Effects of Light Therapy on Compliance With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Patients With Major Depression and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the impact of combining two weeks of light therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on CPAP compliance in patients who have both major depressive disorder (MDD) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). MDD is a common and disabling condition characterized by persistent depressed mood, loss of interest, and sleep disturbances. Since sleep problems and depressive symptoms are linked, treating sleep disorders like OSAS may improve depression outcomes. This study aims to see if adding light therapy to CPAP improves treatment adherence and symptom severity. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving active light therapy via glasses emitting cyan-colored light at 1200 Lux for 30 minutes daily upon waking for two weeks alongside CPAP, and the other receiving a sham light therapy with much lower light intensity combined with CPAP. The treatments are provided at the patient's home, with devices and monitoring equipment delivered by service providers experienced in home CPAP installation. A polysomnography test is done before treatment to confirm OSAS diagnosis. Throughout the study, researchers will track CPAP compliance at two weeks, the primary outcome measure, using data recorded by the CPAP machines. Secondary assessments include depressive symptom ratings (MADRS), sleep quality via polysomnography, actimetry monitoring, and self-reported questionnaires completed at baseline, two weeks, and four weeks. The study spans 28 days, with the first 14 days involving combined therapy and the following 14 days continuing CPAP alone. This design helps evaluate ongoing effects after stopping light therapy.

Combining Light Therapy and CPAP in Depression