New Standards for environment and Treatment of Brain-Injured Patients
At the Neuro Unit in Northern Jutland, the implementation of Chroma Zenit circadian lighting
has not only enhanced the rehabilitative environment for patients - it has also set a new standard for treating brain-injured individuals.
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At the Neuro Unit in Frederikshavn, patients with brain injuries from a stroke - a brain haemorrhage or clot in the brain - or from trauma such as a cycling accident, are treated. While the reasons for admission vary from patient to patient, they all share a common issue of circadian rhythm disruptions.
Based on this knowledge the Neuro Unit chose circadian lighting as a rehabilitation technology – and this decision has had a positive impact on the patients’ sleep and wake cycles.
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Rikke Brorholt
Improved Rhythm Benefits Rehabilitation
In contrast to the previous lighting in the unit, the
circadian lighting automatically adjusts colour and
intensity in sync with the natural light outside. Previously, the lighting in the unit remained the same day and night, posing challenges to the patients’ sense of time and circadian rhythm.
It is crucial for the patients’ rehabilitation
process to be able to unwind multiple times throughout the day – and this has become easier with circadian lighting.
“It enhances this familiar sense of home, allowing patients to feel safe and cosy in their surroundings. We often hear from patients and their families that a calming atmosphere, reminiscent of being at home in front of the television, settles in when the light dimmers and everything slows down to a soothing pace” she explains.
However, it’s not just the patients and their families who experience the effects of circadian lighting; the staff has also reaped the benefits.
A Healthy Work Environment For All Shifts
The Neuro Unit operates around the clock with three shifts; day shift, evening shift, and night shift, each requiring specific lighting to ensure that all staff receive the appropriate illumination – a need the previous lighting setup could not fulfil.
“I used to work as a night shift nurse many years ago, and I often found it challenging to unwind when I got home because I had been immersed in artificial light. While I was physically active during my shift, being exposed to blue light all night made it difficult for me to relax” explains Rikke Brorholt.
Before the department implemented circadian lighting and delved into the significance of the physical environment for rehabilitation, it resembled a typical hospital unit with bright lighting around the clock. However, this setup was far from ideal for the staff, as different shifts necessitated varying lighting requirements.
“Many evening shifts have shared that they used to sit for 2-3 hours when they returned home after work, struggling to unwind due to the harshness of the traditional lighting. It made it challenging to relax, especially for those working night shifts, as the bright light kept them alert” she says.
This issue has been resolved with circadian lighting. Now, several evening and night shifts find it much easier to unwind and go to bed when they get home because the evening light is tailored to their biological light needs. The circadian lighting has also impacted the overall work environment, benefiting both the staff and the patients.