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Does bright light have an anxiolytic effect? - an open trial
Shawn D Youngstedt1, Daniel F Kripke
1Department of Exercise Science, Norman J, Arnold School of Public Health University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208 USA. syoungstedt@sc.edu
BMC Psychiatry
|November 1, 2007
Summary
Bright light exposure significantly reduced anxiety in adults. This study found consistent anxiolytic effects of acute bright light, though further trials are needed for clinically anxious individuals.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Psychophysiology
- Light Therapy
Background:
- Anxiety affects both young and older adults.
- Bright light therapy is a potential intervention for mood disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anxiolytic effects of acute bright light exposure.
- To compare these effects in older versus young adults.
Main Methods:
- Participants received 3 hours of bright light (3,000 lux) daily for 3 days.
- The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure anxiety.
- Analysis included age, sex, and time using ANOVA, with a baseline STAI > or = 25.
Main Results:
- A significant anxiolytic effect of bright light was observed.
- This effect was consistent across all three days of treatment.
- No significant differences were found based on age or sex.
Conclusions:
- Acute bright light exposure demonstrates modest anxiolytic effects in adults with low anxiety.
- Further research is warranted to explore these effects in clinically anxious populations.
- Randomized controlled trials are recommended for future investigations.
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