Evaluating Evening Melatonin and Morning Light Therapy for Adults with Idiopathic Hypersomnia in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Trial

What this Trial Is About

Idiopathic hypersomnia IH is a rare, chronic disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness, long nighttime sleep, and difficulty waking up. It often begins in young adulthood and causes serious social, professional, and economic challenges, leading to accidents and reduced quality of life. There are currently no approved treatments for IH symptoms. This study aims to test a safe treatment combining evening melatonin and morning bright light therapy, which has been effective in related sleep disorders and may improve alertness and mood in IH patients. Participants will receive either an active therapy of one melatonin tablet each evening plus morning bright light therapy, or a placebo consisting of a placebo tablet and placebo light therapy, both over a period of 6 weeks. This randomized, triple-blind trial compares these two groups to evaluate the effects of this combined chronobiological treatment. The study is conducted by the University Hospital in Strasbourg, France. During the study, participants will be monitored and assessed for changes in their IH symptoms using the Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale at days 14 and 45. The study includes careful screening, adherence to treatment schedules, and safety checks. Participants will be followed throughout the 10 weeks of the study to evaluate treatment impact and tolerability, with all procedures designed to understand if this therapy improves daytime alertness and quality of life.

a Chronobiological Treatment Combining Evening Melatonin and Morning Light Therapy in Idiopathic Hypersomnia: a Prospective, Double Bind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled -Trial