Blue-blocking glasses for sleep problems in children and teens
Official title: Blue-blocking Glasses for Treating Evening Activation and Sleep Disorders in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - a Pilot Trans-diagnostic Randomized Controlled Trial.
Run by Helse Fonna · NCT07433491 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether wearing blue-blocking glasses or using real darkness at night helps sleep problems in children and adolescents with insomnia or delayed sleep phase disorder who are receiving mental health care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Helse Fonna Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Haugesund, Rogaland and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07433491 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are ages 12-18 with insomnia or delayed sleep phase disorder within child and adolescent psychiatric care who can consent and adhere to the protocol.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with inability to comply with the protocol or who have conditions that preclude participation (e.g., blindness, unreliable consent) may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study examines the feasibility and potential effects of blue-blocking glasses used in the evening/night or a night-time darkness setting on sleep symptoms in child and adolescent inpatients and outpatients. Participants are aged 12-18 with insomnia or delayed sleep phase disorder in the context of psychiatric care, and may continue or pause current sleep medications under supervision. The trial will assess clinical and physiological outcomes to determine if the approach is practical and promising enough to justify larger multicenter randomized trials. The intervention is minimal-risk and low-cost, with possible benefits including improved circadian timing and reduced reliance on pharmacological sleep aids. Data collection will also inform hospital light exposure conditions for younger patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve sleep and circadian regulation and potentially reduce dependence on sleep medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous non-pharmacologic light/blue-light strategies show promise in sleep disorders, but this exact approach in pediatric psychiatric settings is exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 12-18 years, receiving health-care from child and adolescent mental health services at UPA University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø or BUP Haugesund Hospital, Haugesund * Current Insomnia or DSPD comorbid to one or several pychiatric symptom presentations or diagnoses * Able and willing to provide written informed consent * Participants aged 12-15,9 years also need consent from both parents/carers * Able to comply with protocol * Able to discontinue melatonin or BB-glasses if currently used, with at least 3 days washout period Exclusion Criteria: * Not able to comply with protocol for a required minimum of one night * Blindness or severely reduced translucency of both eyes * Known malformation or damage of optical tract blindness * Use of melatonin all formulas that cannot be paused * High risk for suicide or self-harm * Consent from both partents/carers unlikely (participants age 12-15,9 years)
Where it's running
-
BUP Haugesund
Haugesund, Rogaland, Norway Recruiting -
BUPA Tromsø, The University Hospital of North Norway
Tromsø, Troms, Norway Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tone Elise G Henriksen, MD PhD — Helse Fonna
- Study coordinator: Tone Elise G Henriksen, MD PhD
- Email: tgjo@helse-fonna.no
- Phone: 004753473240
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.