Evaluating Morning Bright Light Therapy to Improve Sleep, Mood, Alertness, and Thinking in Healthy University Students Using a Randomized Crossover Design

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether a week of morning bright light therapy can improve sleep quality, alertness, mood, and thinking in healthy young university students. The study focuses on how morning light helps regulate the bodys internal clock and sleep-wake timing. Many students have irregular hours and spend most of their day indoors with limited natural light, so this study tests if adding bright morning light can help. Participants take part in a two-week crossover study where they experience two one-week conditions in random order. In one week, they use a 10,000 lux bright light therapy lamp for 30 minutes each morning shortly after waking. In the other week, they maintain their usual indoor lighting and morning routine without the lamp. Each person serves as their own comparison. During both weeks, sleep is tracked continuously with a wrist-worn Fitbit and a daily diary. Participants also rate their sleepiness and mood regularly, complete brief computer-based attention and memory tasks at the end of each week, and take part in a short interview about their experience. The study measures sleep regularity, daytime sleepiness, positive mood, and cognitive performance to compare the effects of bright light therapy versus usual lighting.

Morning Bright Light Therapy and Daytime Functioning in University Students