SLEEP PATTERNS IN CHILDREN WITH NEUROPYSCHIATRIC FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT (NPF) THROUGH PRE-PROGRAMMED LIGHTING SCENARIOS

Abstract

The long, dark winters of the Nordic region pose unique challenges for children with autism, whose heightened sensory sensitivities often make conventional home lighting a barrier to restful sleep and daily stability. This thesis explores the transformative potential of smart, energy-efficient lighting systems designed
to mimic the gentle transitions of dawn and dusk within real-world family homes. Fourteen participants, including children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and related neurodevelopmental profiles, participated in a home-based intervention using programmable LED lighting scenarios tailored to support natural circadian rhythms.
Sleep patterns were tracked using both objective sleep analysers and parent diaries, while in-depth interviews captured the lived experiences of families. Although group-level statistical shifts in sleep timing were modest, individual stories revealed meaningful improvements, especially among families who also reduced evening screen time. Parents described the lighting as a calming signal, smoothing bedtime routines, easing morning transitions, and fostering greater independence and emotional regulation in their children. The intervention’s low energy consumption and use of commercially attainable technology highlights its practicality and promise for broader adoption.
Despite limitations such as a small, culturally homogenous sample and a relatively short study period, this research demonstrates that adaptive, sensory-responsive lighting can play a vital role in supporting the sleep health and well-being of neurodiverse children. As Nordic winters grow longer and darker, such innovations
offer a pathway to healthier, more inclusive home environments, lighting the way for both better sleep and brighter days.

Popular Abstract

How much can something as simple as light change the lives of children with neuropsychiatric conditions? Today, we’ll explore the real impact of it on sleep and well-being, moving beyond theory, straight into lived experience.
For many families, the struggle to help children with neuropsychiatric conditions, such as autism or ADHD, find restful sleep and daily calm is a familiar challenge. What if the answer lies not in medicine, but in the very light that fills our homes? This study set out to discover whether changing home lighting, especially by recreating the natural transitions of dawn and dusk, could make a meaningful difference for these children and their families.
The results are both surprising and hopeful. By simulating the gentle shifts in colour and brightness that occur during twilight periods, families noticed real improvements. Children fell asleep more easily, experienced fewer night-time awakenings, and showed calmer behaviour in the morning. Parents reported that evenings became less stressful, and some children even looked forward to bedtime, which is a rare victory in many households.
Why does light matter so much, and why focus on dawn and dusk? Light is not just about seeing, it is a powerful signal for our bodies. The gradual changes in light at sunrise and sunset help regulate our internal clocks, telling our bodies when it is time to wake up or wind down. For children with sensitive brains, these natural cues are especially important. Mimicking the soft, warm light of twilight in the home, rather than exposing children to harsh, artificial lighting, helps signal that it is time for rest, making relaxation and sleep come more naturally.
During the installation of the lighting equipment, we took a non-apprehensive approach, carefully avoiding any drastic changes to the home environment. We did not move furniture or disrupt the familiar layout of bedrooms and living rooms, ensuring that the children’s spaces remained comfortable and recognisable. This respectful method helped families feel at ease and allowed the lighting changes to blend naturally into everyday life.
To reach these conclusions, this study worked with families in their own homes, installing adjustable lighting systems that could recreate the subtle transitions of dawn and dusk. The lighting simulations were time-activated to align with each child’s typical wake-up and bedtime, as reported by their parents. Parents kept sleep diaries and shared their observations. The changes did not require complex or specialised equipment, just a thoughtful approach to when and how different lights are used. Even small tweaks, like dimming lights gradually in the evening or using warmer tones at bedtime, made a noticeable difference.
This research shows that simple changes in our everyday environment, especially those inspired by nature’s own rhythms, can have a profound impact on children’s health and family life. Light, often overlooked, is a tool every parent can use to support better sleep and well-being. Sometimes, the simplest solutions shine the brightest.

• author: Askalani, Mohamed and Sabado Manansala, Daniel
• supervisor: Niko Gentile
• organization: Division of Energy and Building Design
• course: AEBM01 20251
• year: 2025
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) Circadian Rhythm Home-Based Lighting Intervention Smart LED Lighting Sleep Onset Sleep Duration Melanopic Light Dusk and Dawn Simulation Energy-Efficient Lighting Non-Visual Effects of Light Nordic Daylight Conditions Neurodevelopmental Disorders Pediatric Sleep Patterns Field Study Human-Centric Lighting
• language: English
• id: 9192459
• date added to LUP: 2025-06-05 14:52:03
• date last changed: 2025-06-11 13:25:36