On December 16, 2013 Katie wrote and snail or whale mailed the following letter
to Stan Walerczyk, who has briefly met her and knows her father, who has a
general understanding of lighting. Katie and her parents allowed her letter with
last name and address removed to be posted in the Human Centric Lighting
website. There are not that many young people getting into lighting, and maybe,chateau gonflable
just maybe, Katie will be one who does.
Dear Mr. Walerczyk,
I hope you are doing well!
I am in sixth grade now and doing a report about blue light and how
it affects sleep. I have done a little research and know the basic facts on
this topic. I understand that you know lots about this topic. I would love to
know more the characteristics of blue light and it affects your brain,
leading to sleep issues.
If you can, please send me one or two reports or websites that you
think will be helpful in my report.
Thank you so much for your help!
Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Katie
Stan received the letter on December 30 and emailed Katie the next day.
Following is a slightly modified version.
Dear Katie
It really made my day yesterday, getting your letter.
As you may have already found out, white light with significant blue
content, specifically around 480 nanometer wavelength, suppresses
production of the hormone, melatonin.
This is good in the morning and daytime, but not one to three hours before
going to bed, because melatonin helps people go to sleep.
So one to three hours before going to bed, people should have relatively
low light levels and a warm color tone of light.
Bluish light from computers, tablets and cell phones should also be
avoided before going to bed. Here is a free download that I use to reduce
that bluish light.
http://justgetflux.com/
I thought you and maybe also your parents may like this TED Talks video.
http://www.ted.com/talks/russell_foster_why_do_we_sleep.html
Here is an LED bulb that is designed to be used before going to bed. You
can also watch the training video.
http://www.lsgc.com/interior_led_lighting/definity-lamps/good-night-led-
light/
Since you are a student, high light levels and high Kelvin can be good
during the daylight. Here is a video.
Maybe I could work with your parents to improve the lighting at your
school.
Here is another website. I am chair of the Human Centric lighting
Committee.
If you do not understand something, you could ask your father first, and if
that does not work, you can email or call me.
I can provide more information if you want it.
Happy New Year and hope you do well on your project.
Stan
Stan Walerczyk, HCLP, LC, CLEP
Principal of Lighting Wizards
Chair of Human Centric Lighting Committee
P.O. Box 532634
Kihei, HI 96753
808-344-9685
stan@lightingwizards.com
www.lightingwizards.com