Tests bright light therapy for Crohn's disease gut lining health
Tests bright light therapy against a placebo device in adults with Crohn's disease.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: A Randomized Crossover Trial of Bright Light Therapy in Crohn's Disease on Intestinal Barrier Homeostasis
Key facts
- Where
- Charleston and Chicago, United StatesSee the 2 sites
Where in United States
- Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston, United StatesTaking people
- Rush University Medical CenterChicago, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Rush University Medical Center
- Trial code
- NCT05579392
- Record updated
- 28 October 2026
- Original description
Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are two of the most significant chronic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and affects over 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. Recently, there has been an increased understanding of the importance of sleep and sleep disruption in IBD as a potentially modifiable risk factor. We, therefore, hypothesize that intervening with morning bright light therapy (BLT) in IBD patients with CM will decrease intestinal permeability and pro-inflammatory cytokines, positively impact intestinal microbiota, and improve quality of life (QoL).Read full original descriptionShow less
Bright Light Therapy in Crohn's Disease on Intestinal Barrier Homeostasis
Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are two of the most significant chronic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and affects over 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. Recently, there has been an increased understanding of the importance of sleep and sleep disruption in IBD as a potentially modifiable risk factor. We, therefore, hypothesize that intervening with morning bright light therapy (BLT) in IBD patients with CM will decrease intestinal permeability and pro-inflammatory cytokines, positively impact intestinal microbiota, and improve quality of life (QoL).
Inclusion: Biopsy proven diagnosis of Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis; 18 years or older; Fecal Calprotectin > 50 or CRP above upper limit of normal or a PROMISE Fatigue ≥ 50; Has been on a stable dose of either a biologic, immunomodulator, or 5-ASA for at least 12 weeks.
Exclusion: Regular use of medications that affect intestinal permeability, and/or endogenous melatonin including metoclopramide, NSAIDs, beta blockers, psychotropic medications, hypnotics and exogenous melatonin products during 4 weeks prior to the study; People who have worked night shifts or crossed more than 2 time zones in the previous month; Restless leg syndrome (score ≥ 15 on the IRLS Study Group Rating Scale(44)); Diagnosis of narrow angle glaucoma or retinal disorders or demonstrated symptoms indicative of these diagnosis during the eligibility screening; Any major organ disease - renal impairment (creatinine>1.2 mg/dL), diabetes (Hgb-A1c > 6.5%); liver disease (LFTs > 1.5x normal), or significant cardiac failure (NY classification stage III/IV); Active IBD (Harvey Bradshaw Index > 5 or Modified Harvey Bradshaw Index >5); Major depression (score ≥ 21 or any endorsement of suicidal intent on the Beck Depression); Sleep apnea (score high risk in 2 or more categories of the Berlin Questionnaire) (43); Inability to sign an informed consent.