Full Spectrum Desk Lamp

While the definition of a full spectrum lamp may vary, most would at least  agree it is a full spectrum lamp that displays light at all wavelengths of the visible spectrum, and perhaps some invisible light. The purpose of this is to better simulate natural sunlight and lighting conditions, which may offer a number of benefits. A full spectrum desk lamp does this by using special full spectrum bulbs that vary greatly from traditional incandescents and fluorescents. Full spectrum desk lamps, generally used for studying by students or for processing papers at work use these unique full spectrum bulbs. They are quite long-lasting too. The same type of lamp may also be designed and used as a floor lamp.

*The health benefits of full spectrum lighting have been shown for years. (see my Article in EzineArticles.com) It is thought to help seasonal affective disorder.  Many people at higher latitudes may suffer from seasonal affective disorder  in the winter. It is also thought to regulate body functions better and even promote plant growth. The theory behind this is relatively simple -- all living organisms have been especially designed to work under lighting conditions the sun produces. Therefore, imitating these conditions artificially should provide some benefit. That is what a full spectrum lamp seeks to do.

 
                                                

What Does Full Spectrum Mean?

Full spectrum lighting is visually balanced artificial lighting that duplicates the clarity and color intensity of noon time sunlight. It is a clear, bright white light that has a 90-100 CRI (Color Rendering Index) and 5000-5500 Degrees Kelvin (Kelvin Temperature). CRI stands for  Color Rendering Index and is a numbering system (based on a 0-100 scale) used for rating the color rendering quality of a lamp. The higher the CRI, the better the visual perception of colors. A very general definition of full spectrum lighting is lighting that falls between 5000 and 6000 on the Kelvin scale. A simple definition is that it simulates natural sunlight.

Full spectrum lighting, like its name suggests, includes the entire range of light rays from UV (ultraviolet) through red and then IR (infrared). Full spectrum earth phospors are used to manufacture Full Spectrum Light Bulbs. Lights bulbs not meeting these specifications should be avoided.

Full Spectrum Light is less stressful to your health than other artificial light such as fluorescent lights. Since they replicate natural sunlight, full spectrum lights reduce the level of the hormone cortisol in your body and thereby you experience less stress. You will suffer less eye strain, headaches, and general weakness. Full Spectrum Lighting helps improve the immune system, helps decrease blood pressure problems, and helps decrease insomnia. Full Spectrum Lamps are used as an effective form of Light Therapy (see my Article in EzineArticles.com) to treat people who suffer from seasonal depression or what was traditionally known as 'Winter Blues' and sometimes as an alternative to taking chemical anti-depressants in the treatment of regular annual depression.