How Amber Lighting Helps Reduce Stress: UC Davis Color Lab Leads Breakthrough Study
A research team at UC Davis is showing how amber lighting can reduce stress and promote relaxation. The work is centered around the Color Lab, a partnership between the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) and the Center for Mind and Brain. The lab explores how lighting influences human well-being, especially after stressful experiences.
A Simple Question Sparked a Major Study
The idea began when Toyota Boshoku America asked a straightforward question: how can in-vehicle lighting affect stress and mental health? That question led to a two-year study involving more than 100 participants. The team at UC Davis took on the challenge and created a controlled lab environment to find answers.
How the Team Measured Stress and Recovery
To understand stress, researchers used EEG sensors to monitor brainwave activity. They also collected saliva samples to measure physical signs of stress. Participants completed a widely accepted test called the Trier Social Stress Test. In this test, people had to give a speech and complete a surprise math challenge—both while being observed by judges.
As expected, this created a high-stress situation. The key question was how lighting might help participants recover afterward.
Amber Lighting Led to Faster Recovery
After the stress test, participants were placed in rooms with different lighting conditions. The results were clear. Amber lighting helped people relax and return to a calm state more quickly than other light sources. Both brainwave data and saliva samples confirmed the benefits.
Moving Beyond the Lab
The findings had immediate impact. The research team filed a patent and partnered with a lighting manufacturer to create new products focused on stress relief. Hospitals also showed interest, looking for ways to improve patient spaces with calming light.
A Model for Future Research
This study highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. By bringing together lighting designers and neuroscientists, the UC Davis team created real-world solutions. Their work shows that lighting can go beyond function—it can support mental health and emotional well-being.