NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving health for shift workers through personalized light and behavior interventions

Official title: Real-world translation of a dynamic and personalized intervention for shift workers

Funded at Arcascope, INC · NIH-10921779 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is all about helping people who work odd hours feel better by using smart devices like the Apple Watch to understand their body clocks and create personalized plans to improve their sleep, mood, and energy levels.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionArcascope, INC
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chantilly, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$693,433
NIH project number2R42HL163783-02
Project IDNIH-10921779 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who work night shifts or irregular hours and experience circadian disruptions.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not work shifts or have regular daytime schedules may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on helping shift workers who face significant disruptions to their natural body clocks, which can negatively impact their health and well-being. By using wearable technology, such as the Apple Watch, the study aims to assess individual circadian rhythms and develop tailored interventions that adjust light exposure and behavioral patterns. These interventions are designed to optimize melatonin production and improve mood, fatigue, and overall performance for those working non-traditional hours.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and quality of life for shift workers by enhancing their sleep patterns and daily functioning.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using light interventions and behavioral modifications to improve circadian health, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Arcascope, INC
    Chantilly, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Walch, Olivia — Arcascope, INC
  • Study coordinator: Walch, Olivia

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Personalized lighting and lifestyle plan to help shift workers stay healthy

    A highly practical program will use wearable data and a personalized plan to help adults with rotating or night shifts feel better and work more safely.

    NIH research Arcascope, INC · Chantilly, United States · NIH-11393360

  • Personalized light and schedule program for shift workers

    A wearable-guided program that tailors light exposure, meal, and exercise timing to help shift workers reduce fatigue and improve mood and alertness.

    NIH research Arcascope, INC · Chantilly, United States · NIH-11132905

  • Using light therapy to improve health during pregnancy

    This study is looking at how using light at different times can help pregnant women feel better and improve their health, and you'll get to use a handy app to guide you on when to use bright or dim light while sharing your experiences in a diary over four weeks.

    NIH research Arcascope, INC · Chantilly, United States · NIH-10823065

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.