Summary
It’s not practical to be outside all the time, but there are ways to make an indoor environment give stronger circadian cues1
You can face furniture and workstations toward windows
You can open or remove blinds
You can choose light colored furniture and paint
You can remove outside objects that block light from entering windows
You can choose buildings/rooms with shallower floor plans
The most “circadian” design is the courtyard floor plan
You can choose buildings with a variety of window locations
You can open your windows and doors to let unfiltered light in
At night, dim, blue-blocked lights could protect circulating melatonin for nighttime activities2 (including work)
Lighting affects the feel of the birth suite, with orange and amber lighting being the most liked by both birth workers and birthing families (compared with either the white- or red-hued extreme)3
A question to ask about a birth suite: does the window open? can you access the outdoors during your stay?
Access to the outdoors…
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