How daily light affects migraines and sleep
Official title: Daily Light Exposure Patterns and Their Associations With Migraine Outcomes and Sleep Quality
Run by Arizona State University · NCT07476053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Arizona State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tempe, Arizona) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 24, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 2027 |
| Study ends | March 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07476053 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 it's running
-
ASU DeSmart Lab
Tempe, Arizona, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nina Sharp, PhD — Arizona State University
- Study coordinator: Nina Sharp, PhD
- Email: nina.sharp@asu.edu
- Phone: 480-965-6536
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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.