Morning light exposure to improve mood in military personnel
Regulating Mood and Suicidal Ideation With Morning Light Exposure Treatment
This study is testing if daily morning light therapy can help improve mood and reduce suicidal thoughts in military personnel.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 480 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Arizona Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tucson, Arizona) |
| Trial ID | NCT05616819 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of daily morning light therapy on mood regulation and suicidal ideation among military personnel. Over a three-year period, 400 participants will undergo a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, where they will receive either active light exposure or a placebo for 30 minutes each morning. The study aims to assess improvements in sleep-wake patterns and mental health outcomes, including suicidal thoughts, while also evaluating the acceptability of using a light headset device. The trial focuses on the relationship between circadian rhythms and emotional well-being in a military context.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are military service members aged 18-60 who exhibit mild to moderate depression.
Not a fit: Patients who are not actively serving in the military or those with severe mental health disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve mental health and reduce suicidal ideation among military personnel.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with light therapy for mood regulation, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-60 years * At least an 8th grade reading level * Score ≥ 5 (i.e., mild depression or greater) on the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) * Service member of any Armed Forces branch, including active duty, Reserve, or National Guard Exclusion Criteria: * Not actively serving in an Armed Force branch * Scored (i.e., \< 5) range on the PHQ-9 (non-depressed) * Pregnant or trying to become pregnant * Breastfeeding * History of psychotic disorder or manic episodes * Bipolar disorder * Diseases of the eye * Have had cataract surgery * Frequent and light-sensitive migraine headaches * Self-reported plan to regularly engage in nightshift work during the 6-week course of the study
Where this trial is running
Tucson, Arizona
- University of Arizona — Tucson, Arizona, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: William D Killgore, Ph.D.
- Email: killgore@arizona.edu
- Phone: (520) 621-0605
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.