How daily light affects migraines and sleep

Daily Light Exposure Patterns and Their Associations With Migraine Outcomes and Sleep Quality

This 8-week protocol will test whether everyday light exposure patterns change migraine symptoms and sleep quality in adults with migraine, with or without photophobia.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Arizona State University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Tempe, Arizona)
• Trial ID: NCT07476053 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Over eight weeks, participants will have their daily light exposure, sleep, and migraine characteristics monitored to link real-world lighting patterns with headache outcomes. The first four weeks serve as a baseline observational period tracking natural behaviors, while the second four weeks introduce an ambient lighting condition to alter typical exposure. Data collection will include daily symptom logs and objective/light-sensor measurements to capture timing, intensity, and spectral qualities of light exposure. The goal is to relate changes in lighting to onset, frequency, and severity of migraine attacks and to sleep quality.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults who meet ICHD-3 criteria for migraine (with or without aura or photosensitivity), report more than 4 headache days per month and at least three migraine attacks per month, can read English, and work in a private office at least six hours per day four days per week without using light therapy or light-altering devices are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with infrequent migraines, those using light-altering devices or receiving light therapy, those who will travel during participation, or those who do not work in a private office are unlikely to receive benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to simple lighting changes that reduce migraine attacks and improve sleep for people with migraine.

How similar studies have performed: Controlled laboratory studies have shown that specific light spectra and intensities can trigger or worsen migraine, but longitudinal real-world interventions that modify daily ambient lighting are novel and not well tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Meet the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (2018) criteria for migraine, with or without aura or photosensitivity
* Report experiencing more than 4 headache days per month and at least three migraine attacks per month
* No other major health issues based on self-reported data
* Able to read and communicate in English
* Work in a private office space for at least six hours per day, four days per week

Exclusion Criteria:

* Light therapy
* Use light-altering devices (e.g., blue-blocking contact lenses or glasses)
* Traveling out of town during the participation

Where this trial is running

Tempe, Arizona

• ASU DeSmart Lab — Tempe, Arizona, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Nina Sharp, PhD — Arizona State University
• Study coordinator: Nina Sharp, PhD

Conditions: Migraine Headache, Sleep, Photophobia, Migraine, Lighting