Effects of correlated color temperature of light on thermal comfort, thermophysiology and cognitive performance

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the correlated color temperature (CCT) of light can affect thermal comfort. Previous literature mostly investigated this effect over a short duration (<1 h) and often attributed it to hue-heat hypothesis (color-temperature association), which posits visual experience blue colors (high CCT) results in cooler sensation than red/yellow (low do. However, with longer duration, non-visual effects CCT elicit physiological changes may be at play additionally. Therefore, we contrasted two CCTs relatively long exposures (>2 h; 2700 K vs. 5700 500 lux illuminance eye) office-like settings during mild cold exposure (17 °C) using within-subject design (N = 16). The indicate did not significantly cold, explained by large interindividual variation color-temperature association. Interestingly, even improved comfort, decreased perceived shivering, and, after 1-h exposure, increased energy expenditure. Moreover, comfort was moderated CCT, but comprehensive cognitive performance. Concurrently, arousal alertness were higher K, potentially indicating greater K. Further analysis revealed shivering light. Together, provide no support for under mildly conditions suggest high enhanced alertness, arousal, performance, likely via mechanisms built up durations.