Elsevier

Sleep Medicine Reviews

Volume 46, August 2019, Pages 108-123
Sleep Medicine Reviews

CLINICAL REVIEW
Light therapies to improve sleep in intrinsic circadian rhythm sleep disorders and neuro-psychiatric illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2019.04.012Get rights and content
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Summary

Circadian dysregulation causes sleep disturbance and impacts quality of life and functioning. Some interventions target circadian entrainment through modifying light exposure, but existing reviews of light interventions for sleep improvement include few studies in psychiatric populations. We examined effect of light interventions on sleep quality, duration and timing, and effect moderators. We included controlled studies in intrinsic circadian rhythm disorders (such as advanced or delayed sleep) and in neuropsychiatric disorders with assumed high prevalence of circadian dysregulation (such as affective and psychotic disorders). Articles were identified through database searching: 40 studies reporting 49 relevant intervention comparisons met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed improvements in sleep continuity (ES = −0.23, p = 0.000), self-reported sleep disturbance (ES = −0.32, p = 0.014), and advancement of delayed sleep timing (ES = −0.34, p = 0.010). Although the small number of studies limited meta-regression, evening light avoidance was associated with greater increase in total sleep time. Effects of light on sleep and circadian outcomes have received limited attention in studies in psychiatric disorders, but results were promising in these groups. These findings invite further refinement and testing of light interventions to improve sleep in psychiatric disorders, with improved assessment and specification of problems, and the development and implementation of light schedule interventions for delayed sleep.

Keywords

Bright light treatment
Dark treatment
Dawn simulation
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders
Co-morbid insomnia
Mental illness
Dementia
Delayed sleep phase disorder
Affective disorders
Psychosis

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