Sarasota School Lighting Experiment Summary
In 1973, Dr. John Ott conducted a landmark study in Sarasota, Florida, comparing student performance under full-spectrum lighting (mimicking natural sunlight) versus standard cool-white fluorescent lighting in classrooms. Two classrooms were equipped with different lighting systems, and student behavior and academic progress were monitored via time-lapse cameras.
Students in the fluorescent-lit classroom exhibited hyperactivity, irritability, and attention deficits, with learning-disabled children struggling significantly. In contrast, the full-spectrum-lit classroom saw dramatic improvements: students demonstrated calmer behavior, enhanced focus, and accelerated academic progress within a month. Learning-disabled students, in particular, showed reduced hyperactivity and improved reading abilities1.
The study highlighted that natural-spectrum lighting supports circadian rhythms and hormonal balance (e.g., melatonin regulation), fostering better cognitive function and emotional stability. Fluorescent lighting, lacking full-spectrum wavelengths, disrupted these biological processes, leading to behavioral and academic challenges18.
This experiment underscored the critical role of natural light exposure in educational environments, influencing subsequent adoption of full-spectrum lighting and biophilic design principles in schools to optimize student well-being and performance113.
Key Takeaways:
Full-spectrum lighting mimics sunlight, improving focus and academic outcomes.
Fluorescent lighting correlates with hyperactivity and attention deficits.
Natural light regulates hormones critical for learning and mood stability.
