Feasibility and Efficacy of Morning Light Therapy for Adults with Insomnia: A Pilot, Randomized, Open-Label, Two-Arm Study

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Summary

A two-week morning light therapy protocol (6000 K, 380 lux, 480 nm, ≥25 min before 9 a.m.) significantly improved daytime sleepiness, insomnia severity, and sleep quality within the treatment group of insomnia patients. The between-group comparison showed a significant reduction in Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores for the light therapy group versus controls, supporting morning bright light as a feasible adjunct treatment for insomnia.

Key Findings

Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) change was significantly different between groups: control mean change -0.14 vs. light therapy -1.43 (p = 0.021)
ISI and PSQI scores improved significantly within the light therapy group over two weeks, but between-group differences were not statistically significant for these measures
No significant differences in serum cortisol levels or clock gene expression were found between groups
Light therapy parameters: 6000 K, 380 lux, peak wavelength 480 nm, minimum 25 minutes daily before 09:00 a.m. for 14 days
Small pilot sample (n=14, 1:1 randomization) limits generalizability; authors note need for larger well-designed trials