Low‑Level LED Light Therapy for Sleep and HRV in Shift‑Work Nurses: Randomized Trial
Summary
This randomized controlled trial tested low-level LED photobiomodulation (red/near-infrared, 660/850 nm) delivered by a wearable cap for 30 minutes, three times per week for four weeks in shift-working nurses with insomnia (n=64). Compared with no-treatment controls, the intervention group showed substantial improvements in insomnia severity and in depression, anxiety, and stress scores over the 4-week period. Heart-rate variability (HRV) measures did not differ significantly between groups. The trial was unblinded and lacked a sham control.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
For nurses struggling with sleep and mood on rotating shifts, this study suggests that low-level LED photobiomodulation may help reduce insomnia and psychological distress over a few weeks. However, because HRV didn’t improve and the study didn’t include a sham treatment, results should be viewed as promising but preliminary.
Notes
Trial in active hospital staff.