Using bright light therapy to improve daytime symptoms in people with obstructive sleep apnea
Official title: Bright Light Therapy for residual daytime symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10954253 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004531-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954253 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who experience persistent daytime symptoms such as fatigue and mood disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Veterans Health Administration
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soreca, Isabella — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Soreca, Isabella
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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.