Innovative LED Lighting Protocol Cuts Risk of Seniors Falling in Long-term CareFacilities by 43 Percent
A first-of-its-kind as published in JAMDA, a two-year study with over 126,000 patient days of data conducted by investigators from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Midwest Lighting Institute, documented a 43 percent reduction in resident falls in skilled nursing facilities that utilized a tunable LED lighting system when compared to standard fluorescent lighting. The study was a before and after and against 2 control facilities.
THE RESEARCH TEAM
The study was funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health utilizing CMP funds in conjunction with the Midwest Lighting Institute Inc. We were fortunate enough to have some of the leading experts in the world from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, (Harvard Medical School’s teaching
hospital) conduct the study. These researchers are world class leaders on sleep and circadian biology.
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They include:
Melissa St Hilaire Ph.D.
Leilah Grant Ph.D.
Shadab Rahman Ph.D.
Steven Lockley Ph.D.
Research we have participated in
Exposure to short wavelength-enriched white light and exercise improves alertness and
performance in operational NASA flight controllers working overnight shifts
In this study, rich blue light and exercise improve the alertness, mood and reaction time of NASA mission controllers. Midwest Lighting Institute specified the lighting for this research.
The Effect of Blue-Enriched Lighting on Medical Error Rate in a University Hospital ICU
In this study, we reduced overall medical errors by 6% but mor importantly we were able to reduce harmful medical errors (E-I) or errors that lead to morbidity by 33%. Midwest Lighting Institute sponsored and designed the lighting for this study.
STUDIES THAT SUPPORT OUR RESEARCH
Below is just a sampling of research which supports the research we have been part of.
Effect of Bright Light and Melatonin on Cognitive and Noncognitive Function in Elderly
Residents of Group Care Facilities: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Light has a modest benefit in improving some cognitive and noncognitive symptoms of
dementia.
Preliminary evidence that daily light exposure enhances the antibody response to
influenza vaccination in patients with dementia
Residents with daily light exposure potentially had an enhanced immune response to the H3N2
vaccine
Bright Light Delights: Effects of Daily Light Exposure on Emotions, Restactivity Cycles,
Sleep and Melatonin Secretion in Severely Demented Patients
The study results provide evidence that a higher daily light exposure has beneficial effects on
emotions and thus improved quality of life in a severely demented patient group.
Effects of a dawn-dusk simulation on circadian rest-activity cycles, sleep, mood and well-
being in dementia patients
The Dawn Dusk Simulation may provide an effective, non-invasive tool to improve mood and
ameliorate patients' quality of life.