Whether 360 melanopic lux is good or bad depends on the time of day and the intended effect on human health and well-being?

March 31st, 2025

1. Morning & Daytime (Good for Alertness and Productivity ✅)

• A melanopic lux of 360 is beneficial during the day (especially in the morning) because it helps:

✅ Boost alertness and energy.

✅ Regulate the body clock (circadian rhythm).

✅ Improve focus and productivity in workplaces and schools.

✅ Reduce drowsiness in hospitals and elderly care facilities.

• The WELL Building Standard recommends at least 250 melanopic lux during the daytime, so 360 melanopic lux is ideal for daytime environments.

2. Evening & Night (Bad for Sleep and Relaxation ❌)

• If 360 melanopic lux is present in the evening or at night, it can be harmful because it:

❌ Suppresses melatonin (the sleep hormone), making it harder to fall asleep.

❌ Disrupts the circadian rhythm, leading to poor sleep quality.

❌ Increases the risk of long-term health issues like metabolic disorders.

• At night, the goal is to reduce melanopic lux to below 50 (ideally around 10-20 melanopic lux) by using:

• Warmer, dim lighting (e.g., 2700K or lower).

• Reduced blue light exposure (screen filters, warm LEDs).

• Indirect lighting to lower intensity.

Verdict:

• 360 melanopic lux is good for daytime but bad for nighttime.

• If you are designing a space, consider dynamic lighting that adjusts melanopic lux based on time of day.