Effect of Morning Light Exposure on Mood

Description

Mood dysregulation and suicidal ideation are closely associated with disruption of sleep and circadian rhythms. Moreover, sleep problems and circadian disruption are commonplace features of military life. Critically, specifically timed light exposure plays a powerful role in regulating mood, circadian rhythms, and sleep-wake patterns. Therefore, we propose to conduct a large-scale clinical trial on the effectiveness of morning light exposure treatment for improving sleep-wake patterns, emotional and mental health, and suicidal thoughts in military personnel.

Conditions

Suicidal Ideation, Regulation, Emotion

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Mood dysregulation and suicidal ideation are closely associated with disruption of sleep and circadian rhythms. Moreover, sleep problems and circadian disruption are commonplace features of military life. Critically, specifically timed light exposure plays a powerful role in regulating mood, circadian rhythms, and sleep-wake patterns. Therefore, we propose to conduct a large-scale clinical trial on the effectiveness of morning light exposure treatment for improving sleep-wake patterns, emotional and mental health, and suicidal thoughts in military personnel.

Regulating Mood and Suicidal Ideation With Morning Light Exposure Treatment

Effect of Morning Light Exposure on Mood

Condition
Suicidal Ideation
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Tucson

University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85719

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Ages 18-60 years
  • * At least an 8th grade reading level
  • * Score ≥ 5 (i.e., mild depression or greater) on the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)
  • * Service member of any Armed Forces branch, including active duty, Reserve, or National Guard
  • * Not actively serving in an Armed Force branch
  • * Scored (i.e., \< 5) range on the PHQ-9 (non-depressed)
  • * Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
  • * Breastfeeding
  • * History of psychotic disorder or manic episodes
  • * Bipolar disorder
  • * Diseases of the eye
  • * Have had cataract surgery
  • * Frequent and light-sensitive migraine headaches
  • * Self-reported plan to regularly engage in nightshift work during the 6-week course of the study

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Arizona,

Study Record Dates

2026-01-01