insideKENT Magazine Issue 117 - January 2022 | Page 132

HOME + GARDEN
Wellness Design cont ...
“ Reconfigure your furniture so it isn ’ t blocking any windows or incoming light and try incorporating mirrors and metallic accessories into the design of the home , to give the illusion of more space and light .”
Think Glass , myglazing . com
James Lee , communications director myglazing . com

LIGHT THERAPY

Lighting has been used as a form of therapy for many years in interior design . Light levels in a space whether natural or artificial have a significant impact on our mood – and insufficient lighting can leave us feeling sluggish , and in worse case scenarios can affect our mental wellbeing .
“ Environmental factors , especially light , impact our circadian rhythms . Naturally we should start to wake with sunrise and feel at our most alert a few hours after waking , then start to feel sleepy after around 15 hours , when the light starts to fade . Factors such as short days in the wintertime and lack of access to natural light can play havoc with our body ’ s natural rhythms , leading to disordered feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness , difficulty sleeping or feeling sluggish on waking .”
Anthony Parkinson , technical manager , 4lite
Start by focusing on natural light . Found to reduce depression and improve our mood and energy levels , allow natural light in wherever possible . For darker spaces , where there isn ’ t much natural light , consider skylights or alternative windows , as well as introducing lots of reflective surfaces that will allow the light to bounce around the room . That being said , artificial lighting can be just as effective , and designers are now introducing biodynamic and circadian alternatives to natural light . These light sources or bulbs change colour temperature in accordance to the sun ’ s position and our sleep-wake cycle , compensating for the lack of exposure to sunlight . Using light therapy can help to beat the winter blues and has been proven to have a positive impact on mood , energy and concentration .
www . 4liteuk . com www . myglazing . com
SMART LED WiFi & Bluetooth Bulb White & Colours , 4lite
132