The Research
How we can Extend the Average Human Life by 5 Years
We are on a mission to extend the life of the average human by 5 years, by utilising the research on how the light effects our bodies, and how controlling light correctly can impact our lives.
Academic Research Papers
Huge societal impact
“As for light at night,” Associate Professor Cain says, “there’s a lot of focus on screens and phones, but that’s a bit overblown. The worst offender is house lights. Downlights are horrendous, and so many people are living in light environments at night that are disruptive”
- Monash University - Medicine and Health 2023 - The Circadian Rhythm of life: ‘If we disrupt the light cycle, then you’ll die earlier’
The detrimental effects of ‘unhealthy’ light
“Medical research shows that “unhealthy light behaviour” can result in chronic conditions such as liver disease, depression, hypertension and cardiovascular problems, impaired muscle function, poor sleep, and insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, he says.
The worst light we ingest is before bed, whether it’s bright home lights or screens.
- Monash University - Medicine and Health 2021 - Let there be light
Light sensitivity and antidepressants
“We’ve shown that someone in a current state of depression has a less light-sensitive circadian system. I think that's the origin of this idea of depression being a feeling of darkness, because this unconscious brightness detection system that feeds into the clock and mood-related areas of the brain isn’t seeing light in the same way.” - Associate Professor Cain
- Monash University - Medicine and Health 2023 - The Circadian Rhythm of life: ‘If we disrupt the light cycle, then you’ll die earlier’
Reducing Anxiety
“In addition to impacting sleep and our circadian clock, these cells in our eyes also project to other brain areas to do with alertness and mood.”
The paper states that “dysfunction in this circuitry is associated with higher anxiety”, and increased amygdala activity is associated with negative mood. The presence of light may directly lead to improved mood, and an improved ability to control our emotions.
- Monash University - Medicine and Health 2021 - All light now - Delving deeper into our fear of the dark