Exploratory Study of Color Influence During an Academic Auditory Sustained Attention Test and the Implications for Educational Environments

This study investigated the effects of ambient colored lighting (blue versus red) on brain activity during an academic task, aiming to explore potential implications for education. Twenty-nine participants performed five auditory sustained attention tests in a lighting-controlled virtual reality environment under either red or blue conditions. EEG was collected across three phases: pre-task resting state, task, and post-task resting state. Participants under blue lighting showed more favorable dynamics in alpha parieto-occipital and relative gamma activity. Across phases, blue lighting induced deeper task-related alpha suppression and a stronger post-task rebound, alongside lower stress levels. Although overall task performance did not differ significantly between conditions, the red group exhibited a significant decrease in performance on the final test questions compared to the initial ones. This was not observed in participants exposed to blue lighting, who may benefit from greater neural flexibility, enhanced neural recovery, and improved attentional regulation. These results suggest that blue-enriched environments may enhance cognitive endurance and post-task recovery, potentially reducing mental fatigue across extended morning school shifts. Overall, this study contributes to the neuroeducation field by providing preliminary evidence that light color modulates neurophysiological readiness and post-task recovery, thereby bridging neuroscience with practical educational design.