Using bright light therapy to improve daytime symptoms in people with obstructive sleep apnea

Bright Light Therapy for residual daytime symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea

NIH-funded research Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10954253

This study is looking at how bright light therapy might help military veterans with obstructive sleep apnea feel more awake and improve their mood during the day.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Health Administration NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10954253 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of bright light therapy as a potential treatment for daytime symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition that disrupts sleep and can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and depression, particularly in military veterans. The study aims to explore how bright light exposure can help realign circadian rhythms and improve overall alertness and mood in patients suffering from OSA. Participants will be monitored for changes in their symptoms and quality of life as they undergo this innovative therapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who experience persistent daytime symptoms such as fatigue and mood disturbances.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have obstructive sleep apnea or those whose symptoms are solely due to other medical conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, non-invasive treatment option for patients struggling with daytime symptoms related to obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results for light therapy in improving sleep-related symptoms, suggesting that this approach may be effective for patients with obstructive sleep apnea as well.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Anxiety Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.