Dynamic light improves sleep patterns and psychological well-being in people with dementia

Medical Facts Editorial / Janine Budding December 16, 2023 – 8:42 pm

In the Netherlands, approximately 300,000 people live with dementia. In addition to memory problems, 80-90% of patients also suffer from sleep problems and psychological and behavioral problems. The medication has little effect and often has negative side effects. New doctoral research by Dr. Ellen van Lieshout-van Dahl (Trans, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University) shows the promising effect of dynamic light on the sleep pattern and mental health of people with dementia. “Dynamic light can help people with dementia continue to live at home longer.”

People with dementia are often exposed to too little light, because they spend less time outside, because of limited light in homes and because the lens of the eye becomes opaque and hardened during the aging process, which is exacerbated by dementia. Light has a huge impact on our health through the biological clock in our brain. In a doctoral study conducted by Dr. Ellen van Lieshout-van Dahl, the effect of dynamic light was examined as a potential intervention for people with dementia. “Dynamic light mimics the path of natural daylight in terms of intensity and color. In my research, we used dynamic lighting systems to see if light could positively impact the sleep pattern, behavior and psychological well-being of people with dementia,” says van Lieshout-van Daal.

Rarely conducted: research into the home situation

What is unique about the research is that, in addition to the clinical setting, it was also conducted at home. “Previous research on the use of dynamic light shows promising results. But almost all of the research has been conducted in institutions rather than at home, where people have a different lifestyle and are at a different stage in the dementia process. Each home also has a different proportion of light, depending on the presence of Windows, window decoration and geographic location.

Improving sleep patterns and mental health, and reducing prohibited behaviors

Patients in a psychiatric clinic were exposed to the light for three weeks, followed by three weeks without exposure to the dynamic light installation. “The participants were thus exposed to more light. They showed a significant improvement in sleep patterns, such as the number of minutes of sleep and the frequency of night-time wanderings. Prohibited behavior also significantly decreased,” says the researcher. In contrast to research conducted in the clinic, dynamic light at home appears to It does not have any significant effect on sleep patterns. This is probably because people at home spend more time outside than people in an institution. People seem to experience much less symptoms of agitation and depression.

Purposeful intervention in seasons of darkness and homes

Study results show that dynamic light is a promising technological intervention to support people with dementia. “Using a dynamic lighting system is particularly useful in dark seasons, for people who rarely spend time outside, or in homes with a dark interior or few windows,” Van Lieshout van Dahl concludes.

Link to Dr. Ellen van Lieshout van Dahl’s thesis: ‘Dynamic light and dementia: The impact of exposure to dynamic light on sleep and well-being in care settings and at home.

Source: Tilburg University

Medical Facts Editorial / Janine Budding

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I studied physical therapy and healthcare business management. I am also a registered independent client advocate and informal sponsorship broker. I have a lot of experience in different positions in the healthcare, social, medical and pharmaceutical industries at the national and international level. I have extensive medical knowledge of most healthcare specialties. and health care laws by which health care is regulated and financed. Every year I attend most of the leading medical conferences in Europe and America to update my knowledge and keep up with the latest developments and innovations. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in applied psychology.

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