Effects of applying biodynamic lighting on improving sleep, depression, and agitation in older adults with dementia: a pilot clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance, depression, and agitation significantly affect older adults with dementia, placing a substantial burden on caregivers. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and preliminary impact of applying biodynamic lighting on sleep quality, depression, and agitation among older adults with dementia.

METHODS

In a 7-week clinical trial employing a single blinded, counterbalanced crossover design, 10 participants, residing in a memory care facility with an average age of 75.6 and diagnosed with dementia, were exposed to biodynamic lighting intervention and constant moderate lighting (active placebo) for three weeks each, following one week of baseline. Sleep quality, depression, and agitation were assessed using actigraphy and surveys.

RESULTS

Actigraphy data showed significant improvements in total sleep time with the Bio condition, increasing by 82 min on average compared to the baseline. Both interventions showed a trend in depression scores reduction over time.

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the potential of tailored lighting interventions in dementia care, warranting further research.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05697757.