This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.

Light at night

Light is the primary zeitgeber, the signal by which the body aligns its internal clock with the external environment. Therefore light at night is a potential hazard as it can disrupt circadian rhythm. It blurs the distinction between day and night, and affects the timing of the sleep-wake cycle. However, complete darkness increases the sensitivity of the eyes, so any lights encountered during activities at night have an amplified disruptive effect.

This feature ensures that no external sources, devices or electrical features create light at night in a sleeping area. It also is designed to help nighttime way-finding with minimal circadian disruption.

Part 1: Window Light Elimination

All bedroom windows employ one of the following:

a. Blackout shades with 0% transmittance and no light gaps on the perimeter.
b. Operable outdoor shutters with 0% transmittance.
Part 1: Vitamin D Production

One of the following is met:

a. A tool is provided that helps users track their UV exposure and vitamin D levels, monitor outdoor lighting conditions, and make recommendations for sun exposure duration and timing.
b. A specialized device that produces UVB for the purpose of Vitamin D production in the skin is provided. The device complies with all requirements set by the U.S. FDA regarding sunlamps in Title 21, Chapter I, Subchapter J, Part 1040, section 1040.20.
Part 2: Electric Light Elimination

In all bedrooms, the following requirement is met:

a. All electronics have an option to produce no light.

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell Tenant Improvement New Construction
Part 1: Window Light Elimination - - -
Part 1: Vitamin D Production - - -
Part 2: Electric Light Elimination - - -
Commercial Kitchen Schools Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
Part 1: Window Light Elimination - - O - -
Part 1: Vitamin D Production - - - - -
Part 2: Electric Light Elimination - - O - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 1 ()
Window Light Elimination
Auditor Inspection
PART 2 ()
Electric Light Elimination
Auditor Inspection