Effects of light exposure on cognitive function in college students
The Impact of Light Exposure on Cognitive Function in Classrooms
This study tests if wearing special glasses that emit light can help college students think better, feel less tired, and improve their mood while doing tasks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Michigan State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (East Lansing, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06325150 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how different types of light exposure affect cognitive function in undergraduate students at Michigan State University. Participants will wear either light-emitting glasses or placebo glasses for a 20-minute session while engaging in cognitive tasks. The study aims to determine if light exposure enhances cognitive performance, reduces fatigue, and improves mood compared to a control group. Additionally, it will explore the influence of the time of day on these effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy undergraduate students at Michigan State University, aged 18 and older, with no light sensitivity.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergraduate students or those with light sensitivity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved learning environments through optimized light exposure in classrooms.
How similar studies have performed: While the impact of light on mood and fatigue has been studied, this specific approach focusing on cognitive function in a classroom setting is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria for wearing light glasses: * Current Michigan State University (MSU) Undergraduate Student * Are 18 years or older * Healthy subject without light sensitivity * Average bedtime 9:30 pm - 2:00 am, 6 out of 7 days a week * Willingness to measure and report fatigue levels * Willingness to participate in cognitive testing * Willingness to wear light-enriched glasses in the classroom Inclusion criteria for the control group (will not wear light glasses): * Current Michigan State University (MSU) Undergraduate Student * Are 18 years or older * Average bedtime 9:30 pm - 2:00 am, 6 out of 7 days a week * Willingness to measure and report fatigue levels * Willingness to participate in cognitive testing Inclusion criteria for the control group (will not wear light glasses): * Current Michigan State University (MSU) Undergraduate Student * Are 18 years or older * Average bedtime 9:30 pm - 2:00 am, 6 out of 7 days a week * Willingness to measure and report fatigue levels * Willingness to participate in cognitive testing Exclusion criteria for wearing light glasses: * Are younger than 18 years of age * Participation in shift work (evening/night shifts, early morning shifts, rotating shifts, etc.) * Pregnant women * Previous diagnosis of diabetes * Use of medication that would cause sensitivity to light (e.g., antidepressants, antibiotics,prescribed sleep medication, prescribed pain meds) * Epilepsy or a history of seizures * Photophobia - sensitivity or eye discomfort to bright light * Eye Diseases that limit the ability of light to be processed (e.g., untreated cataracts,severe glaucoma, macular degeneration, blindness, pupil dilation problems, or retinadamage) * Previous eye surgery * Previous head injuries (e.g., concussions) * Current chronic, severe headaches/migraines * Clinical insomniacs or those with diagnosed sleep disorders
Where this trial is running
East Lansing, Michigan
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hanne M Hoffmann, PhD
- Email: hanne@msu.edu
- Phone: 517 353 1415
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.