Effects of light exposure on cognitive function in college students
Official title: The Impact of Light Exposure on Cognitive Function in Classrooms
Run by Michigan State University · NCT06325150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Michigan State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (East Lansing, Michigan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06325150 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy undergraduate students at Michigan State University, aged 18 and older, with no light sensitivity.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not undergraduate students or those with light sensitivity may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.