A recent study published in GeroScience explored the impact of light therapy on sleep patterns in adults aged 60 and over. After participants self-administered light therapy for two hours in both the morning and evening over 11 weeks, with their sleep monitored through wearable devices and sleep diaries, researchers found that blue-enriched light exposure in the morning led to improved daytime activity, earlier bedtimes, more regular sleep patterns, and better sleep quality, while evening exposure had the opposite effect.
The findings from this study suggest that age-related sleep disturbances, often caused by reduced daylight exposure and increased artificial light at night, could be managed with properly timed light therapy. This non-pharmacological approach presents a promising solution for improving sleep in older adults, particularly those in care homes or with limited mobility.
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