Light On The Brain

Are you worried about the amount of time your children are spending indoors and on screens? Are you noticing changes in their behaviour and ability to concentrate, catching them rubbing their eyes and concerned about their sight? Wearing glasses can make it hard to be active.

It turns out that small changes to lighting can make a massive difference to their health, happiness and ability to learn. But so much information out there seems alarmist or confusing, and sometimes just plain wrong. Dr Shelley James shares some of the latest research on the powerful long-term impact of light on the growing eye and brain. She will suggest how we can make the most of these insights to make healthier choices for our homes and schools.

Shelley will also introduce her latest project, a global public engagement campaign to raise awareness of how light affects health and wellbeing among people, building on a successful webinar series last year. This campaign is supported by an international network of scientists and education experts.

Women in Lighting are proud to host Dr Shelley James on her mission to share the latest research and, more importantly, practical solutions, so that you can stop your lighting harming your kids – and help them to learn at home.

00:00​ Introduction by Katia Kolovea, Archifos

03:43​ Light on the Brain

14:48​ Will your kids wear glasses?

20:16​ Affected by flicker?

27:42​ Learning while you sleep.

34:25​ Teenagers and sleep

38:10​ Seasonal Affective Disorder

43:40​ Your amazing brain!

53:50​ Q&A Session

Dr Shelley James has a PhD from the Royal College of Art and is an international expert on light and well-being. She recently appeared on the award-winning BBC series Innovations that Changed the World and on the webinar series the Neuroscience of Light. More details about Dr James and her work can be found on the Age of Light Innovations Group website – https://www.ageoflightinnovations.com/