Using morning light to help manage inflammatory bowel disease symptoms
Official title: Morning Light Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Pilot Clinical Trial
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10908407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how spending time in morning light might help people with inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis) feel better by improving their symptoms and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $299,520 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136520-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other gastrointestinal disorders not classified as inflammatory bowel disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of morning light treatment on patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study aims to explore how exposure to morning light can help stabilize the body's internal clock, potentially reducing gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, and mood disturbances. By focusing on a non-invasive and accessible treatment option, the research seeks to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from IBD. Participants will be monitored for changes in their symptoms and overall disease activity throughout the trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, low-cost treatment option for managing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using morning light treatment is novel for IBD, similar circadian rhythm interventions have shown promise in other chronic conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burgess, Helen Julia — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Burgess, Helen Julia
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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.