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20-24              Annals of Applied Psychophysiology December 2024 Volume 11 

 

The Efficacy of Biofeedback-Integrated Ambient Lighting in Stress 

and Anxiety Reduction  
Ujala Sajid1, Shamoon Noushad2, & Sadaf Ahmed1 
Published online: December 2024 

  © The Author(s) 2024 

Abstract 

Background: Stress and mental health issues are prevalent concerns in Pakistan, particularly 

among women. Traditional biofeedback methods require focused attention, which can be 

impractical in clinical settings. Ambient lighting provides a non-invasive and innovative approach 

to biofeedback, enhancing both aesthetic and therapeutic experiences. This study examines the 

integration of biofeedback with ambient lighting to aid in stress management and relaxation. 

Methodology: Twelve participants (six females and six males, aged 25 to 35 years) from research-

related university positions at Malir University of Science and Technology, were exposed to a 

biofeedback-driven lighting system during a timed arithmetic task. The participants completed the 

task under three conditions: (1) no biofeedback (control), (2) warm-toned lighting biofeedback, 

and (3) cool-toned lighting biofeedback. The system was connected to the Alive GMP8 

biofeedback device, which monitored heart rate variability (HRV) to adjust lighting parameters in 

real time. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and anxiety levels 

were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The experiment followed a within-

subject design with counterbalancing to avoid carry-over effects. Paired t-tests were used to 

analyze changes in PSS and STAI scores, with a significance level set at p < 0.01. 

Results: The biofeedback-driven lighting system demonstrated significant improvements in stress 

and anxiety measures. For the warm-toned lighting condition, the mean PSS score decreased from 

29.3 (SD = 2.13) to 21.1 (SD = 2.81), and the STAI score decreased from 57.2 (SD = 3.10) to 45.0 

(SD = 3.21), with mean differences of 8.2 and 12.2, respectively (p < 0.01). Under the cool-toned 

lighting condition, the mean PSS score decreased from 28.8 (SD = 2.17) to 20.8 (SD = 2.39), and 

the STAI score decreased from 56.3 (SD = 3.00) to 44.3 (SD = 3.04), with mean differences of 8.0 

and 12.0, respectively (p < 0.01). Participants reported enhanced stress awareness, improved 

relaxation, and a preference for the biofeedback lighting conditions over the control condition. 

Conclusion: The biofeedback-driven lighting approach shows promise as a tool for stress 

management and relaxation in Pakistani healthcare and research settings. Its non-invasive and 

user-friendly design provides a valuable addition to mental health support strategies. Further 

research with larger, more diverse samples is recommended to validate these findings. 

Keywords: Biofeedback, Ambient Lighting, Stress Management, Anxiety Reduction, Perceived 

Stress Scale (PSS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Heart Rate Variability (HRV) 

1. Ujala Sajid and Sadaf Ahmed   

University of Karachi, Psychophysiology Research Lab, Karachi, Pakistan 

2. Shamoon Noushad 

Malir University of Science & Technology, Department of Psychology  

 

 



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Introduction 

Stress and anxiety are among the most pressing global health concerns, affecting 

individuals across diverse demographics1. In Pakistan, the burden of mental health challenges is 

particularly pronounced, with women facing heightened vulnerabilities due to sociocultural 

expectations, economic instability, and limited access to mental health resources2. These issues 

not only impact individual well-being but also impose significant social and economic costs. 

Consequently, the need for accessible, effective, and scalable stress management strategies has 

become increasingly urgent3. 

Traditional biofeedback techniques, while proven to be effective, require considerable time 

and focused attention4. Such methods often demand specialized equipment and trained personnel, 

making them less feasible in resource-limited healthcare environments5. This gap necessitates 

innovative solutions that are both cost-effective and user-friendly. In this context, biofeedback-

integrated ambient lighting has emerged as a promising alternative. Ambient lighting’s ability to 

influence mood, stress, and physiological states through subtle environmental adjustments offers 

an appealing, non-invasive approach to enhancing mental well-being6. 

Research suggests that heart rate variability (HRV), a reliable indicator of stress and 

relaxation states, can be effectively used as a biofeedback parameter7. By integrating HRV 

monitoring with ambient lighting systems, real-time adjustments to lighting parameters can create 

environments conducive to stress reduction8. Warm-toned lighting, often associated with comfort 

and relaxation, has been shown to lower perceived stress levels, while cool-toned lighting may 

provide a calming and focused atmosphere. These lighting conditions, when dynamically adjusted 

based on physiological feedback, have the potential to amplify relaxation responses without 

requiring active participation from the user9. 

This study investigates the efficacy of biofeedback-driven ambient lighting systems in 

reducing stress and anxiety among university professionals. By leveraging a controlled 

experimental design, it aims to evaluate changes in perceived stress and anxiety levels under 

different lighting conditions. The findings of this research have the potential to inform the 

development of innovative, scalable interventions for mental health support, particularly in settings 

with limited access to traditional biofeedback resources. Furthermore, the integration of aesthetic 

and therapeutic elements in stress management strategies could enhance user engagement and 

adherence, paving the way for broader applications in healthcare and beyond. 

Methodology 

Participants 

Twelve participants (six females and six males, aged 25 to 35 years) were recruited from 

research-related university positions at Malir University of Science and Technology. Inclusion 

criteria required participants to have no prior clinical diagnosis of stress-related disorders and no 

visual impairments. 

Procedure 

Participants performed a timed arithmetic task under three experimental conditions: 

1. Control: No biofeedback or lighting modulation. 

2. Warm-Toned Lighting Biofeedback: Ambient lighting adjusted in real-time based on 

HRV measurements to warmer tones. 



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3. Cool-Toned Lighting Biofeedback: Ambient lighting adjusted in real-time based on HRV 

measurements to cooler tones. 

The Alive GMP8 biofeedback device recorded HRV, which informed the lighting adjustments. 

Stress and anxiety levels were assessed before and after each condition using the Perceived Stress 

Scale (PSS)10 and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)11, respectively. The experiment employed 

a within-subject design, with counterbalancing to mitigate potential carry-over effects. 

Statistical Analysis 

Paired t-tests were conducted using SPSS version 22.0, to compare pre- and post-condition 

PSS and STAI scores, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.01. 

Results 

The study examined the impact of biofeedback-driven ambient lighting on stress and 

anxiety levels, as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the State-Trait Anxiety 

Inventory (STAI). The findings are summarized in Table 1 below. 

Table 1: Changes in PSS and STAI Scores Across Conditions 

Condition Measure Pre-Test 

Mean (SD) 

Post-Test 

Mean (SD) 

Mean 

Difference 

p-value 

Warm-Toned 

Lighting 

PSS 29.3 (2.13) 21.1 (2.81) 8.2 <0.01 

STAI 57.2 (3.10) 45.0 (3.21) 12.2 <0.01 

Cool-Toned 

Lighting 

PSS 28.8 (2.17) 20.8 (2.39) 8.0 <0.01 

STAI 56.3 (3.00) 44.3 (3.04) 12.0 <0.01 

Control (No 

Biofeedback) 

PSS 29.0 (2.21) 28.7 (2.25) 0.3 N.S. 

STAI 57.0 (3.12) 56.8 (3.20) 0.2 N.S. 

 

Participants reported greater relaxation, improved awareness of their stress levels, and a 

preference for the warm- and cool-toned biofeedback lighting conditions compared to the control 

condition. They noted that the dynamic adjustment of lighting enhanced the calming effects of the 

environment, contributing to a more engaging and therapeutic experience. 

Discussion 

The findings highlight the potential of biofeedback-integrated ambient lighting as a viable 

stress management tool. Both warm-toned and cool-toned lighting conditions demonstrated 

significant reductions in perceived stress and anxiety, as evidenced by PSS and STAI scores. These 

effects are likely attributable to the physiological and psychological impacts of real-time HRV-

based feedback, which dynamically adjusts environmental factors to optimize relaxation12,13. 

Warm-toned lighting exhibited slightly greater efficacy in reducing stress and anxiety, 

consistent with prior research linking warmer hues to comfort and tranquility14. Cool-toned 

lighting, while also effective, may provide additional benefits in enhancing focus and mental 

clarity. This distinction underscores the importance of tailoring biofeedback-driven lighting 

interventions to specific therapeutic contexts15. 



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Participants’ subjective feedback further supports the feasibility and acceptability of this 

approach. The integration of biofeedback with ambient lighting offers a passive, non-invasive 

means of fostering relaxation, making it particularly suitable for resource-limited or high-stress 

environments16,17. Unlike traditional biofeedback methods that require active engagement, this 

system facilitates stress reduction without placing additional cognitive demands on users18. 

Nevertheless, the study is not without limitations. The small, homogeneous sample restricts 

the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the short duration of the intervention precludes 

assessment of long-term efficacy. Future research should address these limitations by 

incorporating larger, more diverse populations and extended study periods. Exploring variations 

in lighting intensity, color temperature, and task difficulty could further refine the application of 

biofeedback-driven ambient lighting19. 

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the promise of biofeedback-integrated ambient 

lighting as an innovative tool for stress and anxiety management. Its non-invasive, user-friendly 

design provides a valuable addition to mental health strategies, particularly in settings with limited 

access to traditional biofeedback resources. Continued investigation into its mechanisms and 

applications is essential to unlocking its full potential. 

Conclusion 

This study demonstrates the efficacy of biofeedback-integrated ambient lighting in 

reducing stress and anxiety. The non-invasive, user-friendly nature of this approach makes it a 

promising addition to mental health strategies in Pakistani healthcare and research settings. Further 

investigations with larger samples and diverse contexts are warranted to expand its application. 

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