This study tests whether a week of morning bright light therapy changes how well healthy young adults sleep and how alert, positive, and mentally sharp they feel during the day. Morning light is the body's main signal for keeping its internal clock and sleep-wake timing on track. Many university students keep irregular hours and spend most of the day indoors, where light is far dimmer than daylight. This study asks whether adding a short, bright morning light session can help. Each participant takes part for two weeks. For one week they use a bright light box for 30 minutes each morning, shortly after waking; for the other week they keep their usual lighting. The order of the two weeks is decided at random, and each person serves as their own comparison. Throughout both weeks, sleep is tracked with a wrist-worn Fitbit and a short daily diary. Participants also rate their sleepiness and mood, complete brief computer-based attention and memory tasks, and take part in a short interview at the end about their experience. The study compares the bright-light week with the usual-light week to see whether morning bright light improves sleep regularity and efficiency, reduces daytime sleepiness, lifts mood, or affects thinking performance. The trial is being conducted in waves; a first wave has completed and a second wave is planned, pending additional funding.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Sleep regularity
Timeframe: Recorded continuously across each 1-week condition (bright-light week and usual-light week).
Daytime sleepiness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale)
Timeframe: Assessed daily at fixed times across each 1-week condition (bright-light week and usual-light week).
Positive affect (PANAS Positive Affect subscale)
Timeframe: End of each 1-week condition (bright-light week and usual-light week).
Cognitive performance (computer-based battery)
Timeframe: End of each 1-week condition (bright-light week and usual-light week).