Using light therapy to improve sleep in older adults with insomnia
Effects of Photobiomodulation on Insomnia in the Elderly: Clinical Trials of Phototherapy Devices
This study is testing different types of light therapy to see if they can help older adults with insomnia sleep better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | China Medical University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taichung) |
| Trial ID | NCT06292819 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation on insomnia in elderly participants aged 60 and above who have experienced sleep issues for at least three months. The study will recruit 60 participants and assess their sleep parameters and biological rhythms using questionnaires and actigraphy. Participants will be exposed to different types of light therapy, including bright light, near-infrared light, and a combination of both, to determine the most effective intervention. Data analysis will involve various statistical methods to compare outcomes before and after treatment, while also monitoring for any adverse events.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 60 and above who have been suffering from insomnia for at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients with movement disorders, certain eye diseases, or those currently taking sedative-hypnotic drugs may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive treatment option for insomnia in older adults, potentially improving their sleep quality and overall well-being.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using photobiomodulation for insomnia in the elderly is relatively novel, light therapy has shown promise in other studies for improving sleep quality.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score is 8 or above. * Early wakening ( 30 minutes before expected), or interruptted sleep for more than 30 minutes, lasting for more than 3 months. Exclusion Criteria: * Movement disorder, inability to move independently. * Skin diseases, skin cancer, photosensitive skin diseases, or taking drugs that may cause photosensitivity (lithium salts, melatonin, antibiotics, A acid). * Eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. * Bipolar disorder. * Light-induced epilepsy. * Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and involuntary leg twitching. * Currently taking sedative-hypnotic drugs or receiving other non-drug treatments. * Beck depression inventory-II score is greater than 13 points. * Those who use cardiac rhythm regulators or artificial cardiopulmonary pacemakers. * Acute illness. * Abnormal blood pressure or fever. * Pregnancy and pregnant women. * Special physical abnormalities and sensory nerve abnormalities. * Infectious diseases. * Coagulation disorder.
Where this trial is running
Taichung
- China Medical University Hospital — Taichung, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Ph.D.
- Email: s871065@gmail.com
- Phone: +886422052121
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.