Studies were done comparing light to sleep disorders during daylight savings time as well as breast cancer. I was not aware of light being so effective to human health. I know how smoking is linked to lung cancer, but I had no idea that lighting was linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. Scientists have proven that rats kept in cages with the lights kept on for most of the night have higher cancer rates than those left in the dark. (“Lights At Night” – pg. 1) Breast cancer rates are also sixty percent higher among people who work at night such as flight attendants and nurses. The night shift has been placed in the same category for a risk of toxic chemicals. (Lights At Night” – pg. 1) The body produces a hormone called melatonin primarily at night. This naturally occurring hormone promotes sleep and is increased by darkness. (“Implications” – pg. 1) Studies have shown that rats who have a shot of this hormone have normal instead of increased rates of cancer. The neighborhoods with the most nocturnal lighting have been proven to have a thirty-seven percent higher rate of cancer. These studies were done before the switch to fluorescent bulbs started being pushed. (“Lights At Night” – pg. 2) The fluorescent bulbs save energy but suppress the production of the melatonin hormone.
Scientists have also tried to make a connection between health issues and the change of time for daylights saving time. They discovered that even after weeks of the time changing, the circadian rhythm in ones body does not adjust. (“The Claim”) There have been suggested links to sleep disorders, suicides, and accidents through daylight saving time. Scientists also say that more study is needed for this to be a proven fact. (“The Claim) Studies showed that people’s peak activity levels were higher in the spring with the daylight savings time in effect, rather than normal in the autumn. Mainly daylight saving time is associated with sleep disorders, which is unhealthy for the human body.
As a designer these articles make me look at lighting in a whole new perspective. I will research these studies more closely and use precautions in adding lighting to my designs. I will take into consideration what shifts will be worked in the spaces if the area is designed for work. I will design my space around the sunlight paying close attention to where it rises and where it sets for the area. Also, how the light will fall in the building through windows and doors. I do not feel as though the bedrooms should be placed on the side of the house where the sun rises or sets. This way the house is versatile for a day worker or a nighttime worker. Light will shine in through all windows but the lighting does not have to be prominent in the bedrooms.
