Light Therapy for Sleep Quality

Overseen By Hailey Garrett

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: West Virginia University

Disqualifiers: Epilepsy, Thyroid issues, Sleep disorder, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how light therapy, specifically photobiomodulation (PBM), can enhance sleep quality and overall well-being. Researchers aim to determine if a special whole-body light pod can improve sleep structure, stress recovery, and daily performance. Ideal participants experience sleep difficulties but lack a diagnosed sleep disorder and maintain a generally healthy lifestyle without major health issues. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on non-invasive sleep improvement methods.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that you should not plan to change your prescribed medications within 12 weeks of joining the study.

What prior data suggests that photobiomodulation is safe for improving sleep quality?

Research has shown that photobiomodulation (PBM) is generally safe and well-tolerated. PBM uses low-energy light, often red or near-infrared, to assist with various conditions. Studies have demonstrated that it is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't involve surgery or entering the body.

Safety data from studies on PBM, including those focused on chronic pain and fibromyalgia, report very few negative side effects. Most people do not experience major problems while using PBM. Some research has even explored its potential to improve sleep quality without causing harm.

Overall, PBM appears to be a safe option for many people, with a low risk of serious side effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is unique because it uses light therapy to improve sleep quality. Unlike typical sleep aids, such as medications that often target neurotransmitters, PBM involves a whole-body light pod that emits low-level red and near-infrared light. This method is non-invasive and aims to enhance cellular function and energy production, which can help regulate sleep patterns naturally. Researchers are excited about PBM because it offers a potential alternative for improving sleep without the side effects often associated with traditional sleep medications.

What evidence suggests that photobiomodulation is effective for improving sleep quality?

Studies have shown that light therapy, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), can significantly improve sleep quality. In one study, 75% of participants reported better sleep after PBM treatment, as measured by a simple visual scale. Research suggests that PBM may affect the cycling through different stages of sleep. Additionally, individuals with conditions like fibromyalgia have experienced less pain and fewer sleep problems after PBM therapy. These findings suggest that PBM could be promising for improving sleep quality and overall wellness. Participants in this trial will use the NovoTHOR whole body light pod to explore these potential benefits. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for men and women aged 18-50 who have no major health issues like heart, lung, kidney diseases or sleep disorders. Participants must fit within certain physical parameters such as head size and weight, not be pregnant or trying to conceive, and maintain a stable lifestyle without significant travel or medication changes planned.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a recent injury to my lower body's muscles or bones.

Has a current injury requiring an irremovable cast

Is pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline

Participants undergo a four week block of baseline data collection, involving nightly sleep monitoring and various surveys and assessments

4 weeks

Daily monitoring

Treatment

Participants complete a four week intervention block with 3 PBM sessions per week using the NovoThor light bed

4 weeks

3 visits per week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in sleep quality, stress, and other physiological measures

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Photobiomodulation (PBM)

Trial Overview The study is testing the effects of Photobiomodulation (PBM) on sleep quality and performance. It aims to understand how PBM influences sleep patterns, nighttime physiology, recovery from stressors, subjective wellness feelings, and overall well-being.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Photobiomodulation (PBM) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will utilize the NovoTHOR whole body light pod

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

West Virginia University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

192

Recruited

64,700+

Citations

1. sleepmedres.org sleepmedres.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.17241/smr.2024.02593

Photobiomodulation and Its Therapeutic Potential in Sleep ... 75% improvement in sleep quality after treatment (VAS score: 4 to ... PBM treatment outcomes for sleep disorders. Combination Therapies ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8864274/

and long-term effects of whole-body photobiomodulation on ... Previous studies have shown positive effects of PBM in patients suffering from FMS, such as a decrease in pain, sleep disorders, tiredness, ...

3. pbmfoundation.org pbmfoundation.org/photobiomodulation-and-its-therapeutic-potential-in-sleep-disturbances-2/

Photobiomodulation and Its Therapeutic Potential in Sleep ... Current scientific evidence from both preclinical and clinical research suggests that PBM has the potential to influence sleep architecture, ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05146596

The Effectiveness of Using Low-level Light Therapy to ... The purpose of this study is to explore the treatment of Low Level Light Therapy(LLLT) mitigate possible insomnia and psychological symptoms, when nurses have ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1572100025007707

A Randomized Triple-Blind Clinical Trial This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) by two wavelengths in reducing pain and enhancing jaw function ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9244683/

Whole-body photobiomodulation therapy for chronic pain PBM is a safe and non-invasive low energy light (red and near ... Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain, quality of life and sleep ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11171912/

Photobiomodulation Therapy on Brain - PubMed Central - NIH Recent ongoing research exploring TBI has revealed that transcranial LED treatment (633/870 nm) can enhance sleep quality, social functioning, ...

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2076-328X/13/9/717

Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Therapy for Fibromyalgia Safety data were based on clinical symptoms and physiological variables. Trial duration spanned four seasons; hence, weather as a variable could not be ...