| It may be difficult for some people to accept, but the | | | | Humans are, in a very real sense, solar-powered. Most |
| amount of daylight that humans get on a daily basis | | | | lighting fixtures cannot provide the full-spectrum lighting |
| has an impact on our psychological, emotional and | | | | that we need to work at maximum efficiency, but |
| physical well-being. Seasonal depression is a very real | | | | luckily new science has finally brought us a solution to |
| phenomenon that affects a great number of people, | | | | bringing the benefits of natural sunlight indoors, where |
| but the effect of relative darkness on our minds may | | | | busy students really need them. The low glare of the |
| go even deeper still. Studies have demonstrated a | | | | latest light bulbs means that the world around them is |
| direct correlation between student performance and | | | | clearer, and words and images seem to jump off the |
| the amount of daylight received. Unfortunately, without | | | | page. In other words, it means that the brain doesn't |
| the support and resources necessary to completely | | | | have to work as hard to process the visual information |
| overhaul the nation's offices and school buildings to | | | | that it receives. |
| allow more sunlight in, we'll have to make do with a | | | | There are other benefits to using the newly designed |
| good reading light. | | | | light bulbs as well. At only 13-watts, these 10,000-hour |
| No one would argue that there isn't enough light in | | | | high definition bulbs use minimal energy, meaning that |
| most homes or in our public buildings. People thrive on | | | | those late-night study sessions aren't going to put a |
| light. Yet few are aware of just how much the type of | | | | spike in your electric bill. While this may not mean much |
| light that surrounds us really matters. Incandescent | | | | to the average student, it can add up to significant |
| bulbs give us enough light to see by, but what are we | | | | savings over time for those of you responsible for the |
| really seeing? Dull, yellow-washed colors don't give us | | | | bills. Additionally, since the bulb is rated to last up to |
| a true idea of what the world around us really looks | | | | 10,000 hours, there are likely a great number of light |
| like, and forces our brains to use more resources to | | | | bulbs that the average consumer won't have to |
| compensate for the lack of clarity. And it seems that | | | | replace in the time to come, making this type of lamp |
| so many public, indoor spaces are lit by garish tracks | | | | particularly valuable for those of us concerned about |
| of florescent tube lighting. Such lighting is bright, but is it | | | | energy use and waste. |
| any good? | | | | Though most students couldn't care less about the |
| The fact remains that nothing can compete with the | | | | details and specifications of their lighting fixtures, they'll |
| power of natural illumination to keep our eyes--and our | | | | appreciate the difference that quality light makes in |
| minds--sharp and focused. It rejuvenates our | | | | their study habits and in their overall lives. |
| perceptions in a way that few other things can. | | | | |