Winter Wellness Starts with Light: How Ketra Supports Your Circadian Rhythm

Restful Sleep and Elevated Energy Through the Power of Natural Light

Winter can be a challenging time for many people, but particularly for those who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This disorder is associated with the fading sunlight and the loss of natural light, leaving some people with a mild case of the winter blues and others with seasonal depression. 

Researchers have found that individuals with this disorder have lower levels of serotonin, the “happy” hormone that energizes, and higher levels of melatonin, the hormone that prepares the body for sleep. These chemicals are linked to the circadian rhythm, an internal time clock primarily influenced by light. 

Set to the rise and fall of the sun, this ancestral timepiece evolved when humans spent their lives outside. The early morning sun entered their eyes, signaling the production of serotonin. As the sun set, darkness prompted the release of melatonin. Today, our indoor lifestyles and 24/7 electric lighting have disrupted the circadian rhythm’s delicate balance. While other causative factors are involved, researchers believe that an imbalanced circadian rhythm plays a significant role in the development of SAD. 

And that’s where Ketra lighting comes in. 

Here, we’ll explore how Ketra’s dynamic, human-centric lighting mimics natural sunlight to help regulate sleep, boost mood, and combat winter sluggishness from the comfort of your home. 

SEE ALSO: A Guide to Ketra’s Vibrant Wellness Lighting

Ketra’s Natural Light

Ketra, a subsidiary of Lutron and creator of one of the world's most advanced LED lighting systems, developed Ketra’s “Natural Show,” a system that replicates the changing color and intensity of sunlight. By shifting throughout the day, it mimics the dynamic nature of natural light and matches its progression from sunrise to sunset. 

In the early morning, your lights resemble the color of dawn, slowly brightening as the sun breaks the horizon. The lights continue to transform, reaching the cool, blue-tinted white of midday, which enhances productivity. In the evening, as the sun disappears, the lights resemble the warm, amber glow of a setting sun. 

Enhancing Well-Being

By receiving the right spectrum of light at the right time, much as you would in the natural world, your circadian rhythm begins to come back into balance along with the production of the hormones responsible for much of the sleep-wake cycle. 

In many instances, you’ll find your mood has improved, you sleep through the night, and you wake up energized. 

Integrating with Smart Homes

Through seamless integration with home automation systems, you can effortlessly manage natural light. Create scenes that allow the system to synchronize with the light outside your windows in certain rooms. For instance, by pressing “Morning Routine,” the gym’s lights reflect the natural daylight, the climate adjusts, the shades open to reveal a beautiful backyard setting, and the sauna heats up. 

As smart homes continue to gain traction, Ketra will become the future of architectural lighting. Not only does it enhance aesthetics and functionality, but it also promotes wellness and fosters a sense of well-being. It’s a system that elevates everyday living through the power of light. 

At Rich AV, we’re excited to share this transformative lighting experience that elevates a home’s beauty while enhancing the well-being of those who live there. To learn more about Ketra lighting and how it supports your circadian rhythm, contact Rich AV.