Using light exposure to help night shift workers with sleep issues
Innovations in Wearable Technology for Correcting Circadian Misalignment in Shift Work Disorder
This study is testing if a personalized light exposure plan can help night shift workers with sleep problems feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Henry Ford Health System Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Novi, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT05186233 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines the effectiveness of a personalized light exposure schedule for treating Shift Work Disorder (SWD) in night shift workers. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a personalized or non-personalized light exposure condition, with a total of 50 participants involved. The intervention lasts for two weeks, during which participants will wear an Apple Watch to collect activity data, which will be analyzed to estimate dim light melatonin onset (DLMO). Following this, participants will undergo a laboratory visit for further assessment and receive guidance on using a mobile application to manage their light exposure schedule.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are night shift workers who have been on a consistent night shift schedule for at least six months and have been diagnosed with Shift Work Disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with central nervous system disorders, other sleep disorders, or those who are pregnant will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve sleep quality and overall well-being for night shift workers suffering from Shift Work Disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using light exposure therapies for sleep disorders, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must work at least 2 night shifts a week * Participants must have night shifts starting between 18:00 and 02:00 and lasting 8 to 12 hours * Participants must have maintained this night shift schedule for at least 6 months * Participants must have Shift Work Disorder, diagnosed based on ICSD-3 criteria Exclusion Criteria: * Medical history of central nervous system disorders * Medical history of other sleep disorders * Diagnosis of an unstable major medical condition medical chart review * Dependence on alcohol (≥ 4 beverages a day) * Heavy tobacco use (≥ 10 cigarettes per day) * Recreational drug use * Use of medications impacting central nervous system functioning * Caffeine use in excess of 5-6 servings (\~ 600mg) per day * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Novi, Michigan
- Henry Ford Columbus Medical Center — Novi, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Philip Cheng, PhD
- Email: pcheng1@hfhs.org
- Phone: 248-344-7361
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.