Change of colour temperature in the course of a (summer) day
The incidence of light in the human eye not only enables visual perception of the surroundings, but also controls the circadian rhythm, the inner clock of people, via the melanopsin-containing ganglion cells in the eye. This correlation was only discovered in 2001.
Melanopic light effect thus means the non-visual, i.e. the controlling effect of light.
light grey cortisol cycle; dark grey melatonin cycle
Greatest melanopic light effect in the middle and upper field of view
Comparison of curves for ganglion cell sensitivity and visual perception
Good to know:
The melanopic light effect is especially important in the care sector. People with dementia in particular often lose their day-night rhythm – this can be counteracted by lighting design that takes the melanopic light effect into account.
Especially with general lighting, the respective room with its colour scheme and levels of reflection must also be considered. White walls and ceilings are ideal here – red tones, for example, reduce the melanopic light effect.
