Exploring how indoor lighting impacts brain health in older adults

Determining How Indoor Lighting Affects the Brain Health of Older Adults

Not applicable Interventional Well Living Lab, Inc. · NCT05978934

This study is testing how different indoor lighting affects brain health and well-being in older adults living independently.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWell Living Lab, Inc. Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05978934 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional trial investigates the effects of different indoor lighting conditions on brain health measures in older adults residing in independent living facilities. Participants will experience three distinct lighting conditions over a period of 12 weeks, during which they will wear smartwatches to track sleep quality and physical activity, as well as light sensors to monitor their exposure to light. Cognitive assessments will be conducted to evaluate any changes in cognitive function and social engagement related to the lighting variations. The study aims to provide insights into how ambient lighting can influence overall well-being in the elderly population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60 and above who live in independent residences and can comply with the study's wearable device requirements.

Not a fit: Patients who are legally blind or spend most of their day outside their residence may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved indoor lighting designs that enhance brain health and quality of life for older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies have shown that environmental factors like lighting can significantly impact health outcomes in older adults.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. At least age 60;
2. Able to wear wearable devices throughout the study;
3. Willing to have their lighting in their kitchen and dining areas changed and controlled for the study;
4. Willing to have environmental sensors placed in their residence;
5. Willing to provide contact information about their primary care provider (PCP); and
6. Able and has capacity to provide informed consent (score \> 14.5 based on UBACC consent capacity form).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Is legally blind
2. Previously renovated their living units and no longer have the standard lighting installation offered by the Senior Living Facility;
3. Currently spend or plan to spend most of their day outside of their residence during the study (i.e., would not experience the indoor lighting intervention for the majority of the study);
4. Plan to travel to a different time zone during the study; or
5. Plan to be away from their residence for more than a week during the study.

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SleepPhysical ActivityCognitive FunctionSocial Isolation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.