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Millions of adults lie awake night after night, and it's not just their health that suffers. Insomnia is now costing the economy billions each year, according to a new study by SEO Economic Research, based on GP diagnoses and data from Statistics Netherlands. Around 1.4 million adults in the Netherlands regularly struggle to get a good night’s sleep. For many, this leads to long-term exhaustion, poor mental wellbeing, and eventually, declining performance at work. Increased screen time, especially in the evenings, is fuelling the rise in sleep deprivation. Another factor is spending too much time indoors, where the level of natural light during daytime is far lower than outside and in the evenings often too bright. Our bodies rely on daylight to keep our internal clocks in sync with the time of day. Without enough exposure to daylight, the brain may struggle to send the right signals for when to feel tired and prepare the body for sleep. Photo by Tim Durgan  on Unsplash   The latest research goes a step further by calculating how insomnia affects earnings, and the findings are striking. Workers suffering from insomnia earn, on average, €800 less each year due to reduced performance or frequent absences. With 1.4 million people affected, this adds up to a staggering €1.1 billion in lost productivity. And it doesn’t stop there. When someone with chronic insomnia ends up on welfare, the economic loss jumps to €45,000 per person each year. Currently, 36,000 people with insomnia receive benefits, resulting in an additional €1.6 billion in lost productivity. Altogether, the total cost to the Dutch 1economy amounts to €2.7 billion annually, and that figure is likely a conservative estimate.   Sleeplessness is more than a personal struggle, it’s an economic issue. Tackling it effectively and educating people on what they can do to improve their sleep could not only help millions feel and function better, but also bring billions back into the economy.   Source: https://nos.nl/artikel/2573289

Proper lighting is not only a necessity, it is one of the most fundamental elements of comfortable living spaces. Tuled Elektronik, wholeheartedly believes in the potential of Good Light Group's "Good Light" philosophy to transform the quality of life, and fully supports this philosophy with their "Human-Nature-Budget friendly'', LED lighting solutions.   We are proud to welcome Tuled Elektronik San. Tic. A.Ş. as the very first representative of our group in Türkiye. We are confident that they will construct a new era in the lighting industry by combining Tuled's innovative and environmentally friendly products with our expertise in raising lighting awareness. Welcome Tuled Elektronik San. Tic. A.Ş. More info

We all know that daylight is good for us. It boosts our mood, helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, and provides UVB radiation to support vitamin D production. But many people wonder: If I wear sunglasses and a cap outdoors, am I blocking too much light to still get the benefits of daylight? The short answer: no, you’re still getting plenty of healthy light, even with sunglasses and a cap. Photo by Zaur Takhgiriev Sunglasses and caps: smart protection, not light blockers When you're outside — even on a cloudy day — light levels are far higher than indoors. Outdoor light typically ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 lux , while indoor light rarely exceeds 500 lux . Wearing sunglasses filters about 80% of that outdoor light, but your eyes will still receive 1,000 to 2,000 lux  — more than enough to positively influence your circadian rhythm. A cap or hat might reduce this by another 50%, but even then, you’ll still be exposed to sufficient ambient daylight. So don't worry: sunglasses and caps don’t cancel out the benefits of daylight. Instead, they protect  you — against harmful UV rays, glare, and eyestrain, especially during midday sun. Think of them as filters, not barriers. You're still getting enough light to: Boost your energy and mood Support your day-night rhythm Promote overall health Just remember to protect your skin too — sunscreen or clothing can help prevent sunburn. Don’t wear sunglasses indoors Wearing sunglasses inside? That’s not a good idea. Indoor lighting is already dim, and sunglasses make it even harder for your body to detect the time of day. That can disrupt your biological clock, mood, and sleep quality. Wearing a cap indoors is more of a style choice — it doesn’t affect your light exposure as much. But still, whenever you're indoors, try to sit near a window and keep your eyes open to daylight, because indoor light is much weaker and your body needs every bit of it.   Final tip: go outside — every day Try to spend at least two hours outdoors daily, especially in the morning. That’s when your internal clock is most responsive to light. And yes — go out with or without your favorite sunglasses or cap. Soak in the daylight. Your eyes — and your brain — will thank you.

In this very first episode of the Happier with Light  podcast, Lard invites chronobiologist Marijke Gordijn to talk about light and sleep. Some say sleep is overrated and even go so far as to say, "I'll sleep when I'm dead."  Others argue that sleep is non-negotiable, that we need it as much as air and water. But how does it really work? Why do we need sleep so badly? And what is the connection with light? Marijke explains it all. Listen, learn, and enjoy. Listen to the podcast on: Spotify YouTube

Our podcast is out! In this season, you can listen to Lard and several scientists discuss how light affects various aspects of our lives, such as sleep and ageing. They also explain what kind of light you need daily to improve your happiness, sleep, energy, and overall health, and how to measure light to ensure you enjoy the full benefits of good light. Listen to the podcast on: Spotify YouTube

We’re taking another deep dive into the world of sleep. One of the key ingredients for a happy life — even for happiness itself — is good-quality sleep. But why is it so normalised, even seen as macho, to claim you don’t need much sleep? Or to say that sleep is completely overrated? Yet can’t a lack of sleep — or poor, non-restorative sleep — actually be harmful, even deadly? And what is a good night’s sleep, anyway? This will all be explained by neurologist and sleep expert Dr Inge Declercq. isten to the podcast on: Spotify YouTube

Light isn’t just for seeing — it’s the invisible key to better sleep, sharper thinking, and long-term health. In this webinar for the ASEAN Light + Design Expo 2025 , Jan Denneman shares insights into how light regulates your sleep, energy, alertness, and emotional well-being. Discover the concept of a “light diet” — the right light at the right time — to synchronise your biological clock, improve rest, and boost daytime vitality. Key Takeaways – What You’ll Learn How bright light boosts energy and mental clarity Why dim light in the evening improves sleep quality How to build a “good light diet” — bright days, dim evenings, dark nights Why light is more than illumination — it’s a biological signal

We’ve organised our 22nd Good Light Group meeting, which also served as a council meeting. The topics included: Good Light Group News Review of 2024 Financial overview of 2024 and the 2025 budget Introduction of the 2024 plan Strategic Partnerships  – Roger Sexton Media & Public Engagement  – Marijke Gordijn Impact & Value Creation  – Bruno Smets Future-Proofing the Group  – Dave Hollingsbee Photo by Clement Fusil on Unsplash During the meeting, attendees were invited to answer questions related to these four key topics. Curious about the outcomes or interested in contributing your thoughts?You can watch all parts of the group meeting here: Good Light Group News Media & Public Engagement – Marijke Gordijn Strategic Partnerships – Roger Sexton Impact & Value Creation – Bruno Smets Future-Proofing the Group – Dave Hollingsbee If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us .

Over half (64.9 percent) of young people aged 17 to 23 have problems with sleep, according to the latest statistics released by NHS England . Students are not getting enough sleep, which negatively impacts their physical health, mental clarity, and emotional wellbeing. Photo by Tim Gouw  on Unsplash   Poor sleeping habits, such as a lack of routine or not getting the right amount of sleep, are common, and even normalised, among university students. Sacrificing sleep or sleeping at unconventional times is often accepted as a reasonable way to balance the demands of studying and socialising. Sleep is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, affecting everything from physical health to mental clarity and emotional wellbeing. It’s essential for everyone to get the right amount of quality sleep. So, here are some tips for improving your sleep (other than a good mattress): Try to be in daylight as much as possible, at least two hours during the day, especially in the morning. Stay within one meter of a window. After every 20 minutes of screen time, get up and look at the sky for 20 seconds. Install good electric lighting that compensates for the lack of daylight from sunrise to sunset, ensuring you receive at least 500 lux of light in your eyes during the daytime. The light in your room affects sleep, darkness promotes sleepiness. Aim to keep lighting below 10 lux three hours before bedtime by avoiding bright lights and setting your screens to night mode. Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, eat meals at consistent times and avoid meals within three hours of bedtime. Aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate physical and mental activity weekly. Relax in the evening and avoid intense activities 1.5 hours before bed. The optimum room temperature for sleeping is between 16°C and 20°C. Depending on the season, you might need a fan or a thicker duvet*. A wind-down routine is important. Taking time to relax and ‘switch off’ from the day can vary from person to person. Caffeine is best avoided later in the day, depending on when you plan to sleep. Alcohol also impacts sleep. While it might help you fall asleep initially, the quality of your sleep will be poorer.  * Sleep Foundation

We are happy to be part of the Light for Public Health Initiative. It truly supports our vision and reinforces our message about evidence-based public health communication on the non-visual effects of ocular light exposure. Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash Light is a powerful signal for the body, influencing our circadian rhythms, sleep, mood, and cognitive performance. It’s not just about how bright the light is, timing and type also matter. The right light at the right time. Daylight in the morning and during the day – or electrc light that compensates for the lack of daylight - supports various aspects of health, while exposure to light at night can be disruptive. Managing light exposure is part of a healthy lifestyle, just like diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene. Together with the major institutions Center for Environmental Therapeutics , Cie , DLA , Good Light Group  and SLRCH , we hope to spread this message more widely and raise awareness of how important good lighting is for sleep, health, and overall wellbeing. More information

Lux is just a fancy way of measuring how bright light is. The more lux, the brighter the light. For a well-functioning biological clock, it is important to measure the lux levels entering the human eye. Here are some examples to make it super clear: Outdoors When it's a full moon = you get 1 lux in your eyes On a cloudy day, you will get already a few thousand lux On a sunny day, the lux levels are between 10,000 and 100,000 lux Indoors The lux levels are much lower. It is difficult to reach a couple of 100 lux A bright office: you get only 50-150 lux in your eyes A cozy living room in the evening: 20-100 lux Why should you care about lux? Light isn’t just about seeing things. Light affects your energy, mood, sleep, and health. Getting the right amount of light at the right times can help you feel more awake during the day and sleep better at night. And the lux level reaching your eyes is important! So, hold the sensor of your lux meter, or the camera of the phone if you use a light meter app, close to your eyes.   Here’s how to use lux to feel your best: 1. During the day: Get at least 500 lux in your eyes.Your body needs bright light during the day to feel alert and happy. If you're inside, make sure the light around you is at least 500 lux. Sitting near a window helps a lot! Goal: Stay within one meter of a window for the best natural light.   2. Go outside! Aim for at least two hours during the day The best light comes from the sky. Even on a cloudy day, being outdoors gives you 1,000–10,000+ lux, way more than inside. Goal: Spend at least two hours outside every day to soak in that natural brightness.   3. Avoid bright light before bed Bright light in the evening can confuse your body and make it harder to fall asleep. Goal: Three hours before bed, keep lights low, below 10 lux. Use lamps, avoid bright screens, or turn on night mode on your devices.   4. Take screen breaks for your eyes Staring at screens all day? Give your eyes a mini vacation. Goal: Every 20 minutes, stand up, walk to a window and look at the sky for 20 seconds. It helps your eyes relax and boosts your mood too!   5. No window? Get good electric light If you’re stuck indoors with little daylight, consider getting good electric light that compensates for the lack of daylight from sunrise to sunset. Goal: make sure your light gives you at least 500 lux in your eyes. Special daylight lamps can help.   How to measure it? You don’t need to be a scientist to check your light levels. Easy ways to measure lux: Use a Lux Meter App: Many smartphones can measure lux with a free app (just search for "lux meter" in your app store). These use your phone’s light sensor to estimate the brightness around you. Be aware that most apps are not very precise and often tend to be overly optimistic. Buy a lux meter device: You can also get a small lux meter tool online. It’s super simple to use, just point it toward the light source and it tells you the lux level. Available from €30,- Tip: When checking lux for your health, measure the light reaching your eyes, not just the room. Hold the lux meter or phone near your eyes, pointing at the light source.   Light is powerful, and lux is your guide to using it wisely. Remember: Bright light (500+ lux) during the day = More energy Dim light (under 10 lux) before bed = Better sleep Natural light = The best kind of light Simple changes with light can make a big difference. Try it out and see how you feel!   Want to know more about light? Read our blog about light spectrum, the different colours of light

I’m thrilled to join the Good Light Group as a Science Advisor, inspired by a deep passion for advancing human-centric lighting solutions. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on researching and implementing lighting designs that support human well-being, and I’m excited to contribute to the Group’s mission of bringing science based lighting into everyday life. Photo by Chris Liverani  on Unsplash What excites me most is the opportunity to collaborate with a like minded team dedicated to improving quality of life through innovative lighting. The Good Light Group’s commitment to scientific rigor aligns seamlessly with my background in human-centric lighting design, smart connected systems, and expertise in standards such as CIE, EN, WELL, and LEED. Together, we aim to transform indoor environments into healthier, more productive spaces through thoughtful lighting strategies. I look forward to sharing knowledge, sparking meaningful conversations, and helping drive positive change empowering people to thrive under the right light. Sevda Aliparast