Light Therapy in End Stage Kidney Disease

Bright Light Therapy to Treat Fatigue in End Stage Kidney Disease

The goal of this clinical trial is to test light therapy in patients with end stage kidney disease who are receiving hemodialysis. The main aim is to determine if light therapy decreases fatigue severity. Participants will receive light therapy using special glasses for one hour during the dialysis sessions for four weeks of treatment.

In a single site, 2-arm (Bright Light Therapy group; Dim Light Group), parallel, randomized controlled trial we will enroll 60 subjects (n=30 per group) to assess the effects of Bright Light Therapy compared to Dim Light Therapy in subjects with end stage kidney disease who are receiving hemodialysis to treat fatigue.

• To compare the effects of bright light therapy to dim light therapy on fatigue severity.
• To explore the effects of bright light therapy to dim light therapy on salivary cortisol.
• To compare the effects of bright light therapy to dim light therapy on insomnia, depression and quality of life.
• To test the effects on bright light therapy to dim light therapy on physical activity levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Signed informed consent prior to initiation of any study mandated procedure
2. Male and female participants ≥ 18 years of age
3. Diagnosis end stage kidney disease with hemodialysis 3 times/week for at least 1 month
4. Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) > 9 at enrollment
5. Home refrigerator for salivary cortisol storage

Exclusion Criteria

1. Eye disorders: cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders (e.g. macular degeneration)
2. Participants with photosensitivity (e.g. epilepsy)
3. Hospitalized or acutely ill