Light Exposure for Cognitive Function

Overseen By Hanne M Hoffmann, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Sponsor: Michigan State University

Must not be taking: Antidepressants, Antibiotics, Sleep meds, Pain meds

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Epilepsy, Photophobia, Eye diseases, others

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 3 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how different types of light affect cognitive function, mood, and fatigue levels in college students. Participants will wear special light-emitting glasses (light therapy glasses) to determine if they improve learning and focus. There are three groups: one with experimental glasses, one with placebo (inactive) glasses, and one without any glasses. The trial seeks healthy Michigan State University undergraduates who do not have light sensitivity, go to bed between 9:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., and are willing to track fatigue and participate in cognitive tests. As a Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants a unique opportunity to be among the first to experience this innovative approach.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are taking medications that cause sensitivity to light, such as certain antidepressants, antibiotics, sleep medications, or pain meds, you may not be eligible to participate in the trial.

What prior data suggests that light emitting glasses are safe for cognitive function studies?

Research shows that light therapy glasses are generally safe for healthy individuals. Studies have found no evidence of eye damage when used properly. Most people experience no issues, and side effects such as headaches or eye strain are mild and uncommon. However, individuals with certain eye conditions should exercise caution. Overall, light therapy glasses are well-tolerated, with minor side effects reported as less than 3 out of 10 in severity. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?

Researchers are excited about light-emitting glasses for cognitive function because they offer a non-invasive and innovative approach to potentially boosting brain performance. Unlike traditional methods that might rely on medications targeting neurotransmitters, these glasses utilize light exposure to influence brain activity, which could lead to improved cognitive function. The unique mechanism of delivering therapeutic benefits through light makes this an intriguing alternative, especially for those seeking non-drug options. This method also opens up possibilities for quicker, more convenient treatment sessions without the common side effects associated with medications.

What evidence suggests that light emitting glasses could be effective for cognitive function?

This trial will compare different types of light-emitting glasses to assess their impact on cognitive function. Research has shown that light therapy, including the use of light-emitting glasses, can enhance brain function. Studies indicate that bright light therapy can improve attention and reduce sleepiness, aiding learning. One study found that these glasses can address thinking problems, making them a promising tool for mental health. The glasses shine specific types of light into the eyes, potentially improving memory and focus. Overall, promising evidence suggests that light therapy could boost thinking skills, especially when other methods fall short. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy adult undergraduate students who are interested in how different types of light exposure might affect their cognitive functions, like memory and attention.

Inclusion Criteria

Current Michigan State University (MSU) Undergraduate Student

Average bedtime 9:30 pm - 2:00 am, 6 out of 7 days a week

Willingness to measure and report fatigue levels

Exclusion Criteria

Previous head injuries (e.g., concussions)

I have been diagnosed with insomnia or another sleep disorder.

I am under 18 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants wear light-enriched glasses for a single session (20 minutes) to assess cognitive function

3 weeks

1 visit per week (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive function, mood, and fatigue after treatment

3 weeks

1 visit per week (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Light emitting glasses

Trial Overview The study is testing the effects of wearing light-emitting glasses on cognitive function. Participants will use these glasses to see if there's any change in mental performance or mood.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Light glasses type 1 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Experimental light emitting glasses.

Group II: No glasses control Active Control 1 Intervention

No glasses control group

Group III: Light glasses type 2 Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Placebo light emitting glasses

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Michigan State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

202

Recruited

687,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Bright light therapy is effective for treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and has potential applications for other conditions like circadian sleep phase disorders and jet lag, but the safety of different light sources is a concern.

The study analyzed various light therapy fixtures, revealing that many emit unknown spectral emissions that could cause ocular damage, leading to recommendations for safer lamp choices and monitoring for patients undergoing prolonged treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bright light therapy in focus: lamp emission spectra and ocular safety. Remé, CE., Rol, P., Grothmann, K., et al.[2007]

Ocular Light Therapy (OLT) is gaining recognition as an effective treatment for psychological and psychosomatic disorders, utilizing light projection through color filters to stimulate the eyes.

This therapy works by creating photocurrent stimulation in the brain's cortical and hypothalamic systems, potentially influencing mood and psychological well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Light relief: the case for ocular light therapy. Deppe, A.[2005]

The study tested goggles emitting 10,000-lux light with reduced short-wavelength content (30% and 50% cuts) and found that the 30%-cut light significantly decreased subjective sleepiness and improved sleep quality in six healthy young males over four days.

No safety issues were detected, as participants showed no abnormalities in vision tests, suggesting that these goggles may provide a safe and effective way to enhance alertness without harming the retina.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Bright Light with Reduced Blue Light on Sleepiness on Rising: A Small Exploratory Study. Miura, J., Yuasa, T., Sugai, Y., et al.[2020]

A study involving healthy young adults found that a single 30-minute session of bright light therapy (10,000 lux) did not lead to significantly more side effects compared to dim red light exposure, suggesting it is safe for short-term use in this population.

While both groups reported slight increases in eye strain and blurred vision, these effects were not significantly higher in the bright light therapy group, indicating that adverse effects may be less common in non-clinical populations than previously thought.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The acute side effects of bright light therapy: a placebo-controlled investigation. Botanov, Y., Ilardi, SS.[2023]

Transcranial LED treatments showed significant cognitive improvements in two chronic TBI patients, with one patient increasing her sustained attention from 20 minutes to 3 hours after eight weekly sessions.

Both patients experienced notable recovery in cognitive functions and quality of life, suggesting that transcranial LED therapy could be a promising home-based treatment for chronic TBI, warranting further controlled studies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improved cognitive function after transcranial, light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, traumatic brain injury: two case reports. Naeser, MA., Saltmarche, A., Krengel, MH., et al.[2021]

Light therapy is an effective, evidence-based treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder, influencing circadian rhythms that affect sleep, mood, and cognition, based on 40 years of clinical trials.

For optimal results, light therapy should use devices that provide 10,000 lux of white light for 30-60 minutes in the early morning, with ongoing monitoring to adjust treatment as needed and manage any side effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

CME: Light Therapy: Why, What, for Whom, How, and When (And a Postscript about Darkness). Wirz-Justice, A., Terman, AM.[2022]

The study involved 60 patients with mild to moderate dementia, who received low power transcranial near-infrared (tNIR) light treatment for 8 weeks, showing significant cognitive improvements without reported adverse effects.

Patients treated with tNIR light experienced an average increase of 4.8 points on the MMSE and reported better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved mood, indicating the treatment's potential benefits for both patients and caregivers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Transcranial Near Infrared Light Stimulations Improve Cognition in Patients with Dementia. Nizamutdinov, D., Qi, X., Berman, MH., et al.[2021]

In a pilot study involving 20 healthy subjects (10 treated with bright light and 10 as a control), those receiving light therapy showed significantly greater improvements in attention, memory, and language performance on cognitive tests over 5 days.

The results indicate that short-term exposure to bright light may enhance cognitive functions, suggesting a potential therapeutic use for light therapy in improving neurocognitive performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pilot study of light therapy and neurocognitive performance of attention and memory in healthy subjects. Bersani, G., Marconi, D., Limpido, L., et al.[2008]

Light therapy is used to help older individuals with dementia by resetting their biological clock, enhancing cognitive function, and reducing behavioral symptoms, but the studies on this treatment often lack detailed descriptions of the lighting used.

A review of 12 studies revealed that the methodological quality is generally poor, with insufficient and incorrect metrics for describing lighting, suggesting that involving a light engineer could improve the robustness of future research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Shedding a Light on Phototherapy Studies with People having Dementia: A Critical Review of the Methodology from a Light Perspective. Aarts, MP., Aries, MB., Diakoumis, A., et al.[2018]

Light therapy (LT) is widely recommended by office-based physicians, with 67.3% endorsing its use, particularly among psychiatrists (91.6%), indicating its acceptance as a treatment option for various disorders.

LT is considered appropriate for a range of conditions beyond seasonal affective disorder (SAD), including non-seasonal depression and jet lag, suggesting that its application could be expanded in clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of Light Therapy by Office-Based Physicians. Winkler-Pjrek, E., Spies, M., Baldinger-Melich, P., et al.[2019]

In a study involving 18 participants, early morning light therapy using either a 10,000 Lux light box or 2,000 Lux LED blue-enriched glasses significantly improved alertness, cognition, and mood after a night of complete sleep deprivation.

Both light therapy devices were equally effective and well-tolerated, suggesting that early light exposure can be a practical solution to counteract the negative effects of sleep deprivation, especially for shift workers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Light therapy with boxes or glasses to counteract effects of acute sleep deprivation. Comtet, H., Geoffroy, PA., Kobayashi Frisk, M., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9645769/

Examining the Efficacy of Bright Light Therapy on Cognitive ... The primary outcome was objective cognitive function as measured by a global composite score on neuropsychological tests. Secondary outcomes included cognitive ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6889287/

Light therapy with boxes or glasses to counteract effects of ... Early morning light therapy in the condition of sleep loss may have broad practical applications to improve sleepiness, sustained attention and subsequent risk ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07168954

Smart Light Therapy Glasses for Sleep and Mental Wellness A pair of smart light therapy glasses (Lumos Glasses) was engineered to control the amount of blue light exposure at a person's eyes through ...

4. clinmedjournals.org clinmedjournals.org/articles/jgmg/journal-of-geriatric-medicine-and-gerontology-jgmg-10-156.pdf

Effectiveness of Bright Light Therapy in Managing ... Notably, BLT consistently improved cognitive function across studies, suggesting promise as a non-pharmacological intervention for cognitive.

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.782160/full

Pilot Study of the Effects of Bright Ambient Therapy on ... In this pilot study, bright light therapy was more effective than general lighting at improving BPSD and cognitive function among older adults ...

6. news-medical.net news-medical.net/health/Light-Therapy-Safety-and-Side-Effects.aspx

Light Therapy Safety and Side Effects Light therapy is generally safe, but may cause irritability, headaches, eye strain, and sleep issues. Contraindications include certain eye diseases and ...

7. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11818-023-00439-y

Light therapy glasses during night shift work: a field study This study aimed to test the effects of blue-enriched light-emitting glasses on sleepiness, alertness, and sustained attention during the early morning hours ...

8. goayo.com goayo.com/blog/are-light-therapy-glasses-safe-what-science-reveals/

Are Light Therapy Glasses Safe? [What Science Reveals] Light therapy glasses are generally safe for healthy individuals, with studies showing no evidence of ocular damage when used properly.