LIGHTING FOR HEALTH | Clearing the obstacles to circadian lighting in healthcare

Lighting systems which emulate natural light cycles — those known as circadian-effective lighting, not simply tunable systems — have enormous untapped benefits for human health. This is especially true for patients in healthcare settings. Research has consistently shown that the presence of circadian lighting systems in spaces such as intensive care units (ICUs) and memory care facilities leads to significantly improved patient outcomes.

There are many reasons behind the health benefits of circadian lighting. Lighting that mimics natural light patterns promotes cognitive function and reduces symptoms associated with memory disorders. It also has the potential to enhance quality of life for patients in healthcare environments, making their daily lives more comfortable and health-focused.

Why is it, then, that despite such promise, selling circadian rhythm lighting into healthcare settings remains an uphill battle?

The long-term benefits of the technology are clear, and the research is in place, so it is puzzling — and frustrating — that circadian lighting systems have not yet been widely taken up by healthcare providers.

My experience at Nano-Lit Technologies and our work with hospitals and senior care facilities has revealed the barriers to introducing circadian-effective technology — and, I believe, some solutions to illuminate the way forward.

Circadian challenges

Several key challenges come up repeatedly in conversations with healthcare administrators.

Cost of installation — Balancing long-term benefits with short-term budget concerns

A significant roadblock to sophisticated circadian lighting systems is the upfront cost and a customer base that has considered LED lighting as cheaply made yet overpriced (compared to conventional light sources), and mistakenly assumes that quality or impact of light is a moot point. During a recent project, the installation budget alone for introducing circadian lighting ranged between $2,000 and $3,500 per room. Despite the clear benefits of circadian lighting systems — especially in patient recovery — hospital budgets are often constrained by competing financial priorities.

Data challenges — Proving return on investment

In that vein, data drives decisions within the healthcare sector. At Nano-Lit, we’ve worked on projects where administrators were eager to adopt our technology but needed hard data to back up the investment. For example, one key obstacle we’ve encountered is gaining access to de-identified health record data to analyze the direct impact of lighting on patient recovery time and cognitive function. The hospital’s team wanted to see a clear correlation between lighting conditions and patient outcomes before committing to expanding the project.

We’ve found that until hospitals can clearly see how lighting affects their key health metrics — such as reduced recovery times or fewer readmissions — it’s hard to get full buy-in. However, privacy concerns can impede the process of accurately analyzing lighting trial results.

Integration challenges — Fitting new systems into old spaces

Integrating advanced lighting systems into existing hospital infrastructures can be complicated. Many healthcare facilities were not designed with circadian lighting in mind, and retrofitting older buildings can pose a logistical headache. Stakeholders have shared installation times of 18+ months in a small number of rooms as a result of unforeseen data networking tasks, issues behind walls, or the need to coordinate around hospital operations.

Resistance to change — Lighting isn’t always top of mind

Even when the technology is available, the scenario is feasible, and the evidence is compelling, there’s still a human factor to consider. Hospital decision-makers often prioritize more immediate concerns, like staffing or upgrading medical equipment, over lighting. I’ve spoken with administrators who acknowledged the benefits of circadian lighting but admitted that it wasn’t seen as a pressing issue.

How can we move forward? Collaboration and data

At Nano-Lit, we believe circadian rhythm lighting has the power to transform healthcare environments. But to get there, we need to focus on a few key areas.

First, prove the ROI. Hospitals need clear, data-backed evidence that lighting improves patient and employee outcomes and reduces costs in the long run. Our current partnerships are focused on gathering and presenting this data effectively. It’s not only research that matters, but how we communicate it.

Second, working with trusted, experienced professionals can been crucial in overcoming installation hurdles. By partnering with electricians who specialize in healthcare projects and recognize a future market, we can make the installation process smoother and less disruptive to hospital operations so there is no interruption in patient care. We’ve learned from past experiences and are actively working to eliminate installation roadblocks. This focus on the operational side is key to success.

Finally, overcoming a mindset which focuses on short-term concerns requires education. We’ve started framing lighting not just as a tool for patient wellbeing but as a way to improve staff productivity and reduce burnout — something that resonates in the current healthcare climate. And hospitals need more than just a product: They need a partner who understands their operational and financial constraints. Through ongoing collaboration with healthcare professionals and lighting experts, we’re educating stakeholders on the full range of benefits that circadian lighting can provide.

Conclusion

We’ve had the privilege of working with partners across senior care, hospitals, banks, governmental energy agencies, and space agencies, gathering key insights along the way. I’m confident that as we continue to refine our approach and deepen our data-driven research, circadian lighting will become an integral and automated part of healthcare facilities, improving not just patient outcomes but also the work environment for staff too, bringing the spotlight back to fundamental health and wellbeing for all.