Using bright light therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy to help older adults with insomnia and prevent chronic pain after surgery
Official title: Adding Bright Light Treatment to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia to Prevent Chronic Post-Surgical Pain in Older Adults
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10819719 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how morning bright light therapy combined with sleep therapy can help older adults with knee arthritis sleep better after knee surgery, which might reduce their pain and need for pain medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $736,503 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG085712-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10819719 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults with knee osteoarthritis who are scheduled for total knee arthroplasty and experience insomnia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have insomnia or are not undergoing total knee arthroplasty may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the combined effects of morning bright light treatment and cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) on older adults undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The study aims to determine if improving sleep can reduce the risk of chronic postsurgical pain and decrease the need for opioid medications. By focusing on older adults with knee osteoarthritis, the research seeks to address a significant public health issue, as insomnia is a common problem in this population. Participants will receive tailored interventions to enhance their sleep quality and potentially improve their surgical outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better pain management strategies for older adults after surgery, reducing reliance on opioids and improving overall recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia can improve sleep and pain outcomes, suggesting that this combined approach may also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Michael T — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Smith, Michael T
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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.