LED lights that mimic the sun may lift depression in hospital patients
NCT ID NCT03821506
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a dynamic LED-light system that changes brightness and color throughout the day could improve depression symptoms in hospitalized patients. 60 adults with major depression were randomly assigned to either a room with the special lighting or standard lighting. The main goal was to see if the dynamic light led to lower depression scores after three weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Dynamic LED-light system
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help people with depression feel better faster while in the hospital.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 participants. The effect may be small or not last beyond the hospital stay.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Psychiatic Hospital Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark, 2100, Denmark
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