Lamps That Mimic the Daylight Sun

Background

• The most common term used to describe light designed to replicate the sun's rays is "full spectrum." According to an article from the Lighting Research Center, the term was coined by photobiologist Dr. John Ott in the 1960s. Full spectrum electric light sources simulate both the visible and the ultraviolet (UV) spectra of natural light. Many manufacturers today make full spectrum electric lights and they are sold in numerous stores, shops, healing centers and online.

Lamps and Bulbs

• You can find a wide array of full spectrum light products ranging from small table and desk lamps to floor lamps and ceiling lights. Though some of the companies sell a variety of light fixtures, the light bulb is the key factor that produces the simulated sunlight. The lamps or bulbs typically in use for full spectrum lighting use a neodymium glass enclosure to filter out warm colors (reds, yellows, oranges) and leave the cool blues. When turned off they appear lavender or bluish. The bulbs can be found in both Incandescent and fluorescent types.

Claims

• Though more expensive than regular light bulbs, full spectrum lighting delivers a multitude of benefits, according to manufacturers and supporters. Among the factors said to get a boost from full spectrum lighting are mood, visual clarity, mental clarity, productivity, plant growth, performance at school and work, and fatigue reduction. Some even say that full spectrum light exposure helps prevent dental decay. Some researchers, scientists and consumers debunk these claims while others seem to experience these very benefits. A growing list of happy consumers have contributed to the progressive expansion of this type of lighting since it arrived in the marketplace.

Where They're Used

• Offices and homes are using full spectrum lighting today. You'll also find full spectrum light fixtures in grow houses and aquariums. Private and public institutions hoping to receive the touted benefits are installing the lights. They can be seen more and more in shops, banks, hospitals and stores. For your own use, add them to areas where you spend time reading or working at a computer. You can try the lamps yourself to determine whether or not the claims are valid.