Light at the end of the tunnel? new trial tests bright light for bipolar depression

NCT ID NCT05357313

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Chinese University of Hong Kong Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether sitting under a bright light for 30 minutes each day for six weeks can improve mood in people with bipolar depression who also tend to be evening types. Seventy adults will be randomly assigned to either the bright light or a placebo device. The goal is to see if this simple, drug-free approach can reduce depressive symptoms.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: bright light therapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to ease depression in people with bipolar disorder who tend to be night owls.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 70 people. The placebo effect is strong in depression studies, and results may not apply to everyone with bipolar disorder.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar depression bipolar disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BIPOLAR DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.