Morning Sunlight for Mental Health

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Efforia, Inc

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether spending time in the sun each morning can boost mood and mental health. Participants will stand outside for 15 minutes every morning for 30 days and complete surveys to track changes. This simple method tests if morning sunlight can improve well-being without supplements or screens. US residents who can read English and adhere to this routine may be ideal candidates for the study. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding natural ways to enhance mental well-being.

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

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on spending time in morning sunlight without supplements or screens.

What prior data suggests that morning sunlight is safe for mental health improvement?

Research has shown that spending time in the sun can lift mood. One study found that sunlight lowered the risk of depression. Another study found that being outside in natural light improved mental health, boosted mood, and even helped with sleep.

The good news is that getting sunlight is usually safe. No supplements or special lights are needed—just enjoy a 15-minute sunbath in the morning. Soak up the natural light and feel the benefits without worry. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using morning sunlight for mental health because it offers a natural, non-invasive alternative to traditional treatments like medication and therapy. Unlike medications, which can have side effects and take time to work, sunlight exposure is a simple lifestyle change that may quickly enhance mood and well-being. Additionally, morning sunlight aligns with our body's natural circadian rhythms, potentially improving sleep and overall mental health without the need for chemical intervention.

What evidence suggests that morning sunlight might be an effective treatment for mental health?

Research shows that morning sunlight can boost mental health. Studies have found that natural light lifts mood and increases happiness. In Taiwan, sunlight exposure has been linked to lower rates of depression. Morning light is particularly effective in alleviating depression and can also help prevent its onset. Therefore, going outside in the morning might brighten both the day and the mind. Participants in this trial will experience the effects of morning sunlight while acting as their own control. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals experiencing altered mental status who want to explore the effects of natural morning sunlight on mood and cognitive function. Participants must commit to standing outside for 15 minutes each morning for 30 days without using supplements or screens during this time.

Inclusion Criteria

US resident

Can read and understand English

Willing and able to follow the requirements of the protocol.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Treatment

Participants engage in daily morning sunlight exposure for 15 minutes over 30 days

4 weeks

Remote participation with daily self-reporting

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in mood and stress levels after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Morning sunlight

Trial Overview The study investigates how daily exposure to morning sunlight can potentially improve mental well-being. Participants will engage with nature's early light, track their mood and cognitive changes through surveys over a month-long period.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Single arm where participants act as their own control Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Single arm where participants act as their own control

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Efforia, Inc

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3

Recruited

1,200+

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032725012650

Time spent outdoors in daylight and depression risk after ... Growing evidence suggests that morning light is most efficient for the treatment of depressive disorders (Roenneberg et al., 2003). Dim light exposure, which ...

2. uclahealth.org uclahealth.org/news/article/being-in-natural-light-improves-mood-increases-happiness

Being in natural light improves mood, increases happiness Studies have shown that natural light has a powerful, and often positive, effect not only on mental health, but also on physical health and general well-being.

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-023-39636-y

Light exposure behaviors predict mood, memory and sleep ... The results suggest that sleep and mood-related problems could be rooted in people's light exposure-related behaviors. Increased use of smart ...

4. biomedgrid.com biomedgrid.com/fulltext/volume20/negative-association-between-sun-exposure-and-depression-a-cross-sectional-analysis-of-the-nhanes-2011-2018-in-the-united-states.002726.php

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the NHANES 2011-2018 In ... Sun exposure is a protective factor for depression, and sun exposure can effectively reduce a person's risk of developing depression.

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10277019/

Association Between Sunlight Exposure and Mental Health A study demonstrated that long-term exposure to moderate levels of ultraviolet B can inhibit the development of depression in Taiwan, China.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8892387/

Time spent in outdoor light is associated with mood, sleep ... Our findings suggest that low daytime light exposure is an important environmental risk factor for mood, sleep, and circadian-related outcomes.

7. publichealth.jhu.edu publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/7-things-to-know-about-daylight-saving-time

7 Things to Know About Daylight Saving Time | Johns Hopkins That, too, has been refuted—data from a 2020 study published in PLOS suggests that the change exacerbates mood disorders, depression, anxiety, ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721008612

Time spent in outdoor light is associated with mood, sleep, ... Our findings suggest that low daytime light exposure is an important environmental risk factor for mood, sleep, and circadian-related outcomes.

9. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2673-5318/3/1/8

Influence of External Natural Environment Including ... The results showed that exposure to sunlight, spending leisure time in green spaces, and physical activity each had a positive impact on people's mental health.