Light therapy during hemodialysis for people with end-stage kidney disease
Bright Light Therapy to Treat Fatigue in End Stage Kidney Disease
This will test whether wearing bright-light glasses for one hour during hemodialysis can reduce fatigue in adults with end-stage kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06310161 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a single-site, randomized, parallel-group trial at the University of Pennsylvania enrolling 60 hemodialysis patients randomized 1:1 to bright light or dim light delivered via special glasses during dialysis sessions. Participants will use the glasses for one hour during each dialysis session over four weeks. The primary outcome is change in fatigue severity, with secondary outcomes including salivary cortisol, insomnia, depression, quality of life, and physical activity. The trial compares bright light to a dim-light control to isolate the effect of light intensity on these measures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) with end-stage kidney disease on hemodialysis three times weekly for at least one month who report significant fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale > 9) and can store saliva samples at home are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with eye disorders (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease), photosensitivity, those who are hospitalized or acutely ill, or those without clinically significant fatigue are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a simple, non-drug way to reduce fatigue for patients receiving hemodialysis.
How similar studies have performed: Bright light therapy has shown benefits for fatigue, sleep, and mood in other chronic conditions, but evidence specifically in hemodialysis patients is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Signed informed consent prior to initiation of any study mandated procedure 2. Male and female participants ≥ 18 years of age 3. Diagnosis end stage kidney disease with hemodialysis 3 times/week for at least 1 month 4. Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) \> 9 at enrollment 5. Home refrigerator for salivary cortisol storage Exclusion Criteria 1. Eye disorders: cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders (e.g. macular degeneration) 2. Participants with photosensitivity (e.g. epilepsy) 3. Hospitalized or acutely ill
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lea Ann Matura, PhD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Lea Ann Matura, PhD
- Email: matura@nursing.upenn.edu
- Phone: 215 746 8819
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.