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What is full spectrum light?
Full spectrum light is commonly defined as a light source with a color temperature between 5000K and 6500K and a CRI above 96.
However, since sunlight varies in color temperature throughout the day - warmer during dawn/dusk, cooler and whiter throughout the daytime - we find the above definition to be incomplete.
We owe this definition of full spectrum light to studies done in the 1960s which showed how plants could grow as well under an artificial light source containing a fuller, more complete spectrum of visible light as they would under natural daylight.
While many may like to define full spectrum light as one in the "cooler" daylight white color temperature range, all variations of sunlight are still full spectrum and beneficial - they just have different effects!
Full spectrum lighting can mean any bulb that either:
A) contains a full visible light spectrum and the non-visible light spectra of infrared and/or ultraviolet.
B) contains a balanced and full visible light spectrum (regardless of color temperature)
Most full spectrum light bulbs go via the second definition, containing a balanced visible light spectrum, since the first definition is nearly impossible to achieve in an 'artificial' light source.
The Full Spectrum of Light
Even though "light" can technically refer to the larger electromagnetic spectrum (containing everything from gamma rays to radio waves), there are only three primary spectrums of light that are the focus of everything and anything discussing light or full spectrum light and health.
They are, in order of appearance on the spectrum:
-Ultraviolet Light (UV)
-Visible Light (White light and all the colors of the rainbow)
-Infrared Light
Full Spectrum Light Bulbs FAQ
What is the difference between Chromalux® full spectrum bulbs and other full spectrum bulbs?
Standard daylight full spectrum light bulbs are a different bulb entirely from the Chromalux® line of full spectrum bulbs, which use neodymium glass to filter out yellow and other dulling frequencies of the light spectrum, resulting in a beautifully pure and vivid light with enhanced colors and contrast.
Standard types of full spectrum light bulbs are typically LEDs that emit a full spectrum of daylight white light (between 5000-6500K color temperature). While these bulbs are beneficial in the morning and daytime to help with energy and alertness (thanks to the biologically necessary blue color wavelengths to activate our circadian rhythm), most of these bulbs don't necessarily replicate colors well and can cast a garish appearance to everything. Many people also complain of glare and eye strain.
Our bulbs will appear gentler and soothing in comparison, and colors will also be more vivid and true to life.
In a nutshell, our light technology allows you to see and feel better while enhancing your environment and inspiring you in a way standard full spectrum bulbs cannot!
Ideally, you could both use standard daylight color full spectrum bulbs together with our Chromalux® bulbs for the ultimate lighting environment!
Are full spectrum bulbs similar to light therapy boxes? Are they interchangeable with light therapy boxes for SAD?
This is a great question! While full spectrum light bulbs definitely help those suffering from SAD, they are not considered a standalone treatment for seasonal depression. Light therapy boxes provide a much stronger intensity of light and can be used only for about 30 minutes a day, while Chromalux® full spectrum lighting can be used without restrictions (like a normal light bulb). We actually answered this question in more detail. Read the differences between full spectrum light and light therapy.
Are full spectrum bulbs the same as daylight bulbs?
No, this is a common misconception. Full spectrum light bulbs have enhanced color rendering properties and a balanced visible light spectrum, similar to sunlight. Daylight bulbs do not necessarily mean full spectrum, but instead refer to light bulbs with a color temperature between 5000 and 6500K, the color temperature range of daylight at noon.
Do you get Vitamin D from full spectrum lights?
No, you cannot get Vitamin D by using full spectrum light bulbs. Most full spectrum bulbs only emit a full visible light spectrum, not the UV spectrum, and the emission of UVB is necessary for the production of Vitamin D.
Do full spectrum lights have UV rays?
Most full spectrum bulbs emit only a full spectrum of visible light, so they won't emit any UV, which falls below the visible light spectrum range.
Is full spectrum light good for eyes?
Whether or not a full spectrum light is good for the eyes depends on two factors: light technology (incandescent, haloge, LED, fluorescent), and color temperature. The healthiest light for eyes is the incandescent or halogen light bulb, or even better, Chromalux® incandescent light bulbs, which filter light in a unique way that allow the eyes to relax.
Different Types of Full Spectrum Light Technologies
Light technology is the way in which visible light is created. Understanding the different light technologies - whether a light source is incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, or LED - can tell us a lot about a light's fullness of spectrum. Let's explore.
Full Spectrum Incandescent
On their own, incandescent bulbs produce a full spectrum of visible and infrared light. Its full spectrum of visible light skews more towards red, with very little blue light.
The light of standard incandescent bulbs looks like sunlight at dawn/dusk, with a yellowish/amber color.
Incandescent bulbs are wonderful to wind down, relax, and nourish yourself with. They don't have an energizing effect per se, but more of an "uplifting" effect (especially color-corrected versions like Chromalux®).
Full Spectrum Halogen
Halogen is just an "enhanced" version of incandescent light, with a very similar full spectrum of visible and infrared light; its visible spectrum skews more towards the blue which gives these bulbs a slightly more energizing effect than incandescent, while still possessing the same analog light health benefits of incandescent light.
Full Spectrum LED
Led is the most commonly available and versatile light. Since it creates light through the use of diodes, the possibilities are endless in the types of light it can create! You can find virtually any color temperature in LED bulbs - warm white, natural white, and cool white, bulbs that can switch through all the different hues (smart light bulbs), and full spectrum varieties.
However, since it is a "digital" light source, we always recommend mixing it up with other more whole versions of light like incandescent or halogen to get the most out of your lighting.
One of our favorite light hacks is to use full spectrum incandescent light bulbs at close range in table, desk, and floor lamps, and color-corrected flood LED bulbs in any overhead fixtures. This is a great way to get the health benefits of incandescent with the energy efficiency of LED!
Full Spectrum Fluorescent
Fluorescent light can be full spectrum (when it has a CRI over 96). While you can find warmer appearing fluorescents, most are available in daylight or cool white color temperatures between 5000K and 6500K. That means the visible light spectrum skews mostly towards blue wavelengths, and the light will have a very energizing effect.
Certain full spectrum daylight fluorescents also dip into the ultraviolet range, and when specified as such, are excellent ways to provide birds and reptiles in captivity with UVB light to promote Vitamin D synthesis (the amount of UV produced isn't nearly enough to have any effect on humans).
The difference of Chromalux® Full Spectrum Bulbs
Standard daylight full spectrum light bulbs are a different bulb entirely from the Chromalux® line of full spectrum bulbs, which use neodymium glass to filter out yellow and other dulling frequencies of the light spectrum, resulting in a beautifully pure and vivid light with enhanced colors and contrast.
Standard types of full spectrum light bulbs are typically LEDs that emit a full spectrum of daylight white light (between 5000-6500K color temperature). While these bulbs are beneficial in the morning and daytime to help with energy and alertness (thanks to the biologically necessary blue color wavelengths to activate our circadian rhythm), most of these bulbs don't necessarily replicate colors well and can cast a garish appearance to everything.
Our bulbs will appear gentler and soothing in comparison, and colors will also be more vivid and true to life. Additionally, most of our bulbs are either incandescent or halogen incandescent, which emit additional healthy light in the form of infrared energy!
In a nutshell, our light technology allows you to see and feel better while enhancing your environment and inspiring you in a way standard full spectrum bulbs cannot!
Ideally, you could both use standard daylight color full spectrum bulbs together with our Chromalux® bulbs for the ultimate lighting environment!
