Using light therapy to help teens sleep better
Passive phototherapy to improve sleep in teens
This study is looking at how bright light therapy can help teenagers who have trouble sleeping by helping them wake up earlier and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11032043 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how bright light therapy can help teenagers who struggle to get enough sleep. By exposing participants to bright light for 1-2 hours each day before their desired wake time, the study aims to shift their internal body clocks to encourage earlier sleep. The approach addresses both biological and social factors contributing to sleep difficulties in adolescents. Participants will be monitored to assess improvements in sleep patterns and overall well-being.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are teenagers aged 12 to 20 who experience difficulties with sleep and may be at risk for related health issues.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have sleep difficulties or those outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve sleep quality and overall health in teenagers, reducing risks associated with sleep deprivation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that light therapy can be effective in treating sleep disorders, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach in adolescents.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeitzer, Jamie M — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Zeitzer, Jamie M
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 below.