

A tunable system automatically and gradually adjusts to help you feel better throughout the day and night. If you want to learn more about tunable lighting, or how you can build the lighting control system of your dreams, click here now or give us a call at (713) 589-9222.