Light and Float Therapy for Sleep Quality

Overseen By Carolyn Ferreyra

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: West Virginia University

Disqualifiers: Mental, physical conditions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how specific therapies might improve sleep quality in middle-aged and elderly individuals with sleep disturbances. The study tests three treatments: whole-body light therapy (NovoThor), localized light therapy (VieLight), and dry float therapy (ZeroBody). Participants will undergo these treatments to determine their effects on sleep and overall recovery. Individuals aged 50 to 85 who have trouble sleeping may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance sleep quality for many.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that the treatments in this study are generally safe for people.

For Dry Float therapy, sources indicate it is non-invasive and drug-free. It doesn't use medications or involve breaking the skin, allowing most people to try it without issues. The absence of heat, water, or electricity further reduces risks.

Studies have found Whole-Body Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy to be well-tolerated. It helps with sleep problems and is safe for mood-related issues. This therapy uses light, not heat, making it gentle on the body.

Localized Photobiomodulation also appears safe. Research indicates it can improve sleep and has been used safely for mood and anxiety treatments. Like the whole-body version, it uses light to aid the body without causing harm.

Overall, these treatments have a good safety record. They are gentle and aim to improve sleep quality without causing harm. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these treatments for improving sleep quality because they offer innovative approaches compared to traditional methods like medication or cognitive behavioral therapy. The Dry Float therapy simulates a zero-gravity sensation without water, providing relaxation and warmth that can enhance restfulness. Whole-Body Photobiomodulation and Localized Photobiomodulation use non-UV light therapy, which could stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation, promoting better sleep. These methods focus on non-invasive, natural interventions that may offer quicker relaxation and recovery, setting them apart from typical sleep aids.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving sleep quality?

This trial will compare different therapies for improving sleep quality. Research suggests that dry float therapy, one of the treatments in this trial, can help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. Participants have reported feeling more relaxed and balanced after these sessions, which simulate floating in water.

Another treatment option in this trial is whole-body photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy. Studies have shown it can enhance sleep quality and aid physical recovery. This therapy uses light to affect the body's cells, potentially leading to better sleep and recovery.

Localized PBM therapy, also studied in this trial, applies light to specific body areas and has been linked to better sleep and overall well-being. While more research is needed, early findings are promising. Each of these treatments offers a unique way to potentially improve sleep and recovery. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for middle-aged and elderly individuals aged 50-85 who are experiencing sleep disturbances but have no significant untreated medical conditions. Participants must be able to understand the study and agree to participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Able and willing to give informed consent

I am between 50 and 85 years old.

I do not have any major untreated health issues.

Exclusion Criteria

Have no mental or physical conditions that are deemed inappropriate for study participation at investigator's discretion.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Data Collection

Baseline data collection of sleep quality and initial cognitive, behavioral, and physiological tests

5 weeks

1 visit (in-person) for initial testing

Experimental Conditions

Participants undergo experimental conditions with photobiomodulation or dry float therapy, and continue daily sleep tracking

13 weeks

2-3 visits per week for therapy sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in sleep quality and other indices of recovery, with final cognitive, behavioral, and physiological tests

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person) for final testing

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• NovoThor
• VieLight
• ZeroBody

Trial Overview The trial is testing the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, both localized and whole body, as well as dry float therapy on improving sleep quality in participants. It includes a baseline data collection phase followed by a 13-week treatment period with daily sleep tracking.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Light therapy in both the visible and near-infrared range (non-UV) applied to the whole body in a light pod or bed.

Group II: Localized Photobiomodulation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Light therapy in both the visible and near-infrared range (non-UV) applied locally to only a specific body region.

Group III: Dry Float Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Simulates the effects of traditional Float-REST therapy. Instead of contact with salt water, the dry float system has a very thin membrane that cradles the body and provides a warm sensation, similar to that experienced in a traditional flotation tank.

Group IV: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in the control group will be asked to keep their normal daily routine.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

West Virginia University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

192

Recruited

64,700+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12224670/

A systematic review of flotation-restricted environmental ... Research suggests that REST can help reduce anxiety, alleviate chronic pain, improve sleep, and enhance creativity and cognitive function.

2. clinicaltrial.be clinicaltrial.be/en/details/50726?per_page=20&only_recruiting=0&enrolling_by_invitation=1&active_not_recruiting=1&not_yet_recruiting=0&completed=0&only_eligible=0&only_active=0

Examining the Differential Effects of Traditional Float-R... To assess whether traditional (Float-REST) or simulated (Dry Float) flotation therapy positively influences sleep and perceptual recovery, ...

3. starpool.com starpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Zerobody_scientific_study_promotus_whitepaper.pdf

Dry-Flotation therapy: a novel recovery strategy? In this context, several studies have shown the incidence of positive effects such as increased well-being (Mahoney, 1990), mild euphoria. (Schulz , 1994), ...

4. linkedin.com linkedin.com/pulse/exploring-science-benefits-dry-floatation-therapy-micha%C5%82-flak-uzskc

Exploring the Science and Benefits of Dry Floatation Therapy The sensory deprivation and relaxation induced by floating can reset the body's hormonal and metabolic balances, which is highly beneficial for ...

5. houseofmiddleton.com houseofmiddleton.com/zerobody-dry-floatation/

ZEROBODY DRY FLOATATION Floatation positively affects sleep quality, with effective and lasting results. Kjellgren, A. and Westman, J. (2014). Beneficial effects of treatment with ...

6. starpool.com starpool.com/products/zerobody-dry-float

Zerobody Dry Float Zerobody Dry Float is an innovative and patented system to regenerate body and mind. Developed on the basis of the broad scientific research on the benefits ...

7. lyfenordic.com lyfenordic.com/en/technology/zerobody-dry-float

Explore Zerobody Dry Float · Floating, completely dry The treatment helps the body to relax deeply, which can improve sleep quality and make it easier to fall asleep. ... The treatment is safe and accessible to most ...

8. icryo.com icryo.com/zerobody-float-bed/

Zerobody Dry Float | iCRYO | Near Me Yes, the therapy is safe for most guests. It is non-invasive and drug-free, with no heat, water, or electrical stimulation involved.

9. medrxiv.org medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.29.23299203v1.full

A systematic review of Flotation-Restricted Environmental ... Based on these studies, flotation-REST may have limited benefits for individuals with sleep-related disorders. Two studies found evidence of ...

10. digitalcommons.chapman.edu digitalcommons.chapman.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1436&context=psychology_articles

A Systematic Review of Flotation-Restricted Environmental ... Based on these studies, flotation-REST may have limited benefits for individuals with sleep-related disorders. Flotation-REST appears to ...