The Important Role Circadian Rhythms Are Playing in Innovative Healthcare Design

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Regardless of the specific project in front of you or the unique patients that you're trying to serve, the ultimate goal of innovative healthcare design is always the same: you're trying to create an environment where the highest level of care is easier than ever to achieve. This requires you to think about things from ALL angles, from the layout of a building to even the way technology is integrated.

One of the more forward-thinking trends in this regard has to do with the simple concept of circadian rhythms, or the body's natural processes of going from sleepiness to being awake throughout the day.


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I N I N N O VA T I V E H E A LT H C A R E D E S I G N One of the goals of any healthcare organization is always to provide a sense of normalcy to patients whenever possible. Due to restrictions inherent in the ways that healthcare facilities used to be designed, this often proved difficult.

This could potentially cause patients to not only get confused as to when it's day versus nighttime, but could also lead to slower recovery times, emotional health issues to name a few psychological problems.


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I N I N N O VA T I V E H E A LT H C A R E

D E S I G N Taking circadian rhythms into consideration during the healthcare design process is an efficient way to address all of these issues in one fell swoop.

Not only does it benefit the employees themselves as it allows their bodies to continue with their natural sleep cycles and helps keep them energetic throughout their shifts, but it also brings with it a host of unique benefits by way of patient care.


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Addressing the needs of the body's circadian rhythms in healthcare design goes beyond just using more windows and letting in more light than before. It can also involve the use of art with specific colors designed to optimize natural light, creating a calming and healing environment that ultimately improves the patient experience.

It can be a great way to help put a patient at ease, giving them a better chance to help deal with the difficult healthcare situations they may be going through.


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Many healthcare facilities are taking this idea one step further through innovative concepts like creating a light oasis, which is a specific point in a hospital or facility where patients can visit to actively seek out natural light.

This may be an ideal compromise to environments where the importance of natural light and circadian rhythms has been acknowledged, but one or more physical conditions has made it difficult or impossible to just install more windows or to take similar steps.


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There's no way to flip a switch and transform a facility into a state-of-the-art medical powerhouse – it's all about small changes like accounting for natural light and circadian rhythms that all combine into one incredibly powerful whole.


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T O W O R K F O R Y O U

As experts with decades of experience in innovative healthcare design, Medical Interior Design provides its services to medical practices and hospitals all across the United States including places like New York and Los Angeles. To find out more about how we can help position your organization for a bold new future, please call us today at 800-258-0702, or visit our new website medicalinteriordesign.com.
