Bright Light on Fatigue in Women Being Treated for Breast Cancer

Bright Light on Fatigue in Women Being Treated for Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study

This proposed study will examine feasibility and implement therapeutic bright light that is tailored to the individual's circadian typology to estimate its therapeutic effects on sleep/wake patterns and fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 21 years of age or older
• Newly diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer
• Scheduled to receive 21-day cycles of intravenous chemotherapy
• Experiencing disrupted sleep (determined by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index)
• Morning or evening types (determined by Horne-Ostberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ)
• Sighted
• Mentally competent to consent
• Able to under English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concurrent malignancy
• Undergoing other cancer treatments
• Engage in shift work or travel across more than 3 time zones within 2 weeks prior to study
• Known history of seasonal affective disorder or substance abuse
• Current diagnosis of major Axis I psychiatric disorders, neurological impairments, or muscular dystrophies
• Regularly use steroid or other immunosuppressive medications
• Take prescribed sedative hypnotics or sleep medications because these conditions may affect fatigue and/or sleep/wake patterns.
• Have eye conditions (glaucoma or retinal disease), problems triggered by bright light (e.g. migraine), or take photosensitizing medications (e.g. some porphyrin drugs, antipsychotics, antiarrhythmic agents)