Testing bright light glasses to improve gut health in inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are testing whether bright light therapy — delivered through wearable glasses called Re-Timer glasses — can help reduce intestinal inflammation and improve quality of life in people with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). The study focuses on how this treatment might strengthen your gut barrier and reduce harmful inflammation markers in your blood and stool. You would wear the glasses for one hour each morning for four weeks.

Sleep problems are common in inflammatory bowel disease and can trigger disease flares and hospitalizations. Recent research suggests that sleep disruption is a modifiable risk factor—meaning it might be something doctors can help improve. This trial explores whether bright light therapy could improve sleep quality and reduce intestinal inflammation, offering a simple, non-medication option to help prevent flares and improve daily life.