The Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has released a new video on how to maintain good sleep while working from home, or quarantining indoors, which is becoming commonplace during the coronavirus pandemic. Good sleep is essential for good health, and may even have a protective effect against coronavirus because a healthy, regular sleep pattern promotes a strong immune system. According to LRC Director Dr. Mariana Figueiro, one of the world’s leading experts in the area of light and health, the key to getting a good night’s sleep while working from home is a “light fitness routine.” 

The video features tips from Dr. Figueiro about how to use the power of light to help you sleep better and feel better every day.

-Seek light during the day, especially in the morning.

-If the sky is clear and the sun is shining, go for a 30-minute walk or run every morning at the same time. Morning light provides the most health benefits.  

-If you must stay indoors during the daytime, work facing the windows. Open the window curtains or shades to let in daylight.

-If you don’t have a window in your work-space, add more fixtures. for example, if you have one table lamp near your desk, add three additional ones. Don’t forget to turn the extra lights off in the evening, mimicking sunset.

-In the evening, use warm, low-level, dim lighting and turn off your screens 1-2 hours before bedtime. The intense glow from an electronic screen can make it harder for you to fall asleep.

Watch the Video