Multiple Sclerosis > Light Therapy

Bright Light Therapy for Sleep Disorders in Multiple Sclerosis

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen By Kathryn C Fitzgerald, ScD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University

No Placebo Group

Approved in 3 jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests if bright light therapy can safely and effectively reduce sleep disturbances in people with multiple sclerosis by helping reset their internal body clock. Bright light therapy has been explored for daytime sleepiness and insomnia in patients with Parkinson's disease and other conditions, showing potential benefits.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for people with Multiple Sclerosis who have trouble sleeping. They should be stable on MS therapy or without it for 6 months, and if taking antidepressants or fatigue medication, stable for 3 months. Participants must not do shift work, have severe limb movement disorders, current depression, cognitive issues, certain eye diseases, recent time zone travel over two zones, a recent MS relapse or optic neuritis.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Exclusion Criteria

I have no other eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma, or blindness.

I have been diagnosed with severe restless legs syndrome or severe periodic limb movement.

I am not currently experiencing depression.

Participant Groups

The study tests bright light therapy to see if it can help improve sleep in those with MS by possibly affecting certain cells in the retina that control our body clock and sleep patterns. It's a pilot study which means it's an early test of this idea before larger studies.

Group I: Light therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants receive one hour of morning (within 9:00am-11:00am) and afternoon/evening (within 5:00pm-7:00pm).

Light therapy is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:

🇺🇸 Approved in United States as Light Therapy for:

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Non-seasonal Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

🇪🇺 Approved in European Union as Phototherapy for:

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Circadian Rhythm Disorders

🇨🇦 Approved in Canada as Bright Light Therapy for:

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Non-seasonal Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Find A Clinic Near You

Research locations nearby Select from list below to view details:

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Baltimore, MD

Who is running the clinical trial?

Johns Hopkins University Lead Sponsor

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Collaborator

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Collaborator

References