Morning Light Treatment for Postpartum Depression
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study will test a consumer health light therapy device (Re-Timer) for women with postpartum depression to better understand how it affects mood and the body clock (also called the circadian clock).Eligible participants will be enrolled and randomized after baseline assessments. In addition to using the Re-Timer light for 5 weeks participants will complete questionnaires at various timepoints, record sleep information, wear an actigraph watch, and provide saliva samples. Additionally, the sleep of the participants' infants will also be monitored using an ankle-worn device (actigraph) and sleep diary at certain time-points as this may influence the mother's mood/sleep, and in turn affect the results.The hypotheses regarding the bright light versus the placebo dim light of the study are:* morning bright light therapy will produce greater improvement from pre- to post-treatment on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression* morning bright light therapy will lengthen the Phase angle difference (PAD) and this will mediate change in depression symptoms.* morning bright light therapy will produce greater improvements on self-reported depression symptoms, excessive daytime sleepiness, maternal-infant bonding, social functioning, and sleep-related impairment from pre- to post-treatment.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking certain medications. The trial excludes those currently using photosensitizing medications, exogenous melatonin, and medications that may interfere with melatonin measurement, such as daily NSAIDs and beta-blockers.
Is morning light therapy safe for humans?
How is morning light treatment with Re-Timer different from other treatments for postpartum depression?
Morning light treatment with Re-Timer is unique because it uses a wearable light therapy device that can be used at home, offering a non-drug option for postpartum depression. This treatment is appealing as it has fewer side effects compared to medications and can be easily integrated into daily routines.12367
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Re-Timer, Re-Timer, Bright Light Therapy, Light Therapy Device for postpartum depression?
Research shows that home-wearable light therapy devices can significantly improve depression symptoms in postpartum women. Bright light therapy, which is part of this treatment, has been shown to have antidepressant effects and is considered a promising option for perinatal depression due to its low cost and minimal side effects.12368
Who Is on the Research Team?
Leslie Swanson, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of Michigan
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women up to 26 weeks postpartum with major depressive disorder, not currently treated for depression. Excluded are those with PTSD, certain disorders outside the perinatal period, sleep-related issues, retinal pathology or eye surgery history, use of photosensitizing meds or melatonin affecting drugs, conditions contraindicating bright light therapy like epilepsy, nightshift workers or current pregnancy.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants use the Re-Timer light therapy device for 5 weeks, complete questionnaires, record sleep information, wear an actigraph watch, and provide saliva samples.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessment of sleep-related impairment and depression symptoms.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Re-Timer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Michigan
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator