Light Therapy for Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) is a sleep disruption that commonly occurs in teens and manifests as a difficulty in waking up in the morning, going to sleep early enough at night, and daytime disturbances such as depression, fatigue, and restlessness. The purpose of this study is to determine if brief flashes of light, that are scheduled to occur during sleep, are effective in treating DSPD.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you are not currently taking medications specifically for the treatment of a sleep disorder.
What data supports the effectiveness of light therapy for Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome?
Is light therapy safe for humans?
How does light therapy differ from other treatments for delayed sleep phase syndrome?
Light therapy for delayed sleep phase syndrome is unique because it uses scheduled exposure to bright light to adjust the body's internal clock, helping to advance sleep onset and offset times. Unlike medications, it is a non-drug treatment that can be administered at home, and it works by influencing the body's natural circadian rhythms.14567
Research Team
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for high school students who have trouble waking up early and falling asleep at night, often feeling depressed or restless during the day. It's specifically designed to help those with Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD).Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive light flashes during sleep to treat DSPD
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Light Flashes (Light Therapy)
Light Flashes is already approved in Canada for the following indications:
- Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)
- Advanced Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder
- Insomnia
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor
Dr. Richard A. Miller
Stanford University
Chief Executive Officer since 2023
Stanford University, MD
Dr. Robert Schott
Stanford University
Chief Medical Officer since 2021
University of Michigan, MD
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborator
Dr. Diana W. Bianchi
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Chief Executive Officer since 2016
MD from Stanford University
Dr. Alison Cernich
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Chief Medical Officer since 2020
PhD in Clinical Psychology from University of Maryland
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Collaborator
Jean J. Gurga
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Medical Center Director since 2023
Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University, Bachelor's degree in Business Economics from Mills College
Rina N. Shah
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Chief of Staff
MD, FACP