Using light therapy to improve health during pregnancy
Official title: Feasibility of app-delivered circadian synchronization therapy with light in a cohort of pregnant women
Funded at Arcascope, INC · NIH-10823065 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | September 11, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $295,128 |
| NIH project number | 1R41HD114317-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10823065 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who are interested in improving their health and well-being during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have contraindications to light exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how light exposure can help synchronize circadian rhythms in pregnant women, which is important for their health and pregnancy outcomes. Participants will use a mobile app to receive guidance on when to expose themselves to bright light and when to use dim light, along with tracking their experiences in a diary. The study aims to gather feedback from pregnant women over four weeks to refine the app and enhance its effectiveness. By focusing on non-pharmacological interventions, the research seeks to improve maternal mood and health, as well as support infant sleep training.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved maternal health and better pregnancy outcomes, including reduced risks of gestational diabetes and postpartum depression.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using light therapy for circadian rhythm synchronization, making this approach a potentially viable intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
Arcascope, INC
Chantilly, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walch, Olivia — Arcascope, INC
- Study coordinator: Walch, Olivia
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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.