This is the final post in our series, ‘Five Things you need to know about LED Lighting’. By now we’ve learned that Less May be More, Why You Want LED’s, Your Results May Vary and Give a Hoot – Don’t Pollute. For more information on LED lighting and Landscape Forms lighting products visit our website.

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As we discussed Last week give a hoot – don’t pollute. Light pollution has become an inescapable part of modern life.  While the cost in dollars and CO2 emissions is very high, the most valuable thing we may be wasting is our own well-being.  Our bodies are designed to experience changing from day to night, light to dark. This is very evident in northern climates where the short days and long nights can alter our bodies chemistry so much that some experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  If you’ve ever experienced jet lag, you know how sensitive the human body can be to even minor changes in its schedule.

Our bodies are so used to this cycle that it is what regulates the production of hormones in the body, particularly serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin, as you may know, is a large contributor to our feeling of well-being and happiness. The production of serotonin only occurs during the day and is dependent on the presence of melatonin. Melatonin is only produced in darkness, any exposure to light beyond what is naturally present from the moon and stars will begin to suppress this production. Besides helping with serotonin production to make us feel good, melatonin also plays a role in boosting our immune system and maintaining our metabolism.

Numerous studies have shown a direct correlation between cardiovascular and intestinal diseases as a result of over exposure to artificial light. The most shocking information maybe in regards to the increased risk of cancer in over lit situations, shift works have shown increased rates of cancer that can be linked to their lack of cancer fighting melatonin.

The trend of over lighting has gone way beyond an inconvenience. We have all been participating in a study to see what will happen if our natural circadian rhythm is ignored.  In our 24 hour society it has become necessary to be able to move and function 24 hours a day. While our bodies would prefer total darkness, there are other options. Using warmer white light that more closely mimics moonlight can reduce the affect that artificial light has on our bodies. The use of LED lighting also gives us the ability to dim light levels when it is not needed and instantly increase the amount of light if needed. The acceptance of LEDs and the adoption of advanced control systems will go a long way to reducing the negative effects that this world wide experiment in over illumination has created.