Human Well-Being in the Age of Artificial Lighting

Abstract

Our modern lifestyle exposes us to ar?ficial ligh?ng in higher frequencies compared to our ancestors and it contradicts the process of the evolu?on of the human body and our vital systems. In this review paper, the effects of constant exposure to ar?ficial ligh?ng (especially from light-emi?ng diodes (LEDs)) on human well-being are ques?oned by taking the circadian rhythm and melatonin levels into account. Also, the rapid increase in light pollu?on and current documenta?on technology are reviewed to understand the correla?on between LED-based luminaire usage and either the expected increase or decrease of documented light pollu?on in the future. Lastly newly developing mul?layer LED systems are noted as a means of curbing the short wavelength of the LEDs which are proven to have detrimental effects on the circadian rhythm and, hence human well-being.