Circadian lighting put to the test for night work

Shift work affects approximately 20% of the working population in industrialized countries and continues to increase, particularly among women. In France, 15,2% of employees work nights, with an overrepresentation in the service sector. This rhythm profoundly disrupts the biological clock, which can lead to sleep disorders, metabolic or cardiovascular risks, and an impact on alertness. Despite this observation, widely documented by institutions such as the WHO, ANSES, and HAS, levers to reduce these effects remain under-deployed in companies. It is in this context that Libu wanted to evaluate the real impact of its circadian lighting in shift work environments.

A study conducted in real conditions among night workers

The experiment took place at three sites operating night shifts in the surveillance sector and at an emergency call center. Each site was equipped with two formats of Libu solutions: LED panels in suspended ceilings and portable streetlights. The objective was to evaluate, under real-life conditions, the effects of lighting adapted to the biological rhythm on the health and well-being of operators.

The data collected show clear trends:

• -12% drowsiness during service;
• -15% of the stress felt;
• +11% in sleep quality;
• +3% mood indicator.

For Manon Loustau, co-founder of Libu: "This study is a starting point for further research. We often talk about the consequences of night work, but rarely about solutions. Lighting remains a blind spot in the design of shifts for shifts, even though it directly influences biological rhythms."

A solution adapted to environments with high operational requirements

The experiment is part of a broader dynamic: that of circadian lighting designed for demanding environments, where vigilance and business continuity are essential.

In collaboration with Nexee, an expert in the ergonomics of surveillance stations, Libu has supported the development of emblematic projects, such as Suez, Enedis, and SNCF. Together, they work on workspaces subject to staggered schedules or continuous activity, such as urban video surveillance centers (CSU), emergency call centers (SAMU), network supervision stations, or in gendarmerie.

For Cyril Tentelier, founder of Nexee: "Companies understand that a quality design isn't just about compliance, but it plays a key role in performance and retention. By combining ergonomics and circadian lighting, we enable night shift workers to achieve the same level of comfort and alertness as those on traditional shifts."

These projects illustrate an evolution in planning practices in environments with staggered hours. By becoming an active lever for quality of life at work, lighting is becoming an essential prevention tool in night work.