Full spectrum light includes all wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, from infrared to ultraviolet. However, the term is often used as a marketing tool for products that may not truly deliver full spectrum lighting. While full spectrum lighting has been studied as a potential therapy for seasonal affective disorder, exposure to short wavelength frequencies may be enough to achieve the benefits. Full spectrum lighting is also used by artists, photographers, and gardeners.
Full spectrum light is a term used to describe wavelengths of light that fall within the entire frequency range of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Known as the electromagnetic spectrum, this range includes wavelengths below the long radio waves and above the short gamma rays. This range of light includes infrared radiation with wavelengths longer than that of visible light and extends to ultraviolet with EMR wavelengths shorter than visible light. To put this into perspective, sunlight includes the infrared and ultraviolet ranges, with light visible to the human eye somewhere in between. This is why enthusiasts of full spectrum lighting hope to get a light source that mimics natural sunlight.
This does not mean that bulbs and home lighting accessories labeled full spectrum truly deliver full spectrum lighting. In fact, the term has become somewhat of an industry catchphrase used to enhance the marketing appeal of such products, some of which can be considered broad-spectrum at best. Other buzzwords soon followed.
For example, many products list the Kelvin temperature and a corresponding color rendering index (CRI). Kelvin is a measure of color temperature in relation to the color hue of the light source, where zero is pure black and 5,000 units emulate midday sun. CRI is a scaled rating of how accurately an object appears true to color compared to when viewed under a natural light source. Believing themselves to be experts in full spectrum lighting, consumers often look to Kelvin temperature and CRI as indicators of quality.
However, since these specifications don’t actually guarantee effectiveness, they are also advertising bait. In fact, many manufacturers only list them because so many consumers are asking for this information. After all, many organizations dedicated to advancing full spectrum lighting research completely ignore Kelvin and CRI in terms of study design and therapeutic applications.
However, full spectrum lighting has gained considerable attention as a potential therapy for mood disorders related to seasonal depression. Commonly known by the umbrella term Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this condition is characterized by sleep disturbances and a general feeling of unease. Since these symptoms seem to emerge during the winter, researchers and doctors have concluded that they result from reduced exposure to natural sunlight. Numerous studies have found that light therapy can improve mood by helping regulate circadian rhythms and by stimulating the production of the hormone melatonin. However, research also suggests that this benefit is gained from exposure to short wavelength frequencies, or white to blue light, indicating that such lighting may not be necessary.
Artists and photographers also use full spectrum lighting, particularly when working at night. Simulating natural light conditions helps ensure that creative work reproduces colors that appear as if seen in daylight. Employees at home improvement centers and hardware stores often mix paint under full spectrum fixtures to achieve an accurate color match. Additionally, gardeners forcing blooms or growing out-of-season plants indoors are turning to full-spectrum lighting to provide enough light that approaches natural sunlight.
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