The effect of bright light therapy on glycemic control and cortisol rhythmicity in depression: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Depressed patients with comorbid metabolic disorders have poorer quality of life and prognosis. Pharmacological interventions carries risks of liver and kidney toxicity, which highlights the need for safer non-pharmacological alternatives. Experimental data suggest that light exposure modulates cortisol secretion, thereby influencing metabolic outcomes in depression. We hypothesized that bright light therapy may ameliorate metabolic disturbances by modulating cortisol secretion.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, hospitalized patients with depression were assigned to receive either bright light therapy (BLT) or dim-light control condition. The pre-specified primary endpoint was the change in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and cortisol rhythm indices from ba

SUBMITTER: Fang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12932458 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature