Most of us feel brighter on sunny days and struggle a bit when it's gloomy outside. That's because light plays a big part in how awake, alert, or sleepy we feel.

That's where circadian lighting comes in. It's designed to follow the body's natural rhythm, our internal clock, by using bright, cool light during the day and softer, warmer light in the evening.

This helps the body know when it's time to be active and when it's time to rest. Getting this balance right supports better sleep, mood, and wellbeing, especially for people living with dementia.

WCS Care installed circadian lighting in their newest home, Woodside Care Village in Warwick, when it was built, but they were faced with a challenge when planning to install it in existing, older homes.

Rewiring would mean major disruption and huge costs, so finding a simpler, affordable way to bring these benefits to everyone became the goal.

Working with lighting designers, manufacturers and researchers from Oxford University, WCS Care developed a retrofit system that could be fitted quickly and safely, without the need for extensive rewiring.

Bringing light to Sycamores

In November 2024, new system was installed at Sycamores in Leamington Spa.

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Using Bluetooth controls and wireless switches, the old fittings were replaced with energy-efficient LEDs that automatically adjust brightness and colour, from bright daylight tones in the morning to warm candlelight in the evening.

Middle floor (circadian) and top floor (non-circadian) evening comparison (image via WCS Care)

To see what difference it made, WCS Care used Dementia Care Mapping™, an observation method from Bradford University that tracks residents' mood and engagement. The results were striking:

• Daytime sleeping dropped by 58%
• Interaction increased by 470%
• Negative mood fell by 94%

Residents who had been withdrawn were suddenly more engaged and alert.

One resident who had six falls in the previous year had none in the first five months after installation. And the lighting has also reduced sundowning, the confusion and agitation that often happens in the late afternoon and evening. By adjusting gradually, residents feel calmer and more settled.

Staff have noted fewer incidents and a better atmosphere since the lights changed. One carer said: "I feel more relaxed on evening shifts… the whole place feels calm."

While others have noted that residents who previously didn't socialise are now spending more time in the lounge engaging with activities and other people. Relatives notice the difference too.

The environmental transformation is not just visual, it's relational.

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Looking ahead

Following the success at Sycamores, WCS Care have now installed the system at Fairfield and plan to roll it out across all of their homes, so more residents can experience the same benefits.

It doesn't replace time outdoors, but it helps fill the gap, supporting healthier sleep, better mood, and a brighter atmosphere for everyone.

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