February 5, 2025
Blue-Enriched Light in Schools Linked to Higher Test Scores
Research also shows that excessively bright or cool lighting can cause discomfort and visual fatigue
Lighting plays a critical role in cognitive performance, concentration, and overall well-being. Researchers Michael S. Mott, Regan Morse, Lauren Saltzman from the University of Mississippi, and Daniel H. Robinson from the University of Texas at Arlington have found that specific lighting conditions, particularly those with high correlated color temperature (CCT) and high illuminance levels, can enhance alertness, mood, and reading comprehension. However, their research also indicates that excessively bright or cool lighting can lead to discomfort and visual fatigue.
Building upon previous studies on lighting in educational environments, this new study explored the impact of LED lighting with increased blue-to-cyan spectral concentration on high school students' reading performance. The study aimed to determine whether a specific lighting setup — balancing spectral content and illuminance — could improve student outcomes without the drawbacks of excessive brightness.
Study Design and Findings
The study involved 79 high school students in a rural Mississippi school, randomly assigned to classrooms with either "Energy" LED lighting or "Normal" LED lighting. The "Energy" classrooms featured a blue-to-cyan enriched spectral range (440-520 nm) with a CCT of approximately 4120K and an illuminance of 436 lux. The "Normal" classrooms had a standard blue wavelength and a slightly lower CCT of 3789K with an illuminance of 486 lux.
Students completed a reading comprehension assessment, followed by a 45-minute ACT Practice Test. Results indicated that students in the "Energy" lighting classrooms outperformed those in the "Normal" lighting classrooms, with a statistically significant improvement in ACT reading scores. The findings support the hypothesis that blue-to-cyan enriched lighting positively influences reading performance.
Not all outcomes are expected to be positive, however. Prior research has shown that overly bright lighting conditions have been linked to visual strain, headaches, and difficulty maintaining focus over extended periods. Additionally, cool blue light at high intensities may cause glare and interfere with natural melatonin regulation, leading to disruptions in alertness and overall well-being. These findings highlight the importance of balancing lighting conditions to maximize performance while minimizing adverse effects.
Implications and Considerations
This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that classroom lighting can be optimized to enhance student learning. Unlike previous research that relied on high CCT (5500K or more) and excessive illuminance (1000 lux), this study demonstrated that a moderate CCT (around 4120K) with targeted blue-cyan spectral concentration could yield similar cognitive benefits while mitigating visual discomfort.
However, limitations exist. The study was conducted in a single school with high school students, raising questions about generalizability to other age groups or educational settings. Additionally, while random assignment was used, pre-existing differences among students may have influenced the results.
Future research should further refine optimal lighting conditions by exploring variations in spectral composition, intensity, and duration of exposure. Larger-scale studies with diverse student populations could provide deeper insights into how classroom lighting affects academic performance across different subjects and age groups.
