NCT05616819 · University of Arizona
Effect of Morning Light Exposure on Mood
What this study is about
Mood dysregulation and suicidal ideation are closely associated with disruption of sleep and circadian rhythms. Moreover, sleep problems and circadian disruption are commonplace features of military life. Critically, specifically timed light exposure plays a powerful role in regulating mood, circadian rhythms, and sleep-wake patterns.
View original scientific description
Mood dysregulation and suicidal ideation are closely associated with disruption of sleep and circadian rhythms. Moreover, sleep problems and circadian disruption are commonplace features of military life. Critically, specifically timed light exposure plays a powerful role in regulating mood, circadian rhythms, and sleep-wake patterns. Therefore, investigators propose to conduct a large-scale clinical trial on the effectiveness of morning light exposure treatment for improving sleep-wake patterns, emotional and mental health, and suicidal thoughts in military personnel.
Interventions
OTHER
Active light exposure
Active light at the wave length of 470nm will be emitted for 30 minutes over a 2 week time frame, from commercially available ayo glasses, as a method to regulated circadian rhythm.
OTHER
Placebo light exposure
Placebo light at the wave length of 578nm will be emitted for 30 minutes over a 2 week time frame, from commercially available ayo glasses, as a control to investigate the regulation of circadian rhythm.
Primary outcome measures
Suicidal Ideation: Depression
Time frame: Participants will be assessed the day before the initiation of the first two-week intervention period and the day following the conclusion of the first two-week intervention period. This will be repeated for the second two-week intervention period.
The mean response on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which measures key symptoms of clinical depression. Higher scores on this measure indicate the presence of more severe depressive symptoms.
Suicidal Ideation: Association with Death
Time frame: Participants will be assessed the day before the initiation of the first two-week intervention period and the day following the conclusion of the first two-week intervention period. This will be repeated for the second two-week intervention period.
The mean response on the Death Implicit Association Test (D-IAT), which measures the strength of an individuals implicit association between themselves and death. Positive scores: support a stronger association between 'Me-Death' and 'Not Me-Life' than for the opposite pairings; Negative scores: support a stronger association between 'Me-Life' and 'Not Me-Death' than for the opposite pairings. Scores closer to 1/-1 indicate a stronger association than those near 0.
Suicidal Ideation: Hopelessness
Time frame: Participants will be assessed the day before the initiation of the first two-week intervention period and the day following the conclusion of the first two-week intervention period. This will be repeated for the second two-week intervention period.
The mean response on the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), which measures hopelessness with a series of optimistic or pessimistic statements regarding thoughts about the future, motivation, and expectations. Higher scores on this scale indicate more severe hopelessness.
Suicidal Ideation: Suicidal Cognitions
Time frame: Participants will be assessed the day before the initiation of the first two-week intervention period and the day following the conclusion of the first two-week intervention period. This will be repeated for the second two-week intervention period.
The mean response on the Suicidal Cognitions Revised (SCS-R), which predicts future suicidal attempts in patients who deny suicidal ideation and prior suicide attempts. Higher scores on this scale are associated with a greater likelihood of an individual attempting suicide in the future.
Suicidal Ideation: Loneliness
Time frame: Participants will be assessed the day before the initiation of the first two-week intervention period and the day following the conclusion of the first two-week intervention period. This will be repeated for the second two-week intervention period.
The mean response on the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLALS), which measures an individuals subjective feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Higher scores indicate a greater feeling of loneliness.
Suicidal Ideation: Burdensomeness
Time frame: Participants will be assessed the day before the initiation of the first two-week intervention period and the day following the conclusion of the first two-week intervention period. This will be repeated for the second two-week intervention period.
The mean response on the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ),which measures individual sense of perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB). Higher scores on these sub-scales indicate a greater desire for death/suicide.
Suicidal Ideation: Resilience
Time frame: Participants will be assessed the day before the initiation of the first two-week intervention period and the day following the conclusion of the first two-week intervention period. This will be repeated for the second two-week intervention period.
The mean response on the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), which measures an individuals adaptability and ability to thrive in adversity. Higher scores on this scale indicated higher resilience which is inversely associated with suicidal ideation.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Ages 18-60 years
- At least an 8th grade reading level
- Score ≥ 5 (i.e., mild depression or greater) on the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)
- Service member of any Armed Forces branch, including active duty, Reserve, or National Guard
Exclusion criteria
- Not actively serving in an Armed Force branch
- Scored (i.e., \< 5) range on the PHQ-9 (non-depressed)
- Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- History of psychotic disorder or manic episodes
- Bipolar disorder
- Diseases of the eye
- Have had cataract surgery
- Frequent and light-sensitive migraine headaches
- Self-reported plan to regularly engage in nightshift work during the 6-week course of the study
Where
- Tucson, Arizona
Collaborators
U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 4, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations