Personalized lighting and lifestyle plan to help shift workers stay healthy
Official title: Real-world translation of a dynamic and personalized intervention for shift workers
Funded at Arcascope, INC · NIH-11393360 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arcascope, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chantilly, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $598,418 |
| NIH project number | 5R42HL163783-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393360 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older who work night or rotating shifts and own a compatible wearable device (e.g., Apple Watch)
✕Less likely to help
People without shift work or those unable to use wearables or follow personalized recommendations may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to tailor a circadian-friendly approach for shift workers by combining wearable-derived circadian timing with a customized lighting plan, feeding schedule, and activity recommendations. It leverages consumer wearables to estimate internal time without complex lab tests, and uses a user-friendly app to guide daily choices. The goal is to reduce mood issues, fatigue, and performance lapses by aligning light exposure, meals, and exercise with the individual’s biological clock.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience better mood, more alertness, and improved safety during night or rotating shifts.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed that personalized circadian timing interventions can improve sleep and alertness in shift workers, with room for real-world application.
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.
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Personalized light and schedule program for shift workers
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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.
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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.
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.