• Green Economy
    • About the Green Economy initiative
    • Project partners
    • Steering Committee
    • Advisory Board
  • Knowledgebase
    • The Living Lab
    • Publications & reports
  • News & Events
    • News updates
    • Calendar
    • Downloadable elements
    • Contact info
  • Startup Community
    • Meet our startup community
    • Join our startup community and help us develop lighting solutions of the future
  • About
    • Metropolis of lighting
    • Visit us & join us
      • Visitor service
      • Matchmaking service
    • Contact info
    • Greater Copenhagen info
    • EU Interreg
  • EN
    • DK
    • SE

Experimental study of light at the psychiatric ward

2018-03-20

 

The Psychiatric Ward in Ballerup, for patients with eating disorders.

The new psychiatric ward for patients with eating disorders in Ballerup has now opened for patients. It features an innovative dynamic lighting solution, that will now be tested as part of the Lighting Metropolis research work.  It’s one of the project’s flagship demos within biological lighting in Greater Copenhagen, and unique in its scope internationally.

A vast number of studies have shown, that light influences mood, with the most evident example being in seasonal affective disorders, where treatment consists of frequent exposure to intense broad-spectrum lighting. Since emotions are dysregulated in eating disorders (ED) and depression is a frequent accompanying disorder, researchers believe that exposing patients to intense broad-spectrum light will stabilize mood and reduce signs of depression.

The objective of the research study is to explore, if and how artificial lighting affects symptoms of ED. If an influence of artificial lighting on symptoms of eating disorders is indicated, the study will provide information on how to improve light exposure to ED patients in psychiatric treatment units. In addition, the outcomes may help identify a better system for measurement and adjustment of the specific light variables of colour temperature and light intensity.

The dynamic lighting features both fixtures, management systems, control panels, sensors (thermal cameras and wristbands) and data handling.

Specific research project information:

Research period: March 15th – July 31st (4,5 months)
Clinical (blood etc.) and technical data (thermal cameras and autographs etc.) will be gathered during this period, as well as activity, humidity, weather conditions and noise levels.

Baseline + two circadian lighting scenarios:
Baseline: 24h fixed light (no change in lux or kelvin) (March 15-31)

Dynamic level 1: high intensity (high kelvin in one long peak) (April + June)
Dynamic level 2: lower intensity (changing kelvin in two shorter peaks) (May + July)

During the research period the light levels and kelvin will be fixed. After this period, a workshop with staff, 2CTRL, and others involved will discuss the circadian light from August 1st and onwards.

If you’re interested in contacting or visiting the Psychiatric Unit in Ballerup, please send a request to Flemming Jørgensen.

 

Patient bedroom, inspected by project members.

 

Patients’ common area, seen from across one of the enclosed gardens.

 

Thermal cameras capture patients’ movements during night time, in common areas.

 

Touch panel with pre-set lighting scenes.

 

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin
0 Like!
Recommend
Share
  • ballerup
  • capital region
  • eating disorders
  • patients
  • pioneering
  • psychiatry
Tagged in

Other news

09 Jul 2018
New centre with light as treatment of eating disorder opens

The Capital Region has officially opened its new and state-of-the-art center  for patients with eating disorders, featuring integrated dynamic lighting as part of a research trial. At the forefront of […]

Read more

03 Apr 2018
Minister of Health and Social Affairs visits neonatal ward

Just before the Easter holydays, Sweden’s Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Annika Strandhäll, visited Helsingborg’s general hospital and the new neonatal unit, which opened March 16. The unit has […]

Read more

22 Mar 2018
New neonatal lighting could set new standards

The staff at Helsingborg’s new neonatal unit hope, that their innovative lighting solution will inspire other hospitals to rethink, how light is traditionally used, and how it can play an […]

Read more

06 Mar 2018
Region Skåne’s groundbreaking new neonatal unit opens

Region Skåne, a key funding partner in Lighting Metropolis, invites you to join partner colleagues for the grand opening of its brand new neonatal unit in Helsingborg, on March 16. […]

Read more

Lighting Metropolis
Gate 21
Liljens Kvarter 2
DK-2620 Albertslund

+45 4368 3400
info@lightingmetropolis.com
Supported by: