Feasibility and Acceptability of Bright Light Therapy Glasses for Older Women

TL;DR

This study tested the feasibility and acceptability of using bright light therapy glasses in older women to improve mood, sleep, and cognitive function.

Contribution

The study introduces the use of Re-Timer glasses as a feasible and acceptable intervention for older women.

Findings

Most participants expressed strong satisfaction with the study and found the Re-Timer glasses acceptable.

Participants reported improvements in focus and feeling refreshed, though some noted issues like eye fatigue and fit.

The study was deemed feasible, but larger trials are needed to confirm effectiveness.

Abstract

Women’s later years bring notable shifts in mood, sleep, and cognitive abilities influenced by menopause. Bright light therapy (LT) may help regulating circadian rhythms, improving sleep patterns, as well as enhancing emotional and cognitive functions. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using bright light therapy glasses, contributing to preventive strategies that promote women’s health. The intervention group participants were instructed to wear Re-Timer glasses (500 lux light at the eye) for at least 30 minutes each morning upon waking for two weeks. The control group participants received a sleep health education booklet. Participants completed an acceptability questionnaire and open-ended structured questions to receive feedback. A total of 9 participants (mean age (SD) = 61.78 (8.47)) were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 4) or control group (n = 5) and successfully completed the protocol. The majority (77.78%, n = 7/9) expressed strong satisfaction with involvement in the study. Among those in the intervention group, 100% (n = 4/4) participants strongly agreed that the Re-Timer glasses were acceptable. Additionally, 75% (n = 3/4) reported using Re-Timer glasses daily with an average of 32.23 minutes per day (range: 30-60 minutes). Participants reported improvements in focus and feeling refreshed throughout the day. However, some noted eye fatigue, difficulty using the glasses in low-light conditions, and issues with fit. Overall, participants reported the study was feasible and acceptable. Additional well-structured randomize controlled trial with larger sample sizes are needed to further validate their effectiveness.