Investigating the effects of morning bright light on adolescent sleep patterns

Adolescent Circadian Misalignment: Mechanistic Studies of Sleep and Light

This study is testing if exposure to bright light in the morning can help teenagers aged 14-17 fall asleep earlier and improve their sleep patterns.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 115 (estimated)
• Ages: 14 Years to 17 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Rush University Medical Center (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
• Trial ID: NCT04921215 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines how morning bright light exposure can help shift the circadian rhythms of adolescents aged 14-17, who often experience delayed sleep onset due to puberty and early school start times. By utilizing light boxes to provide bright light exposure in the morning, the study aims to facilitate earlier sleep onset and reduce the negative impacts of chronic sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment. The research includes a detailed analysis of the optimal timing for light exposure and its effectiveness in improving sleep patterns among adolescents. Participants will be monitored for their sleep habits and responses to the light intervention over a specified period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 14-17 who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have a sufficient understanding of the English language.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of sleep disorders, psychiatric conditions, or chronic medical illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved sleep quality and overall well-being for adolescents, potentially enhancing academic performance and reducing mood-related issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with light therapy in adults, but this approach is novel in the context of adolescents and their unique circadian challenges.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* 14-17 years old;
* Participants and parents have sufficient knowledge of the English language;
* Participants are fully vaccinated for COVID-19

Exclusion Criteria:

* personal history of a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, neurological disorder, psychopathology, sleep disorder (sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, insomnia), metabolic disorders, chronic medical conditions (e.g., cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, active asthma), or infectious illness;
* current illness, fever or symptoms of respiratory infection or allergy at the time of laboratory assessments;
* current use of prescribed mediations (except birth control pills);
* current use of melatonin or over-the-counter medications that can affect the sleep/wake cycle, daytime sleepiness, or suppress melatonin;
* physical handicap that interferes with the study (e.g., blind);
* mental retardation or other pervasive developmental disorder;
* symptoms of depressed mood based on a score of 16 or greater on the Center for Epidemiological Studies fro Depression (CES-D);
* suicidal ideation (past or current)
* travel beyond two time zones within a month of beginning the study;
* female participants who indicate symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
* unusual sleep lengths (means \< 6 hours or \> 10 hours);
* color blind as determined by the Ishihara color blindness test, or eye surgery to correct for lens curvature;
* positive test for illicit drugs or nicotine;
* positive test for alcohol at the beginning of the 7-day lab stay

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

• Rush University Medical Center, Biological Rhythms Research Laboratory — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)

Conditions Chronobiology; Light; Sleep; Circadian Rhythm; Adolescence