In traditional correctional environments, inside light usually comes in the form of full brightness through fluorescent or LED bulbs or when the light is reduced at night. Exposure to natural light and the natural progression of light throughout the day can be limited, but humans need this exposure to help regulate our circadian rhythm.

CoreCivic's normalization process through Project Vista focuses on details that play a role in creating environments and daily routines within our facilities that mirror the community and free world as much as possible. This includes light and the natural progression of light—and the impact it has on the human body's natural rhythm.

At CoreCivic's Red Rock Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona, the Project Vista team installed new, state-of-the-art circadian lighting in a normalized classroom. While the classroom lacks windows to the outside, these light fixtures look and act like windows by mimicking natural daylight automatically by adjusting color temperature and intensity throughout the day. For both residents and staff in the classroom, the new light fixtures provide a feeling of access to the outdoors and natural light.

Light impacts humans' circadian rhythm, a natural function that acts as the body's internal clock. It regulates important bodily functions, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, metabolism, and body temperature. When your circadian rhythm is aligned with natural light progression throughout the day, it helps keep your body and mind regulated and healthy. When your circadian rhythm is disrupted—through shift work, travel, or limited light exposure—depression, accidents, reduced productivity, and long-term health issues can result.

The new light fixtures at Red Rock mimic circadian lighting by automatically turning on with a bright but cool, blue-white hue in the morning, similar to what the sunrise looks like on a clear day. As the day progresses, the lights shift to a bright but warm hue in the afternoon, and a soft, golden hue in the evening. Research finds exposure to circadian lighting can boost daytime alertness, stabilize mood, improve sleep quality and enhance mental performance.

This type of lighting at Red Rock is just the beginning when it comes to updating and transforming lights within our facilities. Across the country, several more CoreCivic facilities are installing circadian light fixtures, and the Project Vista team is exploring more ways to bring natural light or the appearance of natural light to those in our care and staff.

These facility improvements continue to keep safety a top priority and remain backed by evidence through CoreCivic's collaboration with industry experts, including internationally based architects and field leaders with lived experience. Furthermore, circadian lighting is among the dozens of enhancements carefully selected through support and feedback from those who have been incarcerated.

CoreCivic's normalization efforts began in 2023. Since then, CoreCivic has celebrated positive feedback from staff, residents, families of those in our care, and formerly incarcerated individuals.