0378 A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Pilot Trial of a Novel Near-Infrared Phototherapy Device on Sleep and Daytime Function

Abstract

Introduction

Near-infrared (NIR) light delivered transdermally exhibits several therapeutic properties, likely through stimulation of parasympathetic activity. This may aid in relaxation. However, little is known about the benefits to sleep and next-day daytime function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of NIR exposure before bed on sleep and next-day function.

Methods

Thirty adults (30-60 y) with a self-reported sleep complaint but without a sleep disorder participated in a randomized, sham-controlled study for a duration of five weeks. After a two-week baseline period, participants wore a cervical NIR-emitting collar (combined 660nm, 740nm, 810nm, and 870nm) every other night before bed for three weeks. Physical symptoms (including sleep-related experiences) were assessed with the Systematic Assessment of Treatment Emergent Effects (SAFTEE). Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), daily sleep diaries, Oura rings (v2), daily ratings of overall sleep quality and feeling refreshed, and general ratings (0-100) of perceived changes to sleep, relaxation, daytime function, overall performance, and energy levels were also used to examine group differences.

Results

Significant group differences in change scores were seen for SAFTEE total score (-9.4 vs +13.8, p=0.036), SAFTEE sleep-related symptoms (-2.9 vs +4.1, p=0.005). No differences were seen in ISI scores. No differences were seen for Oura recordings or sleep diary data. Upon examining within-group changes, most instances were consistent (change or no change), with some exceptions: The active group showed decreased sleep latency (-6mins, p=0.001), decreased REM% (-0.9%, p=0.034), increased average sleep quality (+0.6pts, p=0.003) and feeling refreshed (+0.7pts, p< 0.0005), and a perceived increase in relaxation (17.5pts, p=0.003) and daytime function (17.5pts, p=0.003), while the sham group did not. The sham group reported decreases in perceived overall performance (18.7pts, p=0.047) and energy level (26.0pts, p=0.023), while the active group did not.

Conclusion

NIR exposure to the head and neck before bed may offer potential therapeutic benefits to sleep and daytime function, but further work needs to be done to determine optimal dose parameters, wavelengths, and power level.

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