54|CUADERNOS A study conducted by the Maastricht University Medical Center in collaboration with Philips and focused on the effect of light on the sleep-wakefulness pattern in cardiac patients, showed that after seven days in a room with the HealWell system patients were able to sleep up to 8% more, the falling into sleep time was reduced 30% and the state of mind of these patients was better compared to the patients that had traditional lighting in their room. Philips HealWell is a lighting system that can be installed in the rooms for patients in hospitals. HealWell produces levels of lighting that gradually change during the day in the same way that light changes outside on a sunny day. This has an effect on sleep and on the state of mind. Another area to pay special attention to are the rooms were image tests diagnosis are performed. The stress that patients are under when facing this tests is very high. Lighting can play an important role in these spaces. Installing a soft light and a perimeter lighting with color changes, relaxes and calms the patient specially during extended tests like the MRI. This solution can also be put into practice in the pediatrics area where the color lighting can be used jointly with projections of drawings and landscapes. Summing up, light can be a great ally to hospitals. The correct use of lighting in the different areas can help in the recuperation and comfort of patients improving their well being. ■ More information: www.philips.es Watch a video on this subject in www.icandela.com