Using light therapy to improve health during pregnancy
Feasibility of app-delivered circadian synchronization therapy with light in a cohort of pregnant women
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 ID | NIH-10823065 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who are interested in improving their health and well-being during pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have contraindications to light exposure may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Chantilly, United States
- Arcascope, INC — Chantilly, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walch, Olivia — Arcascope, INC
- Study coordinator: Walch, Olivia
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.