Using light flashes to help treat delayed sleep phase disorder in teens
Treating Sleep Disruption in Teens With Millisecond Light Exposure During Sleep
This study tests if short bursts of light during sleep can help high school students with Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder get better sleep and feel more awake during the day.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Palo Alto Health Care System Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT01406691 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of brief flashes of light scheduled during sleep to treat Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD), a common sleep disruption in adolescents. Participants will be high school students experiencing difficulties with sleep timing and associated daytime disturbances. The intervention aims to realign their circadian rhythms and improve overall sleep quality. The study is conducted at Stanford University, leveraging their expertise in sleep disorders and adolescent health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are full-time high school students experiencing symptoms consistent with delayed sleep phase disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who sleep only in a prone position or are currently taking medications for sleep disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve sleep patterns and daytime functioning for adolescents suffering from DSPD.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of light therapy is established in treating various sleep disorders, this specific application for DSPD in adolescents is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female * Full-time in high school * primary sleep complaint consistent with delayed sleep phase disorder Exclusion Criteria: * sleep only in prone position * currently taking medications specifically for the treatment of a sleep disorder
Where this trial is running
Palo Alto, California
- Stanford University — Palo Alto, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jamie Zeitzer, PhD
- Email: jzeitzer@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650-493-5000
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.