Bright Home Lamp Showed No Clear Overall Benefit for Older Adults
Graded Moderate — chance assigned 191 of 202 enrolled older adults for twelve weeks, but only 52 of 98 used the lamp daily, and the positive hints come from observations rather than the random comparison.
- Design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Participants
- 202
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Funding
- European Commission; University of Surrey Doctoral College
Over twelve weeks, a bright lamp at home made no clear overall difference to sleep or daytime activity in older adults.
Many older people get little daylight inside their city homes. Their eyes also take in light less well with age. A very bright lamp in the room they used most was meant to make up for this. After twelve weeks, though, the lamp group showed no clear overall difference from a group without one.
Researchers in Amsterdam, Bologna and Tartu followed 202 people aged 63 to 92. Who got a lamp was chosen at random. Participants decided for themselves when and how long to use it. Wearable sensors and diaries tracked light, movement and sleep. Just over half of the lamp group, 52 of 98, reported using it daily. Those who got little light outdoors kept it on much longer. In winter, use was more than twice as long as in summer.
There were some hints all the same. People who got more natural light were more active by day and rated their sleep better. Those who switched the lamp on early in the day had a steadier rhythm of rest and activity. These are observations, partly in small subgroups, not proof. The volunteers were also likely more active and educated than average.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: One author holds related patents, and another directs the company that ran the melatonin tests.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.