Light bulbs might help Alzheimer's patients sleep better and control blood sugar

NCT ID NCT03777722

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a special type of lighting, called a tailored lighting intervention, could help people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes sleep better and improve their metabolism. Sixty-one participants living in assisted living or nursing homes were exposed to either the active lighting or a placebo light for 8 weeks. The goal was to see if the light could reset their internal body clocks, leading to better sleep, mood, and blood sugar control.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: tailored lighting intervention (special light bulbs/fixtures)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to improve sleep and metabolic health in people with Alzheimer's disease.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 61 participants. The lighting may not work for everyone, and results may not apply to people with severe vision problems or insulin-dependent diabetes.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ALZHEIMER DISEASE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease type 2 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALZHEIMER DISEASE DIABETES MELLITUS, TYPE 2

Contacts and locations

Locations

Icahn School of Medicine

New York, New York, 10029, United States
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Albany, New York, 12204, United States
Rutgers University

New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08854, United States

More trials for these conditions

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