Circadian Light Exposure Adjustment for Restfulness in Young Children
Official title: Circadian Light Exposure Adjustment for Restfulness
Run by University of Arizona · NCT07391852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests three ways to reduce evening light for 5- to 6-year-olds with sleep-onset difficulties to see if it helps them fall asleep sooner.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Months to 83 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Arizona Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tucson, Arizona) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 29, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | October 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07391852 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 5.0–6.9 years old with parent-reported sleep onset delays of at least 60 minutes on three or more nights per week.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with sleep issues unrelated to evening light exposure or with forms of sleep disorder not addressed by these interventions 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
The trial tests three light-based strategies—adjusting home lighting, amber-tinted glasses, and clear glasses—to reduce evening light exposure in children aged 5–6 with parent-reported sleep onset problems. After a baseline period, participants are randomized to one of the three approaches for two weeks, followed by post-intervention assessments. Outcomes include sleep timing and quality, circadian phase via DLMO, and parental experiences. The study aims to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of these interventions in advancing sleep and circadian timing in early childhood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these strategies could help children fall asleep sooner and improve alignment of their internal clock with typical bedtimes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that light exposure can affect circadian timing and sleep, but this specific randomized comparison in early childhood is novel and feasibility-focused.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion requires that children are aged 5.0-6.9 years at the time of enrollment with a parent-reported sleep onset of ≥ 60 min after parents' desired bedtime at least three nights per week. One adult parent of each participating child will also take part in the study. Parents must be able to provide consent for themselves and their child and to complete the interview at the end of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Children are excluded for the following reasons: * All sleep disorders as indicated on the telephone screener or by clinical cut-off scores on the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), except for insomnia or DSWPD as features of these disorders are directly targeted by the intervention. Secondary analyses will explore if outcomes differ among participants with or without parent-reported symptoms consistent with these diagnoses. * Physical abilities that interfere with assessments (e.g., visual impairment), developmental disabilities (e.g., autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), pervasive developmental disorder), epilepsy or other neurological disorders, metabolic disorders, medical conditions that commonly require treatments or assessments during the night (e.g., cancer, diabetes, active asthma), current infection or lead poisoning; a head injury involving loss of consciousness in the past 6 months. * Current use of medications affecting daytime sleepiness, the circadian system, or light sensitivity. * Eye disorders or color blindness (determined with Ishihara Color Vision Test); corrected vision with eyeglasses is permitted.
Where it's running
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lauren E Hartstein, PhD — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Lauren E Hartstein, PhD
- Email: laurenhartstein@arizona.edu
- Phone: 520-621-1360
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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.