Successful Sleep Extension and Phase Advance in Adolescents in Response to a Pilot Sleep/Circadian Manipulation – Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh; University of Pittsburgh, USA. – Hasler, B., Buysse, D., Ngari, W. & Franzen, P. (2019)

Objective

Pilot study to examine the effects of a two-week sleep/circadian manipulation in adolescents by using Re-Timer light goggles for 30 minutes each morning.

Method

Studied 10 healthy 13–15-year-olds (6 females) categorized as having late/short sleep based on published norms. During baseline and manipulation phases, participants monitored sleep via diaries and actigraphy for ~14 days, followed by a 2- and 1-night laboratory visit (pre/post-manipulation).

Conclusion

The study provided preliminary evidence that sleep/circadian manipulation can extend sleep, advance circadian timing, and reduce behavioral impulsivity in adolescents by using portable light therapy such as Re-Timer.