Investigating how light sensitivity affects sleep and mood in bipolar disorder
Official title: Light Sensitivity in Bipolar Disorder: A Potential Driver of Variability in Sleep, Mood and Energy
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11079479 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being sensitive to light might affect sleep, mood, and energy levels in people with bipolar disorder, and it hopes to find ways to improve treatment based on these findings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $168,379 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH136155-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079479 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bipolar disorder or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between light sensitivity and the variability of sleep, mood, and energy levels in individuals with bipolar disorder. By using a direct measure called the post-illumination pupil response (PIPR), the study aims to better understand how light affects the brain's regulation of mood and circadian rhythms. Participants will undergo assessments to evaluate their sensitivity to light and how it correlates with their mood and sleep patterns. The findings could lead to improved treatment strategies for managing bipolar disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for bipolar disorder by addressing light sensitivity and its impact on mood and sleep.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored light sensitivity in bipolar disorder, this research aims to utilize a novel approach with the PIPR measurement, making it a potentially groundbreaking investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burgess, Helen Julia — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Burgess, Helen Julia
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.