The Role of Bright Light Therapy in Managing Insomnia

The Effect of Bright Light Therapy on Sleep and Quality of Life in Patients With Poststroke Insomnia

OBJECTIVE

Poststroke insomnia is common and negatively affects stroke recovery. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of bright light therapy for mild-to-moderate stroke patients with insomnia.

METHODS

This study was randomized, double blind, and placebo controlled. A 2-week trial was conducted on patients with mild-to-moderate stroke who had poststroke insomnia. Only patients who had experienced a first episode of stroke were enrolled in this study. Sleep parameters were measured using the Actiwatch Spectrum Pro for 7 days before and after light therapy. The instrument specifically collected data concerning sleep, mood state, fatigue, and subjective quality of life. Participants with poststroke insomnia received bright light therapy (10,000 lux) or placebo therapy for 30 minutes in the early morning. A total of 112 eligible participants entered the study, but only 56 patients were randomized to treatment (27 to bright light therapy and 29 to placebo therapy).

RESULTS

Results from analysis of variance showed that the mean change of sleep latency (F(1,55) =4.793, p = .033) and sleep efficiency (F(1,55) = 5.625, p = .022) were significantly superior in bright light therapy over placebo. Bright light therapy resulted in significant improvements in daytime sleepiness, fatigue, mood, and quality of life in study participants (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Bright light therapy is a nonpharmacological treatment of early, poststroke insomnia in patients who had a mild to moderate stroke. In addition, bright light therapy is effective for the treatment of daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and depression and for improving quality of life in patients with poststroke insomnia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04721574.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Insomnia Comorbid with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Insomnia is often comorbid with obstructive sleep apnea. It reduces positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy acceptance and adherence. Comorbid patients show greater daytime impairments and poorer health outcomes. The insomnia often goes undiagnosed, undertreated, or untreated. Pharmacotherapy is not recommended for long-term treatment. Although care should be taken administering behavioral therapies to patients with elevated sleepiness, cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is an effective and durable nondrug therapy that reduces symptoms and may increase the effectiveness of PAP therapy. Sleep clinics should be alert to comorbid insomnia and provide adequate diagnostic tools and clinicians with CBTi expertise.

The effects of light therapy on sleep problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although bright light therapy seems a promising treatment for sleep problems, research shows inconclusive results. This meta-analysis is the first to systematically review the effect of light therapy on sleep problems in general and on specific types of sleep problems in particular (circadian rhythm sleep disorders, insomnia, sleep problems related to Alzheimer's disease and dementia). Fifty-three studies with a total of 1154 participants were included. Overall effects and effects on separate circadian and sleep outcomes were examined. We calculated Hedges' g effect sizes and we investigated the effects of twelve moderators (design-related, treatment-related, participant-related). Light therapy was found effective in the treatment of sleep problems in general (g = 0.39), and for circadian rhythm sleep disorders (g = 0.41), insomnia (g = 0.47), and sleep problems related to Alzheimer's disease/dementia (g = 0.30) specifically. For circadian rhythm sleep disorders, effects were smaller for randomised controlled trials. For insomnia, we found larger effects for studies using a higher light intensity, and for sleep problems related to Alzheimer's disease/dementia larger effects were found for studies with more female participants. There was indication of publication bias. To conclude, light therapy is effective for sleep problems in general, particularly for circadian outcomes and insomnia symptoms. However, most effect sizes are small to medium.