Sleep and Light Therapy for Depression During Menopause

This study investigates whether depression and sleep problems during menopause are caused by disrupted internal body rhythms, and whether correcting those rhythms through timed sleep restriction and bright light therapy can help. Researchers believe hormonal changes during menopause can throw off your body's natural clock, which affects mood and sleep. The trial will test whether one night of early sleep followed by two weeks of morning bright light exposure can reset your body clock and improve your mood and sleep quality.

Many women experience depression and poor sleep during menopause, but current treatments don't work for everyone. This trial exists to test a new approach based on the idea that menopausal depression may be rooted in a disrupted internal body clock—and that fixing the timing of your sleep and light exposure might help without needing additional medications.