Soon, Fifth Avenue will be aglow for the holiday season, inspiring high spirits even in the darker days of fall and winter. But what about your home? Is your lighting boosting your mood post-daylight savings—or harming it? 

The way we illuminate our living spaces has a direct impact on our mental health and mood. As we head into darker months in New York City, it’s wise to think about how your home’s lighting is affecting the atmosphere around you. 

One way to overcome darker days is through what’s called ‘circadian lighting.’ Let’s dive into smart lighting control systems and how they can boost the mood of your New York, NY, home. 

SEE ALSO: Integrate Innovative Solutions with Your Lighting Control System 

Why Color Temperature Matters 

You’ve probably heard that blue lightwaves from computer, TV, and phone screens can negatively impact sleep and mental health when used at night. But did you know the same can apply to your home’s lights? 

If your light bulbs emit a cool, blue-white tone at night, you could be unintentionally disrupting your circadian rhythm. But if you use warm, low-level lights during the day, that could make you sleepier. 

So what can you do? You can’t swap out your light bulbs twice a day. Thankfully, modern lighting control systems allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds and properly illuminate your home for every time of day. Tunable lighting, often called ‘human-centric’ or ‘circadian lighting,’ adjusts LED light fixtures automatically to follow the sun’s natural cycles. 

Replicate Natural Light at Home 

Technology that’s good for us? It may sound hard to believe. Lighting control options like Ketra by Lutron gradually adjust your lights throughout the day to follow your circadian rhythm. 

In the morning, lights appear bright and cool, like a sunny blue sky day. Many homes in New York City lack natural lighting in certain rooms, so it’s important your daytime lighting is appropriate. 

By late afternoon, LED lights will appear warm and dim like the ‘golden hour’ outside. You can program specific lights to turn on at the perfect moment, and by night, you’ll enjoy a cozy candlelight atmosphere to prepare your mind for sleep.  

Benefits to Your Circadian Rhythm 

Tunable smart lighting can help people feel their best for life’s daily activities. For example, while you’re working in the home office, cool, bright lighting will keep you energized and inspired. Any hallways or window-less areas will feel like a bright day, even if it’s gloomy outside. 

At night, warm lighting tells your brain to produce melatonin naturally, so you’ll sleep more soundly. Smart lighting systems are automated, so you won’t have to manually adjust the lights. If you want to make any adjustments, you can simply do it through the Lutron app or wall keypads.

Elevate Home with Lighting Design 

Installing smart bulbs at the center of the ceiling isn’t quite enough to create an engaging, inspiring home environment. If you want to see your New York City home in its best light, we recommend undergoing a professional lighting design. 

Lighting design carefully considers ambient, task, and accent lighting to open the space and highlight furnishings and architectural features. Layered, intelligent lighting offers more lighting possibilities and will create a cozy enclave where you’ll find sanctuary throughout the winter. 

Could your New York home benefit from a lighting control installation? Contact Electronic Environments to learn more about whole-home lighting systems today!