The Effects of Timed Blue-Green Light on Sleep-Wake Patterns in Females with Alzheimer’s Disease
Primary Investigators:
LuAnn Nowak, PhDc
Jean E. Davis, PhD
Purpose:
- Compare the effects of timed blue-green light given in the morning or evening on sleep efficiency (SE), sleep fragmentation (SF), and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in female nursing home patients with AD;
- Examine the feasibility of delivering bright light via a cap visor light to patients with AD.
Design:
A two group repeated measures crossover design with convenience sampling was used. Subjects with AD were randomized to 1 of 2 protocols: morning/evening light or evening/morning light.
Methods:
Bright blue-green light was delivered via the Feel Bright Light – a cap visor-mounted device – for 45 minutes at 8000 lux in the morning or evening according to group assignment for 14 days. SE and SF were measured via wrist actigraphy; EDS was measured utilizing the Stanford Sleepiness Scale.
Results:
SE and EDS improved with morning light. SF remained unchanged. The Feel Bright Light was well-tolerated for 45 minutes at 8000 lux without side effects. Other findings noted improvements in global function including verbal ability and orientation.
Conclusion:
The Feel Bright Light has potential as a safe and manageable bright light delivery method, well-suited to use in individuals with dementia.