Study of Blue Light and Melatonin Effects on Sleep and Recovery After Acute Ischemic Stroke

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how circadian rhythm factors, including genetic influences, affect recovery and short-term outcomes after acute ischemic stroke. The study focuses on how sleep-driven regulation of brain plasticity may influence stroke recovery. This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial aims to explore the combined effects of melatonin therapy and blue light exposure on molecular circadian markers, sleep, neuroplasticity, and clinical outcomes in stroke patients. The trial involves about 80 patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke, divided randomly into four groups receiving different treatments for 14 days combined blue light exposure and melatonin, melatonin alone, blue light alone, or placebo light and pill. Melatonin is given as a 3 mg pill about an hour before sleep around 8 pm, and blue light exposure sessions last 30 minutes each morning using specialized lamps. Stroke characteristics, sleep patterns, and circadian biomarkers are measured at baseline and after 14 days, with stroke outcomes re-evaluated at 3 months. Participants undergo detailed assessments including medical history, stroke evaluation, sleep studies with polysomnography, cognitive and mood tests, and blood sampling for circadian markers. Researchers track changes in neurological function and disability scales from baseline through 14 and 90 days. The study also monitors safety and tolerability of the treatments. The entire participation spans from admission through a 3-month follow-up to assess recovery and functional improvements.

The Role of Circadian Factors in Regulation of Neuroplasticity in Ischemic Stroke (Interventional)